Chicken Caprese Recipe

It’s funny how some recipes just become instant family classics. Chicken Caprese, in our house, is one of those dishes. I stumbled upon it quite by accident, wanting something quick, flavorful, and relatively healthy for a weeknight dinner. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil immediately caught my eye, promising a dish that was as visually appealing as it was delicious. And let me tell you, it delivered! From the first bite, the juicy chicken infused with garlic and herbs, topped with creamy mozzarella and sweet, bursting tomatoes, and finished with the fragrant fresh basil, it was a symphony of flavors. Even my picky eaters devoured it, which is always a win in my book. Since that first time, Chicken Caprese has become a regular on our menu rotation, adapted and tweaked to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that feels special enough for company, yet simple enough for a busy weeknight. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both incredibly tasty and surprisingly easy to make, you absolutely have to try this Chicken Caprese. Trust me, your family will thank you.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 4 large chicken breasts (approximately 1.5-2 pounds), providing the lean protein base of the dish. Choose breasts that are roughly equal in size for even cooking.
• Fresh Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, preferably the ball variety packed in water. This melts beautifully and offers a creamy, milky flavor that is essential to the Caprese experience. Slice it into thick rounds.
• Ripe Tomatoes: 2-3 large, ripe tomatoes, such as Roma, beefsteak, or heirloom varieties. These provide sweetness, acidity, and vibrant color. Slice them into thick rounds, similar to the mozzarella.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: A generous handful (about 1/2 cup packed) of fresh basil leaves. This adds the signature aromatic and slightly peppery note that defines Caprese. Use whole leaves or roughly chop them.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: About 1/4 cup, plus extra for drizzling. Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and adding richness and flavor to the dish. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best taste.
• Balsamic Glaze: For drizzling at the end, about 2-3 tablespoons or to taste. Balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and tanginess that complements the other flavors and enhances the visual appeal.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic infuses the chicken with savory flavor during the cooking process. Freshly minced garlic is always recommended for the best aroma and taste.
• Dried Italian Herbs: 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herb blend. This adds a layer of herbaceousness and complexity to the chicken. You can also use a mix of individual dried herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients. Use kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper for the best results.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them sear nicely. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed to flavor the chicken throughout.
2. Mince the Garlic: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. Set aside. The garlic will be added to the pan while searing the chicken to infuse the oil and chicken with its aromatic flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The searing process helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
4. Add Garlic and Cook Briefly: In the last minute of cooking the chicken, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Burnt garlic can become bitter. The garlic will infuse the remaining oil in the pan and further flavor the chicken.
5. Assemble the Caprese Topping: Once the chicken is cooked through and nicely seared, remove it from the skillet and place it on a clean plate or cutting board. If there’s excessive oil in the pan, you can drain some off. Now, it’s time to assemble the Caprese topping directly onto the chicken.
6. Layer Mozzarella and Tomatoes: Place slices of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast, overlapping slightly if needed to cover the surface. Then, arrange slices of ripe tomatoes over the mozzarella. Try to alternate mozzarella and tomato slices for visual appeal and even flavor distribution.
7. Melt the Cheese (Option 1: Skillet Method): Return the skillet with the chicken topped with mozzarella and tomatoes back to low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and gooey, and the tomatoes are slightly warmed. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the chicken from overcooking or the cheese from burning.
8. Melt the Cheese (Option 2: Broiler Method): Alternatively, for a quicker melt and slightly browned cheese, you can transfer the skillet (if oven-safe) or place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet. Broil in a preheated oven for 1-2 minutes, watching very carefully to prevent burning. Broiling can melt the cheese quickly and add a touch of browning to the top.
9. Garnish with Fresh Basil: Once the mozzarella is melted and the tomatoes are warmed, remove the skillet or baking sheet from the heat. Immediately garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. The heat from the chicken and tomatoes will slightly wilt the basil, releasing its fragrant oils.
10. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze: Finish the dish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze over the Chicken Caprese. The balsamic glaze adds a touch of sweetness and acidity that balances the richness of the mozzarella and olive oil and complements the flavors of the tomatoes and basil.
11. Serve Immediately: Chicken Caprese is best served immediately while the chicken is juicy, the mozzarella is melted, and the tomatoes are warm. Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish!

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast with Toppings
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 45-55g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (This includes patting chicken dry, seasoning, mincing garlic, and slicing mozzarella and tomatoes.)
• Cook Time: 20 minutes (This includes searing chicken, melting cheese, and garnishing.)
• Total Time: 35 minutes (From start to finish, a quick and easy meal for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend.)

