Fresh Caprese Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade Basil Balsamic Glaze
A quick and easy Fresh Caprese Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and a homemade balsamic glaze. Perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner or family gathering.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium ripe vine tomatoes, sliced
- About 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey (or brown sugar). Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Place chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving them to form a golden crust.
- Flip the chicken and cook another 5 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Reduce heat to low. Place slices of mozzarella and tomato on each chicken breast. Cover the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts gently.
- Remove lid, scatter fresh basil leaves over the chicken, and drizzle the balsamic glaze generously on top.
- Transfer chicken to plates, spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the top, and serve immediately.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Let chicken rest 10 minutes after cooking for juiciness. Watch balsamic glaze carefully to avoid over-reducing and bitterness. Balsamic glaze can be made ahead and stored refrigerated. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 40
Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic glaze, fresh basil, mozzarella, quick dinner, easy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, weeknight meal