Chicken Caprese Recipe (2024)

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This baked Chicken Caprese recipe is so light, fresh, and bursting with flavor! The chicken is browned in a cast iron, topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, tomatoes, and a homemade balsamic reduction.

If you love this recipe, you should try this delicious balsamic glaze and Caprese chicken sandwich.

Chicken Caprese Recipe Details

Chicken Caprese is the perfect summer dish since tomatoes and basil are thriving at that time of year. It’s also super easy and quick to make! Because let’s be real, no one wants to be stuck inside cooking when it’s so nice outside!

• Taste- This recipe is full of flavor, light, and fresh. Seasoned chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh, earthy basil with a tangy-sweet balsamic drizzle make the best combination.
• Texture- The chicken is moist and browned to perfection. It goes so perfectly with the gooey cheese and juicy tomatoes, you won’t be able to get enough.
• Time- You’ll love that this homemade, amazing-tasting dish is done in only 40 minutes!
• Ease- Even if you’re new to making your own balsamic reduction, this recipe is so easy. It looks and tastes impressive, but you won’t break a sweat making it.

What you’ll need

For the Chicken Caprese

• Chicken breast– boneless and skinless
• Salt and pepper– for seasoning the chicken
• Butter and Olive oil- for frying
• Fresh mozzarella cheese– to top the chicken with
• Cherry tomatoes- plump with firm skins
• Basil and garlic– for a boost of flavor

For the Balsamic Reduction

• Balsamic vinegar
• Honey

How to Make Chicken Caprese

• Season and cook the chicken. Sprinkle the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Then brown the chicken in a cast-iron skillet with hot oil and butter, cooking it fully.

• Saute the garlic and tomatoes. Now remove the cooked chicken and place the minced garlic and cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Saute them for a minute or so.
• Melt the mozzarella. Place the mozzarella cheese on top of the baked chicken Caprese and broil it in the oven until the mozzarella cheese melts. Then top it with freshly chopped basil and the balsamic reduction.

How to Make a Balsamic Reduction

• Lightly boil the ingredients. First, place the balsamic vinegar and honey in a saucepan, and bring them to a light boil.
• Simmer. Now drop the heat to low and let the balsamic reduction simmer and reduce for about 15 minutes, or until it begins to thicken.

Chicken Caprese Recipe Tips

• Don’t overcook the chicken- Be careful not to overcook the chicken breasts because they will dry out quickly. Check them with a meat thermometer to be sure they are done.
• Choose high-quality ingredients- With a recipe like this one, the quality of the ingredients really matters. Look for the best balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and tomatoes that your budget allows to ensure the best flavors.
• Only allow the reduction to thicken slightly. Keep an eye on the simmering balsamic reduction to avoid overcooking it, thickening it to a paste. Once it starts to thicken, take it off the heat for the best taste and texture.
• Use fresh herbs Fresh basil is a must here for the perfect bright flavor.

Add-ins and Substitutes

• Add pesto sauce- The herbaceous flavor of this sauce is a tasty addition.
• Substitute other tomatoes- If you prefer grape tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes, they work, too.
• Use Italian dressing- You can drizzle Italian dressing over the chicken in place of the balsamic reduction for a different flavor.
• Sub chicken thighs- For even juicier meat, you can sub chicken thighs for the breasts.

FAQs

How do you know when the chicken is fully cooked? The best way to know is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The temperature should be at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Can this be made on the grill? Yes, you could also grill the seasoned chicken breasts and then melt the cheese on them. But the balsamic reduction and sauteed garlic and tomatoes is best done on the stovetop.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Caprese is light, sweet, tangy, and savory. It packs so many flavors that it will be the perfect complement to your table!

• Pasta: Chicken caprese can be served alongside Italian Sausage Ravioli or Pesto Gnocchi or over your favorite pasta.
• Salads: You’ll adore this Spinach Pomegranate Salad as a side, or start with a Easy Antipasto Salad (low carb). Level up a basic salad with this Chicken Caprese on top.
• Rice: Serve it over a bed of white rice or wild brown rice.
• Sides: Serve it with Garlic Parmesan Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus (Oven Baked), or Roasted Air Fryer Vegetables.
• Pizza: Mushroom Arugula Flatbread Pizza and Margherita Pizza Recipe are great with Chicken Caprese.
• Dessert: Don’t forget dessert! Try this Tiramisu Cake Recipe (VIDEO) or some Nutella Brownies after dinner.

What to serve with balsamic reduction?

Leftover balsamic reduction? Or just loved the flavor and want to know where else to use it? I love it with these recipes!

• Chopped Caprese Salad
• Roasted Chicken
• Margherita Pizza
• Grilled Chicken Kabobs

Make this Chicken Caprese in Advance

Make-Ahead: To prep Chicken Caprese ahead of time, cook the chicken, slice the cheese, and make the balsamic reduction. Store them separately in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, melt the cheese on the chicken, saute the garlic and tomatoes, and then assemble and garnish. Storing: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for 3-4 days. Freeze: If you don’t plan to eat it right away, place the Chicken Caprese in an airtight container or freezer ziplock bag and freeze for 1-2 months. Allow it to thaw overnight and then heat it in the oven until warmed through.

More Tasty Chicken Dishes!

• Grilled Teriyaki Chicken
• Chipotle Chicken Bowl Recipe (VIDEO)
• Chicken Scampi Recipe
• Creamy Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Savory Crepes with Chicken and Mushroom Filling

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