Chicken Caprese Recipes
Ingredients
To make this delicious Chicken Caprese, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 large tomatoes, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
Method
Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. If desired, add a tablespoon of butter to the pan for extra flavor and richness. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Assemble the Caprese Topping: In the same skillet, arrange the sliced tomatoes and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften slightly.
Add the Mozzarella: Place the cooked chicken breasts back in the skillet on top of the tomatoes. Layer the fresh mozzarella slices over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
Finish with Basil and Balsamic: Remove the skillet from the heat. Top the chicken with fresh basil leaves and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Caprese hot, alongside a light salad, crusty bread, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors!
Variations & Tips
Grilled Chicken Caprese: For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken breasts instead of cooking them in a skillet. Assemble the dish as directed and finish it under the broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese.
Caprese Stuffed Chicken: For a fun twist, butterfly the chicken breasts and stuff them with slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil before cooking. Secure with toothpicks and cook until the chicken is golden and the cheese is melted.
Balsamic Chicken Caprese: Marinate the chicken breasts in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds a deeper, tangy flavor to the dish.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme to enhance the flavor profile of the chicken.
Low-Carb Option: Serve the Chicken Caprese over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a delicious low-carb meal.
Conclusion
Chicken Caprese is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a stunning dish. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil, all tied together with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, makes for a meal that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or just looking to elevate your weeknight dinner, this Chicken Caprese recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

Comments
Post a Comment