Oh, summer, you and your glorious tomatoes! There’s just nothing quite like biting into a perfectly ripe, sun-kissed tomato when they’re at their absolute best, is there? That’s why I’m so thrilled for you to try this Balsamic Caprese Chicken. Seriously, it’s like a little taste of summer sunshine on a plate, and it’s my go-to for those easy, breezy weeknight summer meals when you want something delicious without a ton of fuss. Just like my mom taught me, great food tells a story, and this dish has a simple, beautiful one about fresh ingredients and effortless flavor. It’s a little piece of my kitchen, crafted using the passion for food and storytelling that’s been with me forever.
- Why You'll Love This Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Ingredients for Your Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- How to Prepare Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Tips for Perfect Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Balsamic Glaze Chicken
- Frequently Asked Questions about Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Nutritional Information for Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Share Your Balsamic Caprese Chicken Creation
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this recipe! It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights:
- Super quick to whip up – perfect for those evenings when you need dinner now.
- Packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that just scream summer.
- Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, making it an absolute breeze.
- This easy skillet chicken is destined to become a new summer favorite!
Ingredients for Your Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful summer dish:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and fresh black pepper, to your liking
- 4 ripe Roma tomatoes, sliced nicely
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, also sliced
- 1/4 cup of that lovely balsamic glaze
- A generous handful of fresh basil leaves, about 1/4 cup
How to Prepare Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Alright, let’s get this beautiful dish on the table! It’s really a straightforward process, and honestly, half the fun is just smelling those tomatoes and basil come to life.
Step 1: Prepare the Skillet or Grill
First things first, get your skillet nice and hot over medium-high heat. If you’re grilling, same deal – aim for medium-high. Give it a little swirl of that olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom, so nothing sticks.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
Now, take your chicken breasts and give them a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be shy! Pop them into the hot skillet (or onto the grill) and let them cook for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. You want them to be beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through.
Step 3: Add Toppings and Melt Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully arrange those lovely tomato slices right on top. Follow that with your fresh mozzarella slices. Pop a lid on the skillet or close the grill lid for just 2 to 3 more minutes. You just want the cheese to get all melty and glorious.
Step 4: Finish and Serve Your Caprese Chicken
The best part! Drizzle that incredible balsamic glaze all over everything. Then, scatter those fresh basil leaves on top. Oh, that aroma! Serve your beautiful caprese chicken right away. It’s a summer dream!
Tips for Perfect Balsamic Caprese Chicken
You know, the magic really lies in the quality of your ingredients for this one. When you’re working with something as simple and fresh as this Balsamic Caprese Chicken, every little bit counts. For the best summer tomato recipes, always try to pick the ripest, most flavorful tomatoes you can find – Roma are great, but a really good heirloom tomato works wonders too! And please, please use fresh mozzarella; it melts so much better and has that lovely creamy texture that just makes everything pop. This isn’t just a meal, it’s a whole vibe for a fresh basil dinner.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Balsamic Glaze Chicken
Let’s talk about making this balsamic glaze chicken absolutely perfect! Roma tomatoes are my go-to because they’re nice and meaty, but if you can’t find them, don’t sweat it! Cherry tomatoes, halved, work like a charm too. And for the mozzarella, please, please grab the fresh stuff in the ball, not the shredded kind – it melts so much better!
Frequently Asked Questions about Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Got questions about this easy skillet chicken? I’m happy to help!
Can I grill Balsamic Caprese Chicken?
Absolutely! You can totally grill this. Just follow the same steps, but grill the chicken until cooked, then top with tomatoes and mozzarella, cover the grill, and let that cheese melt.
What are good side dishes for this mozzarella chicken?
This mozzarella chicken is so versatile! It’s lovely with a simple side salad, some crusty bread to sop up any extra glaze, or even some roasted asparagus. Keeps those weeknight summer meals light and tasty!
How do I make a simple balsamic glaze?
It’s so easy! Just gently simmer about half a cup of plain balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat for about 10-15 minutes. It’ll thicken up as it cools. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
Nutritional Information for Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Just a heads-up, nutrition-wise, this dish is pretty wholesome! These are just estimates, of course, because how things turn out can change a little depending on exactly what you use and how you cook it, but it’s a good idea to have a ballpark figure.
Share Your Balsamic Caprese Chicken Creation
Have you made this incredible Balsamic Caprese Chicken? I’d LOVE to hear all about it! Please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you try any fun variations? Share your photos and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see your creations!
PrintBalsamic Caprese Chicken
A summer chicken dish with tomato, basil, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. Perfect for peak tomato season.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 30 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 Roma tomatoes, sliced
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet or grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Top chicken with tomato slices and mozzarella cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in balsamic vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use cherry tomatoes if Roma tomatoes are unavailable.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg