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Balsamic Caprese Chicken With Melty Mozzarella

Balsamic Caprese Chicken with Melty Mozzarella

Balsamic Caprese Chicken with Melty Mozzarella is a weeknight dinner miracle that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat, bringing a Taste of Italy right to your table in under an hour. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy cooks looking for wholesome, flavorful meals without the fuss, offering a satisfying and restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly simple.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 chicken breasts
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6-8 ounces each
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup balsamic glaze store-bought or homemade
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Oven-safe skillet
  • Baking dish (if skillet is not oven-safe)

Method
 

  1. Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 to 3/4 inch. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken absorb flavors beautifully. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salt, freshly ground black pepper
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and a nice crust has formed. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  3. While the chicken is searing (or after searing and removing from the pan temporarily), reduce the heat to medium. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over the chicken and tomatoes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them for a touch of heat.
    1 pint cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup balsamic glaze, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 pinch red pepper flakes
  4. Arrange the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over the chicken breasts.
    8 ounces fresh mozzarella
  5. If your skillet is oven-safe, transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). If not, carefully transfer the chicken, tomatoes, and toppings to a baking dish. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the mozzarella is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
  6. Once cooked, remove the skillet or baking dish from the oven. Let the Balsamic Caprese Chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender chicken. Garnish with a little more fresh basil if desired.
    1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.