Name: Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup; 1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling); Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)

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Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is a delicious and visually stunning dish that combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the classic flavors of a Caprese salad. Topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is perfect for a simple yet elegant dinner. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe will impress with its flavor and presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze brings together the best of Italian flavors in one dish. The juicy chicken is perfectly paired with the creaminess of fresh mozzarella, the sweetness of ripe tomatoes, and the freshness of basil. The addition of balsamic glaze gives the dish a tangy, slightly sweet finish that elevates all the other ingredients. It’s easy to make, yet feels like a gourmet meal. Plus, it’s a great low-carb, high-protein option that’s both healthy and indulgent.

Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup
1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
Balsamic glaze, for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Balsamic Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey (or maple syrup). Bring it to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by half and become thick and syrupy. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts on a serving platter. Top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped basil.
Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts and garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Grilled Version: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of pan-frying them. The rest of the recipe can be followed as directed.
Add Vegetables: You can add roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus on the side to make the meal even more vibrant.
Spicy Caprese: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a few slices of fresh jalapeños for a spicy twist on this classic dish.
Different Cheeses: If you prefer, you can use burrata, ricotta, or provolone cheese as an alternative to fresh mozzarella.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work great for this recipe. They’re more flavorful and juicy, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, depending on the size of the thighs.

2. Can I make this recipe without the balsamic glaze?

If you prefer a lighter option, you can skip the balsamic glaze and use a simple drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt for a more basic version of Caprese Chicken.

3. How can I make this dish lower in carbs?

This dish is already low in carbs, but you can make it even lower by skipping the honey or syrup in the balsamic reduction or using a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol.

4. Can I use store-bought mozzarella?

Fresh mozzarella provides the best texture and flavor for this dish, but if you can’t find it, you can use regular mozzarella cheese. Try to get a high-quality version for the best results.

5. Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While the chicken is best when freshly cooked, you can prep the chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them. You can also make the balsamic glaze ahead and store it in the fridge. Simply reheat the glaze and assemble the dish before serving.

6. Can I use other types of vinegar for the glaze?

Balsamic vinegar works best for this dish due to its sweetness and rich flavor. However, you can experiment with other types of vinegar like vegetabale brooth vinegar, though the flavor will be different.

7. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Top the chicken with mozzarella and tomatoes after baking and drizzle with balsamic glaze.

8. How do I make homemade balsamic glaze?

To make homemade balsamic glaze, simmer 1 cup of balsamic vinegar and 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup in a saucepan over medium heat. Let it reduce by half until it becomes thick and syrupy. Let it cool before using.

9. Can I add more toppings to this dish?

Absolutely! You can add more toppings like roasted red peppers, olives, or a sprinkle of pine nuts for additional texture and flavor.

10. Can I serve this dish with a side?

This Caprese Chicken pairs wonderfully with sides like a simple salad, roasted vegetables, pasta, or even a slice of crusty bread to soak up the balsamic glaze.

Conclusion

Caprese Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines fresh, bright flavors with savory chicken. It’s a simple yet elegant dinner that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and tangy balsamic glaze come together in perfect harmony, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this vibrant, delicious dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine with every bite!