Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - ½ cup fresh basil leaves - ½ cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Extra balsamic glaze for drizzling - Additional fresh basil leaves When I make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, I always start with fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They need to be boneless and skinless for easy cooking. I love using cherry tomatoes because they add sweetness and color. Halving them makes them pop in the skillet. Fresh mozzarella balls, or bocconcini, add a creamy texture that pairs well with the tangy glaze. I make sure to grab fresh basil leaves for that aromatic finish. Balsamic glaze is key here; it adds a sweet and sour kick that ties everything together. I also use olive oil for searing the chicken, which helps build a golden crust. Garlic powder brings an extra layer of flavor, and I season with salt and pepper to taste. For a finishing touch, I like to drizzle extra balsamic glaze and add more fresh basil. This not only looks good but also enhances the dish's taste. Gathering these ingredients makes the whole cooking process feel exciting and fresh. Each component plays an important role in creating a flavorful and beautiful meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) - Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper To start, I heat my oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for perfect cooking. While the oven warms up, I take my chicken breasts. I sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This adds a rich flavor that makes a big difference. Be generous with your seasoning for the best taste. - Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat - Sear chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side Next, I pour olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet. I heat it over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Then, I add the seasoned chicken breasts. I sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step gives the chicken a golden-brown crust. It locks in the juices and adds depth to the flavor. - Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken - Scatter cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls around the chicken Once the chicken is seared, I drizzle balsamic glaze over the top. The sweet and tangy sauce really enhances the dish. I then scatter halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken. This not only adds color but also a burst of flavor when cooked. - Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes - Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) Now it’s time to bake! I carefully transfer the skillet to my preheated oven. I set a timer for 20-25 minutes. It's important to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. This step ensures the chicken is juicy and fully cooked. - Sprinkle fresh basil leaves before serving - Allow to rest before plating After baking, I take the skillet out of the oven. I sprinkle fresh basil leaves over everything for a final touch. The aroma is amazing! I let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle, making each bite even more flavorful. To boost flavor, try adding herbs like oregano or thyme. You can mix them with garlic powder for extra taste. When choosing balsamic glaze, opt for a high-quality brand. Look for one with rich flavor and no added sugars. A good glaze will add depth to your dish. To know when chicken is perfectly cooked, check its color. The meat should be white, not pink. Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. When it hits 165°F (75°C), your chicken is ready to serve. For an attractive presentation, arrange the chicken on a large platter. Place the tomatoes and mozzarella around the chicken. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze over everything for shine. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for the freshest basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes to enhance the flavors of your dish. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Customize the Glaze: Feel free to add a splash of honey or some crushed red pepper flakes to the balsamic glaze for extra sweetness or heat. Let it Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking; this allows the juices to redistribute for better flavor in each bite. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try goat cheese or feta for a twist. Both cheeses add a unique flavor. You can also mix in different vegetables. Bell peppers and zucchini work great. Their colors and textures enhance the dish. You have options for cooking your chicken. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. Baking keeps it juicy and tender. Both methods are easy and tasty. If you want a softer texture, consider slow cooking. It makes the chicken very tender and flavorful. If you're gluten-free, this dish is already safe. Just ensure your balsamic glaze has no gluten. For low-carb options, skip the glaze. You still get great flavor from the chicken and veggies. This way, you can enjoy a lighter meal without missing out! To keep your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken fresh, store it in the fridge. Place leftovers in an airtight container. This method helps to keep out moisture and air. Your dish can last for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to freeze your dish, let it cool first. Cut the chicken into portions for easy thawing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This way, it stays fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Preparing ingredients ahead of time makes cooking easier. You can chop tomatoes and basil in advance. Store them in the fridge. For a quick meal, use leftover chicken in salads or wraps. You can also mix it with pasta for a tasty dish. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They have more fat and stay juicy. Just adjust cooking time for thighs, as they may need a bit longer to cook through. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat. Cover it to keep moisture. Heat until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. You can! Swap chicken for firm tofu or thick slices of eggplant. Use the same seasonings and cooking method for a tasty dish. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also cut into the chicken. The juices should run clear, and the meat should not be pink. This dish pairs well with a fresh salad or roasted veggies. You can serve it with rice or pasta too. A crusty bread also makes a nice side. This article covered a tasty recipe for Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken. You learned about selecting fresh ingredients, cooking methods, and garnishing tips. We also discussed how to store leftovers and make variations. I hope you find this dish easy and fun to make. Enjoy trying it with different flavors. Happy cooking!$

A delicious chicken dish topped with balsamic glaze, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, garnished with basil.

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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
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
0.5 cup fresh basil leaves
0.5 cup balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it reaches the perfect temperature by the time you're ready to bake the chicken.
Season each chicken breast generously on both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring an even coating for maximum flavor.
In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Once the chicken is beautifully browned, remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts, making sure they are thoroughly coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
Next, evenly scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken in the skillet, creating a colorful and inviting arrangement.
Carefully transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the dish for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Upon finishing baking, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the fresh basil leaves over the chicken and vegetables for a burst of fresh flavor.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and enhance the overall taste.

Notes

To serve, arrange the chicken and its vibrant accompaniments on a large platter. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves.

Keyword balsamic glaze, caprese, chicken, easy dinner