Chicken Caprese

Recipe Introduction: Get Ready for Chicken Caprese!

Ever crave that taste of italy? i know i do! this chicken caprese recipe brings the sun-soaked flavours of italy right to your kitchen.

It's basically like a hug in food form, using that classic caprese flavour combo. and honestly, who doesn't love balsamic vinegar?!

Quick and Easy Italian Magic

Craving a simple yet elegant italian meal? chicken caprese is your answer! a flavour explosion of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil will leave your taste buds singing.

This dish showcases the beautiful simplicity of italian cuisine.

A Taste of Italy, Effortlessly

The classic caprese salad hails from the isle of capri in italy. this chicken caprese recipe simply adapts this delicious salad in a very palatable way.

It’s an easy recipe, ready in about 35 minutes . this serves about 4 hungry people!

Why You'll Love This Dish

This isn't just any chicken recipes 5 ingredients or less . the main benefit? it’s packed with protein and healthy fats.

It's the perfect weeknight meal! what makes it special? the balsamic glaze. honestly, it's totally moreish and brings so much flavour to the dish ( recipes with balsamic vinegar ).

Okay, let's gather the ingredients! We're taking a trip to Italy, people!

The Core Ingredients

• We're starting with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. About 6 oz each
• You'll want about 1 tbsp of olive oil
• Then the classic Italian seasoning. About 1 tsp.
• Also, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
• Grab some salt and pepper to taste.

The Toppings and Garnishes

• We want about a pint of halved cherry tomatoes.
• Next up is 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese.
• Don't forget 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves. We want them roughly chopped.
• Grab 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze too
• Then finally fresh basil sprigs

And there you have it, all the ingredients you need! I can't wait to see how you recreate this amazing dish.

(Recipes Using Balsamic Vinegar) ? You've got it!.

(One Pan Italian Chicken Skillet) ? You betcha!. This is a really handy recipe.

Don't wait any longer to try it!

Alright, here's the section on ingredients and equipment for our chicken caprese , keeping it super simple and chatty! this isn't just some random dish; it's basically like chicken calabrese meets summer in italy.

You know?

What You Need: The Dream Team

Honestly, this Chicken Caprese is so easy. Recipes With Balsamic Vinegar are always a winner! It's almost embarrassing. But hey, simple is good, right? Plus, we might even call this Chicken Recipes 5 Ingredients Or Less if we're feeling cheeky!

Main Ingredients: Keep it Fresh

• Chicken breasts: 4 (about 6 oz/170g each). Look for plump ones with a nice, even colour. Avoid anything pale or bruised. Remember, happy chicken, happy meal.
• Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Extra virgin is best for that flavour kick, but anything you have knocking about will do at a push.
• Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5 ml) . You probably already have this.
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) . Adds a nice little edge.
• Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint (about 300g) , halved. Go for the ripest, reddest ones you can find. Honestly, sometimes they're a bit sad. Don't worry, we'll make them shine!
• Fresh mozzarella: 8 ounces (about 225g) , sliced. Get the proper stuff, the kind packed in water. It's worth it.
• Fresh basil: ¼ cup (about 15g) , roughly chopped. Smells amazing, doesn't it?
• Balsamic glaze: ¼ cup (60ml) . You can get this ready-made, or reduce some balsamic vinegar in a pan for a more authentic Recipes Using Balsamic Vinegar touch.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs

Italian seasoning is key. it's a great starting point. the basil is absolutely essential for that chicken caprese flavour. honestly, you can't skip that.

A good grind of black pepper really brings it all together too.

Equipment Needed: Nothing Fancy

• A large skillet or frying pan. Non-stick is your friend.
• A cutting board and knife. Obvious, right?
• Maybe a meat mallet. Or a rolling pin if you are feeling a bit Healthy Chicken Meals but need to let some aggression out!
• A small bowl for mixing the chicken seasoning.
• Spatula or tongs. For flipping that chicken.

That's it! told you it was easy. imagine this with a side of crusty bread and a glass of wine.

That is a perfect one pan italian chicken skillet meal. oh my gosh! we are nearly there!

Alright, let’s dive into making chicken caprese . you know, that dish that screams summer in italy but is totally doable in your kitchen, even if you're a bit rubbish at cooking.

It’s like a tricked out version of the classic salad. honestly, it is better than any takeout.

Prep Steps for Chicken Caprese Goodness

Before we get going, let’s get organised. mise en place , as they say fancy french for “everything in its place.

” basically, chop your tomatoes, slice that mozzarella, and get the basil ready. this way, you won’t be flapping about mid-cook.

Essential Mise en Place for the Italian Dream

Halve about 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. slice 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella. roughly chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil.

Honestly, having this all prepped makes the whole thing so much smoother. trust me.

Time Saving Organization: Chop Like a Boss

Here's a cheeky tip: get the other half (or your kids!) to chop whilst you get everything else ready. multi tasking at its finest, innit? this also means less washing up later.

It's a win-win.

Making the Chicken Caprese Magic: step-by-step

Okay, here's where the magic happens. Don't worry, it's easier than fitting into those jeans after Christmas.

1. Pound that Chicken: Flatten those 4 chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick. Makes them cook evenly. If you don't have a meat mallet, a rolling pin works a treat.
2. Season it Up: Mix 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Slather it all over the chicken.
3. Sear Like a Pro: Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Pop in the chicken and sear for 5- 7 minutes per side. You want that golden brown colour.
4. Caprese Time: Top each chicken breast with the sliced mozzarella and halved cherry tomatoes.
5. Melt It: Either keep the skillet on the hob (covered) or transfer to a baking sheet. Cook until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly, about 2- 3 minutes . Watch it like a hawk to avoid burning.
6. Basil and Balsamic: Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with the fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze about 1/4 cup . Bam! Ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Chicken Caprese Perfection

Alright, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I've picked up over the years.

