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Flavorful Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze

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A quick and easy chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a sweet tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large fresh tomatoes, sliced (Roma or vine-ripened)
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (small ball mozzarella or bocconcini)
  • 1 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves (plus extra for garnish)
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chicken breasts to the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  4. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle minced garlic over the chicken and stir gently around the chicken to soften without burning.
  5. Lower heat to medium. Layer sliced mozzarella and tomato slices over each chicken breast. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and cook for 3-4 minutes until the cheese melts.
  6. While the chicken finishes, combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and let thicken until it coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Remove chicken from the pan and place on serving plates. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the top and scatter fresh basil leaves for garnish.
  8. Serve immediately while warm with melty cheese and sticky-sweet glaze.

Notes

For best results, use dry chicken breasts to get a good sear. Cover the pan when melting mozzarella to ensure even melting without drying out the chicken. If balsamic glaze gets too thick, thin with a splash of warm water. You can broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes for a bubbly, browned cheese finish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic glaze, easy dinner, chicken recipe, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, quick meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/flavorful-caprese-chicken-recipe-easy-balsamic-glaze-dinner-idea/