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To make Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, you need the following items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/2 cup balsamic glaze - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if needed. Try these ideas: - Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a different protein. - Tomatoes: Roma tomatoes work well if you don’t have cherry ones. - Mozzarella: Feta cheese gives a nice tangy taste. - Balsamic glaze: Mix balsamic vinegar with honey for a quick substitute. - Olive oil: Avocado oil or canola oil can replace olive oil. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh basil adds a vibrant taste that dried basil can’t match. Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, which enhances the dish. If you must use dried herbs or canned tomatoes, adjust the amounts. Use one-third of the amount for dried herbs compared to fresh. For canned tomatoes, drain them well to avoid extra moisture. Choosing fresh over dried helps keep the meal light and delicious. If you can, always stick with fresh ingredients for the best results! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, take the chicken breasts and season them well. Use garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. This will add great flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for a nice golden color. After searing, drizzle 1/2 cup of balsamic glaze over the chicken. Make sure each piece gets coated. Scatter 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken. Now, transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is done. Once cooked, take the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken. Enjoy your meal! When making Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken, avoid overcooking the chicken. It can dry out fast. Always check the temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F. Using too much balsamic glaze can overpower the dish. Drizzle just enough for a sweet touch. Also, don’t skip the resting time. Let the chicken sit before serving. This helps keep the juices inside. Searing the chicken first gives it a nice crust. Cook it in a hot skillet with olive oil. This locks in flavors and moisture. After searing, bake the chicken to finish cooking. This method keeps the meat tender. Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to move easily from stovetop to oven. It also saves on cleaning dishes. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs. Basil is great, but consider thyme or oregano too. These herbs pair well with the balsamic glaze. You can also mix in garlic for more depth. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes. These simple changes can make a big difference. Feel free to experiment with different cheese, like goat cheese or feta, for a twist. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: To elevate the flavors of your Caprese chicken, opt for ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Fresh ingredients make all the difference! Perfectly Sear the Chicken: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. A good sear locks in moisture and adds a delicious golden crust. Experiment with Balsamic Glaze: Try making your own balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened. This adds depth and richness to your dish. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. {{image_2}} You can switch out chicken for other meats. Try using turkey breasts; they work well. Pork chops also taste great with balsamic glaze. If you choose fish, salmon is an excellent choice. It cooks quickly and pairs nicely with the glaze. Adjust cooking times for different proteins to ensure they cook through. For a vegan twist, replace chicken with eggplant or tofu. Eggplant slices can soak up the glaze well. Use firm tofu for a protein boost. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess water. This helps it absorb flavor better. You can also use portobello mushrooms; they are hearty and satisfying. Add zest to your dish with different herbs. Try oregano or thyme for a fresh taste. You can mix in a bit of red pepper flakes for heat. For a sweet touch, add sliced strawberries or peaches. They balance the balsamic flavor beautifully. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze on top before serving for more flavor. To store leftovers, place the chicken in an airtight container. Add any extra tomatoes and mozzarella. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing the container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. When you're ready to eat, reheat the chicken in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and tasty. You can also use a microwave, but heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. You can freeze Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken if you want to save it for later. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put it in a freezer bag or a container. It will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. Always check for quality before serving. You know the chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. The chicken should look white throughout with no pink inside. If you cut it open, the juices should run clear. This ensures it’s safe to eat. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the chicken and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, simply reheat it in the oven. This keeps the flavors fresh and tasty. You can also prep the ingredients the night before to save time. Several sides go well with this dish. Here are some great options: - Garlic bread - Steamed broccoli - Roasted asparagus - Mixed green salad with vinaigrette - Quinoa or rice for a filling meal These sides balance the flavors and make your meal complete. You can mix and match based on your taste! This blog post covered the key ingredients needed for Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken. We also explored ingredient swaps, cooking steps, and tips to avoid common mistakes. I shared how to store leftovers and answered common questions. In the end, mastering this dish adds flavor to your meals. With practice, you can wow your family and friends with ease. Enjoy cooking with fresh ingredients and make it your own!

Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken

A delicious and vibrant chicken dish featuring balsamic glaze, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
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 (bocconcini)
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/2 cup balsamic glaze
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides.
  • In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  • Remove the skillet from heat, and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken in the skillet.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the chicken and vegetables.
  • Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter, drizzled with extra balsamic glaze, and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a vibrant and refreshing look.
Keyword balsamic, caprese, chicken, easy, mozzarella