Expert Techniques and Shortcuts

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken. Cook in batches if needed. Trust me, you'll get a much better sear. This is a healthy Chicken Calabrese alternative to the standard frying.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the chicken. use a meat thermometer and aim for 165° f ( 74° c) . dry chicken is a crime against humanity.

This makes for a quick one pan italian chicken skillet

make-ahead Options

You can prep the chicken and tomato and mozzarella topping ahead of time. then, just sear and melt when you're ready to eat.

Perfect for busy weeknights. you can even save yourself even more time using chicken recipes 5 ingredients or less

Honestly, this chicken caprese is a winner. it's quick, easy, and tastes like you've slaved away for hours. and, who doesn’t love recipes using balsamic vinegar ? enjoy! this is even a great dish for anyone searching dinners with balsamic vinegar .

So delicious! its so easy that could even be called baked margarita chicken . i hope this becomes one of your favourite healthy chicken meals !

Alright, let's dive into some extra bits for our amazing Chicken Caprese recipe. I'm tellin' ya, this is a winner. And a quick one too.

Recipe Notes: The Nitty Gritty

Honestly, sometimes the best part of a recipe is knowing all the little secrets to make it even better.

Serving Suggestions: Plating Perfection

How you present your chicken caprese matters, you know? i like to pile it high on a plate, letting the colours pop.

Think a swirl of balsamic glaze and a generous scattering of fresh basil.

For sides, a simple green salad works wonders. or maybe some crusty bread to mop up all that delicious sauce.

I've even paired it with roasted asparagus. seriously, you can't go wrong. also, a chilled glass of pinot grigio? absolutely perfect! you know i also tried it with baked margarita chicken , and it was amazing, i love exploring different recipes and flavors.

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? no worries! pop the chicken caprese in an airtight container and it'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For reheating, a quick zap in the microwave works. i've also had success with a low oven (around 300° f/ 150° c) to keep it from drying out.

I do not recommend freezing this dish. the mozzarella gets a funny texture when thawed.

Variations: Shake it Up!

Want to tweak things? go for it! for a dairy-free version, try using a vegan mozzarella alternative. i've heard cashew based ones work well.

For a seasonal swap, use peaches instead of tomatoes in the summer. talk about a flavour explosion. also, consider trying chicken calabrese .

It's a similar italian inspired dish but with a bit more heat. you could also try the one pan italian chicken skillet for an even easier cleanup.

Nutrition Basics: Feel Good Food

Okay, so chicken caprese is relatively healthy, clocking in at about 350 calories per serving. it is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken.

Plus, you're getting some good vitamins from the tomatoes and basil. if you are looking for healthy chicken meals , this should definitely be on your list.

Plus, it only needs chicken recipes 5 ingredients or less !

Balsamic vinegar has some health benefits, like improved digestion and blood sugar control, but don't overdo the glaze. remember, nutritional information is always an estimate.

I mean there are many recipes using balsamic vinegar that are very delicious and healthy.

So there you have it! my extra tips and tricks for the most amazing chicken caprese . honestly, it's one of my favourite dinners with balsamic vinegar and is really quick to prepare.

Now get in the kitchen and whip up something delicious. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken caprese ahead of time? I'm thinking about prepping this for a midweek meal, you know, like a savvy mum!

While chicken caprese is best served immediately for optimal flavor and texture, you can prep some components in advance. You can pound and season the chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

However, assemble the caprese topping and cook the chicken just before serving to prevent the mozzarella from becoming rubbery and the tomatoes from getting soggy. Think of it like a good cup of tea, always best fresh!

What's the best way to store leftover chicken caprese, and how long will it last?

Leftover chicken caprese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It's best consumed within 2-3 days. Keep in mind that the mozzarella will become firmer and the tomatoes may release some liquid, but the flavour will still be delicious.

Reheat gently in the microwave or oven; avoid overheating, or you'll end up with a rubbery texture akin to a badly microwaved ready meal!

I don't have balsamic glaze. What can I use instead for my chicken caprese?

If you're out of balsamic glaze, don't fret! You can easily make a quick substitute by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces and thickens slightly. Alternatively, you could use a drizzle of honey or a small amount of fig jam for a touch of sweetness.

It won't be quite the same, mind you, but still adds a lovely finishing touch, a bit like adding gravy to your Sunday roast!

Is chicken caprese healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?

Chicken caprese can be a relatively healthy meal, as it's high in protein and features fresh ingredients like tomatoes and basil. However, the mozzarella cheese contributes to the fat content. To make it even healthier, consider using part skim mozzarella or reducing the amount of cheese.

Pairing it with a big salad and perhaps some couscous, like you'd find in Ottolenghi's book, would be a great healthy choice.

Can I grill the chicken for this chicken caprese recipe? I'm having a barbie and I want to impress my mates, you know?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a lovely smoky flavour. Prepare the chicken as directed, then grill it over medium heat until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Then, either add the caprese toppings on the grill during the last few minutes (close the lid to help the mozzarella melt) or assemble them on the cooked chicken once it's off the grill.

Just watch out for flare ups - you don't want to burn the chicken like a bad joke!

My mozzarella is always watery! How do I prevent that when making chicken caprese?

That's a common issue! To prevent watery mozzarella, opt for "low-moisture" fresh mozzarella. If using regular fresh mozzarella, slice it and place it between paper towels for about 30 minutes before using to draw out excess moisture.

Also, avoid overcooking the chicken after adding the mozzarella, as prolonged heat will cause it to release more water. It's all about keeping it fresh and not letting it get too soggy, similar to a good sponge cake!