Healthy & Tastier Caprese Chicken Recipe

Unique in its simplicity, Caprese Chicken combines juicy chicken breasts with classic Italian flavors, all topped with a rich balsamic reduction.
Caprese Chicken Recipe
A savory delight that perfectly combines seasoned and seared chicken with the brightness of fresh tomatoes and basil. Layered with rich, melty mozzarella cheese and finished with a balsamic glaze that adds a beautifully tangy contrast. This Caprese Chicken dish not only presents a quick skillet start but also a swift oven finish for that irresistible cheese melt. It’s a fantastic way to use your garden’s bounty, promising a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Pair it with your favorite greens, roasted vegetables, or potatoes for a completely nourishing dinner experience.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt/Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella, whole milk/low moisture melts best
- 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
- Balsamic Glaze
- Freshly Cracked Pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Place in a gallon freezer bag (or in between saran wrap) and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick. Pat is completely dry. Season each side with salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings.
- 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 has developed. Set aside.
- Add the wine to the skillet over medium heat and use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the skillet. Let it reduce by half, 3-4 minutes.
- Melt the butter, then add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, and honey and stir to combine. Bring to a gentle boil. Let it simmer and reduce for 5 minutes, remove from heat.
- Transfer the sauce to a 9 x 13-inch baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
- Add the chicken to the sauce along with any juices from the plate. Top each piece of chicken with 2 slices of mozzarella and 1 slice of tomato, then sprinkle with dried basil. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the chicken.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is just melted, then broil at 425 (or a low broil), for about 2 minutes. Watch it carefully during this time. Remove from oven.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with roasted asparagus or roasted potatoes.
Serving Suggestions
- Greens and Beans
- Roasted Asparagus
- Green Beans
- Broccoli
- Vegetable Casserole
- Smashed Potatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Grilled Potatoes
- Buttered Noodles
Tips and Tricks
- Pompeian Gourmet Balsamic Vinegar is recommended for its flavor profile in the balsamic sauce.
- Use a meat tenderizer to tenderize the chicken for a more succulent result.
- Searing the chicken before baking creates a golden crust and leaves flavorful fondness in the pan, enhancing the balsamic sauce.