Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - Oven-safe skillet - Small saucepan - Measuring cups and spoons - Knife and cutting board To make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The chicken is the star of the dish. Choose good quality, boneless, skinless breasts for the best flavor. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet touch. Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess and pairs well with chicken. Balsamic vinegar is key for the glaze. It adds a tangy flavor that balances the dish. Honey helps to sweeten the glaze and gives it a nice shine. Olive oil is used for cooking the chicken and adds richness. Garlic gives a fragrant kick that enhances the overall taste. When gathering your tools, an oven-safe skillet is important. This will help you move from stovetop to oven easily. A small saucepan is needed for the glaze. Measuring cups and spoons help ensure accuracy in your recipe. A knife and cutting board are essential for prepping your ingredients. Having these ingredients and tools ready makes cooking easier and more fun. You will create a delicious meal that your family will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps cook the chicken evenly. This step is key for a great meal. In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey. Cook this over medium heat. Stir it often and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You want it to thicken a bit. Once it’s done, take it off the heat and let it cool. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the chicken in the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want it golden brown and cooked through. When the chicken is golden, add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté it for one more minute. This makes the garlic fragrant but not burnt. Next, lower the heat and layer 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken. Then, add 8 ounces of sliced fresh mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes. Carefully transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for around 15 minutes. You want the mozzarella to melt and bubble. This step makes the dish super yummy. After baking, take the skillet out of the oven. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the chicken and the toppings. Finally, add fresh basil leaves on top. This gives your dish a bright and fresh finish. Enjoy your meal! To make a thick and shiny balsamic glaze, you need the right heat and timing. Start by mixing balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Heat it on medium. Stir it every now and then. Let it simmer for about ten minutes. Watch it closely to see it thicken. It should coat the back of a spoon. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy touch to your chicken. You can boost the flavor of your chicken with simple herbs and spices. Try adding Italian seasoning for a classic taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes gives it a nice kick. Fresh basil and garlic are key to enhancing the dish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These flavors work well with the balsamic glaze. To keep chicken breasts juicy, start with high heat. Sear them for five to seven minutes on each side. This creates a nice crust. After browning, add minced garlic for flavor. Then, layer the tomatoes and cheese. Baking it in the oven ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Always check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part. It should be white, not pink. This way, your chicken stays moist and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and ripe tomatoes to enhance the flavors of your dish. Perfectly Thicken the Glaze: Make sure to simmer the balsamic glaze long enough for it to thicken properly; this adds richness and depth to your dish. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To ensure juicy chicken, cook it just until it's golden brown and cooked through, then finish it off in the oven. Garnish for Appeal: Add extra fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving for a visually appealing and flavorful finish. {{image_4}} You can swap chicken for other meats. Turkey breasts work well too. If you prefer fish, try salmon. For a vegetarian choice, use firm tofu. Just press the tofu to remove water. Then, cook it until golden. Each protein brings a unique flavor to the dish. While fresh mozzarella is a classic choice, you can mix it up. Try goat cheese for a tangy kick. Feta also adds a nice salty flavor. If you love creamy textures, use burrata. Each cheese changes the dish's taste and makes it special. You can add veggies or herbs based on the seasons. In spring, use asparagus or peas for freshness. Summer brings zucchini or bell peppers, adding color. In fall, consider butternut squash for warmth. Fresh herbs like thyme or oregano can also boost flavor. To keep your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent bacteria growth. You can also freeze it. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. This keeps the chicken safe for longer. When reheating, use the oven or a skillet for best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warm. If using a skillet, add a splash of water or broth. Heat over low until warmed through. In the fridge, your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken lasts for about 3-4 days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. After that, the quality may drop. Always check for off smells or changes in texture before eating. To make chicken breast tender, use these techniques: - Brining: Soak the chicken in a saltwater solution for 30 minutes. - Marinating: Use a mix of oil, acid, and spices for at least 30 minutes. - Pounding: Gently pound the chicken with a mallet to even the thickness. These methods help break down tough fibers, making the chicken juicy. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. - Cooked Chicken: Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Balsamic Glaze: Prepare and store it in a jar in the fridge for a week. - Assembly: You can layer the chicken, tomatoes, and cheese in advance. Just bake before serving. Great side dishes to serve include: - Garlic Bread: A crunchy addition that pairs well with the chicken. - Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish. - Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add color and nutrients to your meal. These sides balance the richness of the chicken. Yes, you can substitute balsamic vinegar. - Red Wine Vinegar: Offers a similar tang but with a lighter flavor. - Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a fruity note to the dish. - Rice Vinegar: A milder option, perfect for those who prefer less acidity. These alternatives can still enhance your chicken dish. This blog post covered a delicious Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken recipe. We shared key ingredients, tools needed, and step-by-step instructions to guide you. You learned how to perfectly sear chicken and create a tasty balsamic glaze. We also included tips for variations and storing leftovers. Incorporating fresh flavors can elevate any meal. Try these ideas to make the dish your own. Happy cooking!$

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

A delicious chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and a sweet balsamic glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey together. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Once thickened, remove it from the heat and set aside to cool.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through.
Once the chicken is golden, add the minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté for an additional minute, stirring until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
Lower the heat to low and carefully layer the halved cherry tomatoes atop the chicken. Follow this by arranging slices of fresh mozzarella cheese over the tomatoes.
Transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
Remove the skillet from the oven and generously drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
Finish by topping your dish with fresh basil leaves just before serving to brighten the flavors.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal.

Keyword balsamic glaze, Caprese, chicken