Caprese Chicken
This is a super simple recipe for Caprese Chicken, made with chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, fresh basil and topped with a balsamic glaze. Perfect for a dinner at any time, this Caprese Chicken recipe is full of classic caprese flavors infused into juicy chicken breasts.
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Caprese is one of our favorite kinds of food due to how much flavor you get from so little ingredients. Every caprese recipe you find will have the signature blend of fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and topped off with a beautiful drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Balanced flavors: The combination of juicy chicken, sweet balsamic glaze, and creamy mozzarella creates the perfect harmony of flavors.
Quick and easy: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh and vibrant: Cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls bring a bright and refreshing touch to every bite.
Healthy and wholesome: Made with simple, whole ingredients, this dish is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for low-carb diets.
One-pan meal: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup effortless.
Versatile and customizable: Serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a simple salad for a lighter option, or pair it with pasta or crusty bread for a heartier meal.
Ingredients to Make Caprese Chicken:
- balsamic vinegar. The key to the rich, tangy glaze is high-quality balsamic vinegar. Aged balsamic is naturally sweeter and more concentrated, reducing the need for extra sweeteners.
- honey. Enhances the natural sweetness of the cherry tomatoes and balances the acidity of the balsamic vinegar.
- chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb flavors well. For a juicier option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- garlic cloves. Fresh minced garlic provides the best depth of flavor. If substituting with garlic powder, start with ½ teaspoon and adjust as needed.
- cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a flavorful sauce without making the dish too watery. Halve them for even cooking and better texture.
- mozzarella pearls. Melt evenly and distribute well throughout the dish. Fresh mozzarella slices provide a creamier texture, while shredded mozzarella gives a more even melt.
- fresh basil leaves. Thinly sliced just before serving to preserve their bright color and flavor. Adds a fresh contrast to the rich balsamic glaze and creamy mozzarella.
How to Make Caprese Chicken:
- In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until reduced by half. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomato mixture. Top with mozzarella pearls. Cover and cook until the mozzarella is just melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the skillet and drizzle the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Use cherry tomatoes for the best flavor: Their natural sweetness and juiciness enhance the dish without making it too watery. If you like a slightly roasted flavor, sauté them a little longer until they caramelize.
- Pound the chicken for even cooking: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can vary in thickness. Lightly pounding them ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Let the balsamic glaze simmer until thickened: Reducing the balsamic vinegar and honey creates a rich, syrupy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. If it’s too runny, simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Don’t skip the fresh basil: It adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich balsamic glaze and creamy mozzarella. Slice it just before serving to preserve its color and flavor.
- Cover the skillet to melt the mozzarella: Once you add the mozzarella pearls, cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to help them soften and meld into the dish.
Serving Suggestions:
- Zuppa Toscana Soup
- Italian Chopped Salad
- Twice Baked Potatoes
- Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes
- Mushroom Risotto
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and tomatoes together, but if possible, store fresh basil separately to maintain its freshness.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Add a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze while reheating to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the mozzarella rubbery and the chicken dry.
Freezing: Due to the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, freezing can alter the texture, making the dish watery and less flavorful when thawed. If you need to freeze, store only the cooked chicken and add fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella when reheating.
FAQs:
Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown and fully cooked. For extra flavor, you can also grill it outdoors for a smoky, charred taste.
Yes, grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture. Just halve them as you would cherry tomatoes for even cooking.
Reducing the balsamic vinegar creates a thicker, more flavorful glaze, but if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze instead.
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Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until reduced by half. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomato mixture. Top with mozzarella pearls. Cover and cook until the mozzarella is just melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the skillet and drizzle the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Use cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness and juiciness enhance the dish without making it too watery. If you like a slightly roasted flavor, sauté them a little longer until they caramelize.
- Pound the chicken for even cooking: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts can vary in thickness. Lightly pounding them ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Let the balsamic glaze simmer until thickened: Reducing the balsamic vinegar and honey creates a rich, syrupy glaze that coats the chicken beautifully. If it’s too runny, simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- Don’t skip the fresh basil: It adds a bright, fresh contrast to the rich balsamic glaze and creamy mozzarella. Slice it just before serving to preserve its color and flavor.
- Cover the skillet to melt the mozzarella: Once you add the mozzarella pearls, cover the skillet for 2-3 minutes to help them soften and meld into the dish.
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Love
I make this all the time with scallion also, and sometimes vary the ingredients, artichokes, spinach, blue cheese, pepper jack,cherry peppers, capers, add white wine and broth to baking dish
So easy and delicious! Was a hit with the family!
I used fresh garden tomatoes and added some red roasted peppers and sometimes I use a handful of gresh spinach, delicious and easy. This recipe is a keeper !
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback Donna!
I. made this with fresh garden tomatoes instead and added roasted red pepers, sometimes I also use fresh spinach, its always fantastic and could not be easier !
This was awesome I really loved the taste and the ease of making it. I will make this again and again.Your pictures are lovely. Thank you.
Absolutely love your site. My 9 year old niece is a (newly) type 1 diabetic and my whole family spends tons of time looking for low carb recipes especially for her. I have found tons of family hits from your website. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment, Abby! We always appreciate hearing things like this! Glad you were able to find some recipes your family enjoyed! 😀
Omg this recipe was very delicious! I’m definitely putting this in my rotation! ???? Thank you for sharing!
Great to hear! Thanks for stopping by, Amy! 🙂
Totally delicious recipe! I halved and pounded 2 breasts, making four servings (3 oz each). Works great with WW Points Plus…. added the chopped sundried tomato, basil pesto and then used half fat free mozzarella and half regular to lower the fat a little. Rolled up with tooth picks, and then seasoned. BAM! this dish has F L A V O R. I love this, and my husband did too. Each portion was 4 points. FOUR delicious, can’t wait to make it again points. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment! Glad you liked it! 🙂