Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

$When making Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, it’s all about using fresh and quality ingredients. Here’s what you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, drained - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar - 2 tablespoons honey - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook evenly and stay juicy. If you can, choose organic chicken for the best flavor. Balsamic vinegar adds a rich, tangy taste. Honey balances the acidity with sweetness. Together, they create a smooth glaze that makes the chicken shine. Fresh mozzarella brings a creamy texture and mild flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and color. Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnish; they add a lovely aroma and freshness to the dish. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to cooking the chicken evenly. 2. Making the balsamic glaze In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons of honey. Heat over medium heat until it simmers gently. Stir it often. Let it cook for about 10-15 minutes. You want it to thicken slightly. When done, set it aside. 1. Seasoning instructions Take 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure to cover all areas for great flavor. 2. Searing techniques Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This gives the chicken a nice crust and locks in juices. 1. Adding ingredients to skillet After searing, reduce the heat to low. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of drained mozzarella balls around the chicken. This adds fresh flavor and texture. 2. Oven baking process Drizzle half of the balsamic glaze over the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures it is fully cooked. Now, you have a mouthwatering dish ready to impress! To make a great balsamic glaze, keep an eye on the cooking time. You want it to simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes. This helps it thicken just right. If it becomes too thick, you can always add a splash of water. To tell if your glaze is done, look for a syrup-like consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon. If it drips off too quickly, it needs more time. To avoid dry chicken, start by searing it well. Cook each side for 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown. This locks in the juices. After that, bake it in the oven. It helps keep the chicken tender. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white, not pink. For side dishes, consider a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. These pair well with the chicken's rich flavors. When plating, drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the dish. Add fresh basil leaves on top for a pop of color. This makes your meal look beautiful and appetizing. Pro Tips Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture and enhances flavor. Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes. They make all the difference in this dish. Adjust Glaze to Taste: Taste your balsamic reduction as it cooks. You can add more honey for sweetness or a splash of soy sauce for depth. Rest Your Chicken: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite. {{image_2}} You might not have mozzarella on hand. Try using ricotta or goat cheese instead. These cheeses add creamy texture and flavor. If you're looking for vegan options, use cashew cheese or tofu. They work well with the balsamic glaze and keep the dish tasty. To make your dish pop, add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. These herbs bring a nice aroma. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for heat. If you like garlic, add fresh minced garlic to the chicken while cooking. This will boost the flavor even more. You can grill the chicken if you prefer a smoky taste. Just marinate it in balsamic glaze before grilling. Cook it until it's charred and juicy. If grilling isn't your thing, you can use a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken very tender and flavorful. To keep your Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps maintain flavor and moisture. Refrigerate the container right away. You can safely store it for up to three days. If you wait longer, the chicken may spoil. If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely first. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, take the chicken out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also use a microwave for quick thawing. When ready to eat, heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy and delicious. To keep chicken juicy, start with good seasoning. I use salt and garlic powder. Searing the chicken is key. Cook it on medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes each side. This locks in moisture. After searing, bake it gently in the oven. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. When it hits 165°F, it’s perfect. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting. This helps keep it moist inside. Yes, you can make the balsamic glaze in advance. Just simmer the balsamic vinegar and honey as the recipe suggests. Once it cools, store it in an airtight container. It will stay good in the fridge for about a week. When you're ready to use it, just warm it up on the stove. This makes dinner prep quicker and easier! I love serving this dish with fresh sides. A simple green salad pairs well. You can also try roasted vegetables or garlic bread. Pasta with olive oil and herbs is another great choice. These sides complement the chicken and add variety to your meal. Don't forget to sprinkle some extra fresh basil on top for a pop of color! This blog post covered key ingredients for Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken. I detailed the preparation steps, cooking tips, and variations you can try. Remember to focus on the balsamic glaze—it’s key to flavor. Serve your dish with great sides to impress. Feel free to experiment with substitutes and cooking methods. With the right care, you can make this dish shine. Enjoy cooking, and let your taste buds lead the way!$

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

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

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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, drained
1 cup balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt
to taste pepper
for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small saucepan, combine the balsamic vinegar and honey. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
While the balsamic reduction is cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to low. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls to the skillet, distributing them around the chicken.
Drizzle half of the balsamic glaze over the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the skillet from the oven, drizzle the remaining balsamic glaze over the dish, and garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh basil for added flavor.

Keyword balsamic, caprese, chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes