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Fresh Caprese Chicken Recipe Easy Homemade with Sweet Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and easy Fresh Caprese Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and a sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 large ripe Roma or vine tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • About 20 fresh basil leaves, whole
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
  • Fresh ground black pepper to finish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. (2 minutes)
  3. Place chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook until golden brown on one side, about 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes. (10-12 minutes total)
  4. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add minced garlic to the pan, stirring around the chicken to release aroma without burning. (2 minutes)
  5. Lower heat to medium. Place tomato slices on each chicken breast, then top with mozzarella slices and scatter fresh basil leaves. Cover skillet with lid or foil to melt cheese gently. (3-4 minutes)
  6. While chicken finishes cooking, pour balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan with honey or brown sugar. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and syrupy, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in butter at the end for a glossy finish. (10 minutes)
  7. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If not, cover and cook an extra minute or two.
  8. Transfer chicken to plates and drizzle sweet balsamic reduction over each piece. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper. (2 minutes)

Notes

If mozzarella isn’t melting fast enough, briefly broil the skillet for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Let chicken rest a couple of minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a crispy crust. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Stir balsamic reduction frequently and remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic reduction, easy chicken recipe, fresh mozzarella, basil chicken, weeknight dinner, Italian chicken

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/fresh-caprese-chicken-recipe-easy-homemade-with-sweet-balsamic-reduction/