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Caprese Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 100 reviews

This Caprese Chicken recipe features juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe vine tomatoes, fragrant basil, and finished with a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze. It’s a delicious, healthy, and elegant dish inspired by the classic Caprese salad, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 chicken breasts (57 oz each, pounded to even thickness)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tsp sea or kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings

  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella (sliced into 8 even pieces)
  • 2 vine-ripened tomatoes (sliced into 1/2 inch slices)
  • Fresh basil (to taste)
  • Aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place a chicken breast onto a sheet of parchment paper and fold over. Use a rolling pin to pound the chicken to an even thickness of just under 1 inch. Repeat with remaining breasts to ensure even cooking.
  2. Mix the seasoning: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to blend the flavors.
  3. Season the chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides.
  4. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until an instant-read thermometer registers 155°F internally. This ensures the chicken is nearly cooked through.
  5. Add mozzarella and finish cooking: Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Continue grilling for 3 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  6. Assemble and serve: Transfer the grilled chicken to plates. Arrange 2-3 slices of fresh tomato on each piece, then sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and additional salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a burst of tangy sweetness.

Notes

  • Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature for food safety.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or cast iron skillet works well as a stovetop alternative.
  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Balsamic glaze can be substituted with aged balsamic vinegar for a lighter finish.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: Caprese chicken, grilled chicken, Italian chicken recipe, chicken with mozzarella, balsamic chicken, healthy chicken recipes