How to Serve Chicken Caprese

Chicken Caprese is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for different occasions and preferences. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• As a Main Course:
  • Alongside Pasta: Serve over a bed of your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with a light coating of olive oil or pesto for added flavor.
  • With Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad, Caesar salad, or a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the chicken.
  • With Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli for a healthy and colorful side dish.
  • With Polenta or Risotto: Creamy polenta or risotto makes a comforting and delicious base for Chicken Caprese.
  • With Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty Italian bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices and balsamic glaze.
• As Part of a Buffet or Gathering:
  • Chicken Caprese Sliders: Slice cooked chicken breasts and mozzarella into smaller portions and serve on slider buns with tomatoes and basil for a fun appetizer or party food.
  • Chicken Caprese Skewers: Thread cooked chicken pieces, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls onto skewers and drizzle with balsamic glaze for an easy and elegant appetizer.
  • Chicken Caprese Salad: Dice cooked chicken and mozzarella, chop tomatoes and basil, and toss with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and lighter Caprese salad with chicken.
• Serving Temperature:
  • Chicken Caprese is best served warm, right after preparation, when the mozzarella is melted and gooey, and the chicken is juicy.
  • However, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature, especially as part of a salad or appetizer.
• Garnishes and Enhancements:
  • Pesto: Add a dollop of pesto to the chicken before topping with mozzarella for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • Pine Nuts or Toasted Almonds: Add a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture and nutty flavor.
  • Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: A final sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper just before serving enhances the aroma and taste.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken Caprese

1. Choose High-Quality Ingredients: The beauty of Chicken Caprese lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Use the freshest, ripest tomatoes, good quality fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil for the best flavor. Opt for extra virgin olive oil and balsamic glaze for richer taste.
2. Pound Chicken Breasts Evenly: For even cooking, pound thicker chicken breasts to a uniform thickness of about ½ inch. This ensures that they cook through at the same rate and prevents dry edges. Place the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper and gently pound with a rolling pin or meat mallet.
3. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Sear the chicken until it’s just cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy. Remember, the chicken will continue to cook slightly while the cheese is melting.
4. Properly Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs on both sides. Proper seasoning is key to flavorful chicken. Don’t be afraid to be liberal with the seasonings.
5. Melt the Mozzarella Just Right: You want the mozzarella to be melted and gooey, but not overly melted and watery. Whether you use the skillet lid method or the broiler, keep a close eye on it and remove from heat as soon as the cheese is melted to your liking.
6. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan When Searing: Searing chicken in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, which can lower the pan temperature and cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Searing in batches ensures a beautiful golden-brown crust.
7. Add Garlic at the End of Searing: Garlic can burn easily if cooked for too long over high heat. Add minced garlic to the pan in the last minute of searing the chicken to infuse the oil and chicken with its flavor without burning it.
8. Customize with Variations: Feel free to customize your Chicken Caprese. You can add a layer of pesto under the mozzarella, incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for a deeper flavor, or use different types of cheese like burrata for extra creaminess. Experiment and find your favorite variations!

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Caprese

Q1: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?

A: While fresh basil is highly recommended for the authentic Caprese flavor, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil called for in the recipe. However, fresh basil provides a much brighter and more aromatic flavor that is central to the dish.

Q2: Can I make Chicken Caprese ahead of time?

A: It’s best to serve Chicken Caprese immediately for the best texture and flavor, especially when the mozzarella is melted and gooey. You can prep the ingredients ahead of time – slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, mince the garlic, and season the chicken. However, cook and assemble the dish just before serving for optimal quality.

Q3: Can I grill the chicken instead of searing it in a skillet?

A: Yes, grilling chicken is a fantastic option for Chicken Caprese, especially during warmer months. Grill the seasoned chicken breasts over medium heat until cooked through, then top with mozzarella and tomatoes and grill for another minute or two until the cheese is melted. Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the Caprese ingredients beautifully.

Q4: Can I bake the Chicken Caprese in the oven?

A: Yes, baking is another excellent method. Place seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, top with mozzarella and tomatoes and bake for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted. Baking is a hands-off method that’s great for larger batches.

Q5: What if I don’t have balsamic glaze? Can I substitute something else?

A: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a simple balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency. Alternatively, you can use a drizzle of high-quality balsamic vinegar, or even a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness if you prefer not to use balsamic at all.

Q6: Can I use pre-sliced mozzarella instead of a fresh mozzarella ball?

A: While pre-sliced mozzarella is convenient, fresh mozzarella balls packed in water generally have a better texture and flavor for Caprese dishes. If using pre-sliced mozzarella, opt for a good quality brand and ensure it’s fresh. Fresh mozzarella is softer and melts more beautifully than low-moisture mozzarella.

Q7: Is Chicken Caprese healthy?

A: Chicken Caprese can be a healthy meal choice as it’s packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and mozzarella (in moderation), and vitamins and antioxidants from tomatoes and basil. It’s relatively low in carbohydrates and can be part of a balanced diet. Be mindful of portion sizes and the amount of mozzarella used if you are watching your fat intake.

Q8: Can I add other vegetables to Chicken Caprese?

A: While traditionally Caprese is just tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, you can certainly add other vegetables to your Chicken Caprese for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider adding roasted red peppers, zucchini slices, or artichoke hearts under the mozzarella and tomatoes. These additions can enhance the dish and make it even more substantial.

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