Caprese Chicken Recipe
This Caprese Chicken recipe is a vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet grape tomatoes, and a rich balsamic glaze. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh basil, it combines savory, tangy, and fresh flavors in an easy-to-make skillet meal ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Windy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (5–8 oz. each)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
Toppings and Garnish
- 2 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, divided (about 1 pint)
- 8 oz. fresh mozzarella, cut into four 1/2 inch thick slices
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Season both sides evenly with Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear until golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, approximately 30 seconds, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Balsamic Glaze: Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the balsamic vinegar and add the brown sugar. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Return Chicken & Coat: Return the chicken breasts and any accumulated plate juices back into the skillet. Stir the juices into the balsamic glaze and turn the chicken to fully coat both sides with the sauce.
- Add Tomatoes and Bake: Scatter 1 1/2 cups of whole grape or cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the middle rack of a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10 minutes.
- Add Mozzarella and Finish Baking: After 5 minutes of baking, place a slice of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Continue baking until the cheese has melted and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), about another 5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Slice the remaining 1/2 cup of grape or cherry tomatoes in half and scatter them over the chicken. Drizzle some of the thickened balsamic glaze over the chicken and mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Caprese Chicken!
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet to easily transition from stovetop to oven without changing pans.
- The balsamic glaze should be thick but pourable; simmer carefully to avoid burning.
- Ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F for proper doneness.
- Fresh mozzarella can be replaced with low-moisture mozzarella if preferred for less liquid.
- For a spicier twist, add red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Serve alongside a light salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Keywords: Caprese Chicken, Italian Chicken Recipe, Balsamic Chicken, Mozzarella Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken