Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup balsamic glaze - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat To make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, gather these simple ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating rich flavors. The chicken breasts serve as the base, while cherry tomatoes add some sweetness. Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess, and basil adds a fresh touch. The balsamic glaze ties everything together with a tangy sweetness. Garlic enhances the aroma, and olive oil helps with cooking. You can add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This ingredient list is easy to follow. You can find these items at any grocery store. Choosing fresh ingredients is crucial for the best taste. If you like, you can make small changes to suit your tastes. Enjoy the process of cooking and feel free to experiment! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the chicken cooks evenly. 2. Next, grab a large oven-safe skillet. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. 3. Add two cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt. 1. Now, take your four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. 2. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook each side for about 5-7 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on both sides. 3. To check for perfect browning, ensure the chicken lifts easily from the skillet. If it sticks, give it more time. 1. While the chicken cooks, prepare the balsamic glaze. Mix half a cup of balsamic glaze with a tablespoon of water if you want it thinner. 2. Once the chicken is browned, lower the heat. Add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. 3. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and tomatoes. This adds great flavor! 4. Place eight ounces of halved fresh mozzarella balls on top of the chicken. 5. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) inside. 6. In the last five minutes, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. This will make your dish look and taste amazing. To ensure chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the chicken is safe to eat and juicy. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the breast. The meat should be white, not pink. You can cook this dish on the grill or stovetop. For grilling, marinate the chicken with olive oil and spices. Grill it over medium heat for about 7-8 minutes per side. On the stovetop, follow the same steps as the oven method. Just keep an eye on the heat. Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor. Use fresh basil for a bright taste. If you have dried herbs, you can use them too, but reduce the amount. Dried herbs are stronger, so use about one-third of the amount. For a homemade balsamic glaze, combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan. Heat until it thickens. This gives you a rich flavor that’s hard to beat. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Serve the chicken on a large platter. Scatter extra cherry tomatoes and mozzarella around it. This adds color and makes the dish look inviting. Drizzle some balsamic glaze on top for shine. Garnish with whole basil leaves for an extra pop of green. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper. This adds a nice touch and makes the dish even more appealing. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil, mozzarella, and ripe cherry tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain its juices, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful. Customize the Glaze: Adjust the balsamic glaze thickness by mixing with a bit of water if desired. This can help it coat the chicken and tomatoes evenly. Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to add different herbs such as oregano or thyme for an extra layer of flavor that complements the basil. {{image_2}} Using different types of cheese can change the dish. You might try goat cheese or feta instead of mozzarella. Each cheese adds its unique flavor. Alternatives to cherry tomatoes are also easy. You can use grape tomatoes or even diced bell peppers. These options provide a nice twist while keeping the dish fresh. Making it keto-friendly is simple. Swap the balsamic glaze for a low-carb version. You can also reduce the tomatoes to cut carbs. This keeps your meal tasty and healthy. For gluten-free variations, ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. The chicken, tomatoes, and cheese are naturally gluten-free. Just check the glaze, as some may contain gluten. Adding Mediterranean flavors gives a new touch. Consider adding olives or artichokes for depth. These ingredients can enhance the dish's taste profile. Suggestions for spice variations include using smoked paprika or cumin. These spices can add warmth and complexity to the flavors. You can adjust the spice level based on your taste. To keep your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat your leftovers, avoid drying them out. The best method is to reheat in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. Check to ensure it’s hot throughout. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works too. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Enjoy your meal that tastes almost as good as fresh! Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Season and brown the chicken, then store it in the fridge. You can add the tomatoes and glaze when you are ready to bake. What can I serve with Caprese Chicken? Caprese Chicken pairs well with simple sides. Try serving it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. Pasta tossed in olive oil is also a great option. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. If you cut into the chicken, the juices should run clear. Can I use another glaze instead of balsamic? Yes, feel free to switch the glaze! A honey garlic glaze or a teriyaki sauce would work well. Each option gives a unique flavor. Just adjust the seasoning to match your glaze choice. This blog post covered a simple and tasty balsamic glazed Caprese chicken recipe. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and creative variations. We discussed storage practices and answered common questions about this dish. In summary, this recipe is easy and flexible. You can adjust it to suit your tastes. Try it out and enjoy a delicious meal that impresses everyone!$

A delicious chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella balls, halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 2 balsamic glaze
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Add them to the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the balsamic glaze by mixing the balsamic glaze with a tablespoon of water in a small bowl (optional for a thinner consistency).
After browning the chicken, reduce the heat to low and add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and tomatoes.
Place the mozzarella balls on top of the chicken and then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
In the final 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish to infuse the flavor.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter with extra cherry tomatoes and mozzarella scattered around. Drizzle with some additional balsamic glaze and garnish with whole basil leaves for a colorful and inviting presentation.

Keyword balsamic glaze, caprese, chicken, easy dinner, mozzarella