Caprese Chicken Recipe

Elevate your dinner with this Caprese Chicken recipe! Juicy chicken breasts are seared, topped with fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, and baked to perfection in a rich balsamic sauce. This one-pan dish is packed with classic Italian flavors and perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining. Discover tips, variations, and serving ideas to make this recipe your own!

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 slices fresh mozzarella (whole milk or low moisture for best melting)
• 1 whole tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Balsamic Sauce

• 1/3 cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/3 cup chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon dried basil

For Serving

• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Freshly cracked pepper

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F.
2. Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Place them in a gallon freezer bag or between sheets of plastic wrap, and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to ½ inch thickness. Pat the chicken completely dry.
3. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Sear the Chicken

4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until a golden crust forms. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Make the Sauce

5. Deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine. Use a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let the wine reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Melt the butter in the skillet, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Stir in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat.
8. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer the sauce to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Assemble and Bake

9. Add the seared chicken to the sauce, along with any juices from the plate.
10. Top each piece of chicken with 2 slices of mozzarella and 1 slice of tomato. Sprinkle with dried basil and arrange the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
11. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Then broil at 425°F (or a low broil) for about 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Serve

12. Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Garnish with fresh basil and freshly cracked pepper. Serve hot with roasted asparagus or roasted potatoes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Italian Flavors: The combination of mozzarella, tomato, and basil with a tangy balsamic glaze is a timeless favorite.
• Perfect for Weeknights or Entertaining: This dish comes together quickly but is impressive enough for guests.
• Customizable: Adjust the toppings, side dishes, or level of sweetness in the sauce to suit your tastes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this recipe a win for busy evenings.

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Tips

• Pound Chicken Evenly: This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy.
• Use Fresh Mozzarella: For the best flavor and texture, opt for high-quality mozzarella.
• Monitor Broiling Closely: Broiling adds a lovely finish but can burn quickly if not watched.
• Deglaze the Pan: Don’t skip deglazing—it enhances the sauce’s depth of flavor.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Cheese Options: Substitute mozzarella with provolone or gouda for a unique twist.
• Tomato Variety: Use heirloom or Roma tomatoes for different flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your balsamic glaze and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Use thick slices of eggplant or portobello mushrooms instead of chicken.

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FAQs

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze? Yes, store-bought glaze works well as a time-saver.

What wine pairs best with this dish? Dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the flavors beautifully.

Can I make this ahead? You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken in advance. Assemble and bake just before serving.

How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or on the stovetop.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Serve With: Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light pasta salad.
• Garnish Ideas: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor.
• Wine Pairing: Serve with a glass of chilled white wine for a restaurant-quality experience.