If you’re tired of the bland chicken but still think it is a good source of protein, it is time to enhance it. The secret to preparing the best dish is to rely on a proven combination of flavors.
We present the chicken caprese, a classic Italian feast prepared with carefully chosen fresh ingredients.
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With gooey melted mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato, and aromatic basil, this meal brings the Mediterranean flavors to your plate. It strikes the perfect balance between cheesy flavor and freshness, highlighted with the aromatic kick of fresh basil.
This would be the ideal choice if you’re looking for a fancy dinner recipe that won’t take much of your precious time. Serve it with your pasta of choice for a romantic Italian-inspired meal that warms your heart.
What to serve the chicken caprese with?
The chicken caprese is a versatile pick with various side dishes. Serve it with pasta al dente for an Italian dinner night. Or stick with the classic option by serving the juicy chicken over a bed of rice. Mashed potato owls also work fine, but if you’re looking for a fresh version, stick with a healthy veggie salad. Or serve over a piece of grilled sourdough bread and enjoy the crispness with every bite.
How to choose the right tomato for this dish?
Beefsteak and plum tomatoes work wonders for the chicken caprese. A ripe and firm tomato guarantees a perfect presentation, while too-soft ones should be avoided.
Can I switch to fresh basil?
Basil adds the signature herb kick to this recipe. But if you don’t have fresh basil, switch it with dried. The herbal note won’t be as potent as the fresh one, but it will still help you achieve the authentic flavor combination. On the other hand, you can enhance the recipe with a teaspoon of pesto. Its strong basil note, accompanied by garlic, elevates this recipe to a higher level.
Ingredients needed:
- Chicken Breasts
- Mozzarella cheese
- Tomatoes
- Herbs de Provence
- Basil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make Chicken Caprese:
Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Step 2. Add the 6 fully cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake them uncovered for 15 minutes.
Step 3. Pour one cup of balsamic vinegar into a pot over medium-high heat.
Step 4. When it starts to boil, add ¼ cup brown sugar.
Step 5. Reduce the mixture to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
Step 6. Remove the chicken from the oven.
Step 7. Add a mozzarella slice to each chicken piece and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8. Add herbs de provence seasoning on top.
Step 9. Return the chicken to the oven and bake for 1 to 2 minutes so the mozzarella melts.
Step 10. Remove the chicken from the oven.
Step 11. Slice the tomatoes thickly and add a slice over each chicken breast. Drizzle with the prepared balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
Chicken Caprese
With gooey melted mozzarella cheese, fresh tomato, and aromatic basil, this meal brings the Mediterranean flavors to your plate. It strikes the perfect balance between cheesy flavor and freshness, highlighted with the aromatic kick of fresh basil.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 Fully Cooked Frozen Grilled Chicken Breasts
- 8 oz. Fresh Mozzarella cheese
- 2–3 Large tomatoes
- Herbs de Provence
- Fresh chopped basil
- 1 c. Balsamic vinegar
- ¼ c. Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Add the 6 fully cooked chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake them uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Pour one cup of balsamic vinegar into a pot over medium-high heat.
- When it starts to boil, add ¼ cup brown sugar.
- Reduce the mixture to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Add a mozzarella slice to each chicken piece and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add herbs de provence seasoning on top.
- Return the chicken to the oven and bake for 1 to 2 minutes so the mozzarella melts.
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Slice the tomatoes thickly and add a slice over each chicken breast. Drizzle with the prepared balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil.
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Marie Rayner is a retired Chef, freelance writer, recipe developer, food blogger, and Cookbook author. She makes her home in Chester, UK, where she lives with her husband, Todd, and their much beloved English Cocker, Mitzie. Her motto is “Life is far too short to eat bad food,” and her goal is to share delicious and easy recipes which anyone can enjoy and cook in the comfort of their own home.
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