5 from 18 votes
Caprese Chicken
Caprese Chicken combines pan-seared chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella cheese and a warm balsamic tomato sauce with garlic and fresh basil. The dish balances tender, juicy chicken with sweet roasted tomatoes and the creamy texture of melted cheese, finished with vibrant basil, creating a simple yet distinctive flavor profile inspired by the classic Caprese salad.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings:
4
servings
Calories:
283 kcal
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian, American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken breast about 1 1/2 pounds, see note 1, boneless, skinless
- salt freshly ground
- black pepper freshly ground
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pint grape tomatoes halved (see note 2)
- 2 tablespoons basil torn (see note 3, fresh leaves
- 4 lices mozzarella cheese (see note 4)
Instructions
- Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper (I like 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer and cook until golden brown on one side, about 6 minutes. Flip chicken, add water, and cover.
- Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees at the thickest part of a breast, about 4 to 5 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
- Add balsamic vinegar and garlic to skillet and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add tomatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer until tomatoes have softened and opened, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in basil and season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Return chicken to skillet, nestling among tomatoes. Top with mozzarella cheese and cover until cheese is melted, about 30 seconds.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick-cooking; chicken tenderloins or thighs can be used but adjust cooking time to ensure 165°F internal temperature.
- Use grape or cherry tomatoes for concentrated flavor and less watery sauce.
- Fresh basil adds peppery brightness; dried can substitute if fresh is unavailable.
- Fresh mozzarella provides creamier, saltier texture than regular mozzarella; often sold in liquid brine.
- Recipe yields four dinner-sized servings.
Nutrition Information
Serving
1breast
Calories
283kcal
(14%)
Carbohydrates
8g
(3%)
Protein
32g
(64%)
Fat
13g
(20%)
Saturated Fat
5g
(25%)
Trans Fat
1g
(50%)
Cholesterol
95mg
(32%)
Sodium
319mg
(13%)
Potassium
747mg
(16%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
6g
(12%)
Vitamin A
1264IU
(25%)
Vitamin C
18mg
(20%)
Calcium
170mg
(17%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 283
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1breast | |
| Calories | 283kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 8g | 3% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 13g | 20% |
| Saturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 319mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 747mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1264IU | 25% |
| Vitamin C | 18mg | 20% |
| Calcium | 170mg | 17% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.