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Flavorful Caprese Chicken Recipe with Easy Sweet Balsamic Reduction

Flavorful Caprese Chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy Caprese chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights and dinner parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
  • Salt and pepper, to season
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • 2 medium Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • About 12 fresh basil leaves, torn or whole
  • ½ cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and honey. Stir to dissolve sugar. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. (Approx. 15 minutes)
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add chicken breasts. Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook another 5 minutes until nearly cooked through but still juicy. (Approx. 12 minutes)
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Layer sliced mozzarella and tomatoes evenly over each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil to let the cheese melt and tomatoes soften for about 3-4 minutes. Check that the cheese is melty but not completely liquified. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  5. Remove skillet from heat. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top of each chicken breast. Drizzle the sweet balsamic reduction generously over everything. Serve immediately while warm. (Approx. 2 minutes)

Notes

Drying the chicken before seasoning is essential for a good sear. Simmer the balsamic reduction gently to avoid burning. Use a lid or foil to melt the cheese evenly without drying it out. Cook chicken in batches if pan is crowded. The recipe can be adapted for vegetarian or dairy-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic reduction, easy dinner, quick recipe, chicken breast, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/flavorful-caprese-chicken-recipe-with-easy-sweet-balsamic-reduction/