Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (2024)

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This easy Chicken Caprese recipe is bound to become one of your family’s favorite dinner idea! Chicken breasts are topped with garlic cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic vinegar. Ready in 30-minutes!

Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (1)

Table of Contents

  • Juicy Homemade Chicken Caprese
  • What is Chicken Caprese?
  • What You’ll Need
  • How to Make Chicken Caprese
  • Tips for Success
  • Serving Suggestions
  • How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
  • Get the Recipe

    Juicy Homemade Chicken Caprese

    If you’ve run out of ideas on how to spice up this week’s chicken dinner, don’t sweat it for another minute. I am in major big-time-whoa love with this Chicken Caprese, and I guarantee you will be too. Just wait until you taste it!! Sautéed chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella cheese and garlicky tomatoes? Um, yes please!

    In addition to being incredibly tasty, this recipe is also a breeze to put together, and easily divided in two for a smaller serving. Plus, as long as you watch your cheese and olive oil, it’s pretty healthy!

    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (2)

    What is Chicken Caprese?

    Chicken Caprese is a dinnertime twist on the slightly simpler caprese salad. A typical Italian caprese salad is made up of thick slices of ripe tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, strips of basil, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. To make the salad a little more filling, you can add in chicken breast, and it becomes a hearty, colorful meal!

    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (3)

    What You’ll Need

    Chicken Caprese can be made any time of year, but it’s an especially wonderful summertime meal if you have a garden growing with tomatoes and basil!

    Wondering what else you’ll need? Gather up the following 9 ingredients:

    • Chicken: I like to use 4 skinless chicken breasts, but you could do skinless and boneless if you want – just adjust the cooking time.
    • Seasoning: Add a little kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
    • Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
    • Garlic: 3 large cloves, minced.
    • Tomatoes: I generally use 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved.
    • Basil: I recommend using 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped. If you don’t have fresh basil you could season the chicken with dried basil.
    • Cheese: 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella is my go-to, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices.
    • Garnish: Balsamic vinegar, to taste.

    How to Make Chicken Caprese

    This easy chicken dinner is cooked and plated in 5 steps. First, you’ll season and sauté the chicken, then you’ll add in the tomatoes and mozzarella. The end result is a fragrant pan of chicken just waiting to be devoured!

    Season the Chicken: Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts and set aside.

    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (4)

    Cook the Chicken: In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken, cover pan, and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip chicken breasts and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked thoroughly (or has reached an internal temp of 165°F).

    Sauté the Garlic: Remove chicken and place on a plate and cover with foil. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to sauté pan. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, scraping up all the little bits of chicken left in the pan.

    Sauté the Tomatoes: Add tomatoes and continue sautéing until tomatoes skin starts to soften/wrinkle, about 5 minutes. Stir in basil and quickly place chicken back in pan. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella.

    • Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (5)
    • Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (6)

    Briefly Melt the Cheese: Cover pan with lid and let the mozzarella melt, about 1-2 minutes. Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar and serve immediately!

    • Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (7)
    • Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (8)

    Tips for Success

    Who knew such a pretty dish could be so easy to put together? Here are some extra tips to ensure that things go smoothly for you:

    • Don’t Undercook the Chicken: Rubbery, underdone chicken is definitely not the goal here. I recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees before you remove it from the pan.
    • Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have mozzarella, use another melty cheese like provolone.
    • Tomato Tip: If cherry tomatoes are not in season or you don’t like the options at your local store, try making this dish with sun dried tomatoes instead – the flavors will still be amazing!
    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (9)

    Serving Suggestions

    Let’s talk side dishes! There are a number of sides that you can serve with this chicken:

    • Noodles: I like to make a quick serving of buttery pasta (with a squeeze of lemon) to go alongside this chicken.
    • Garlic Bread: For if we are feeling extra carby!
    • Salad and Vegetables: Mashed cauliflower or a side arugula salad are the healthier options that we usually serve with this meal.

    How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

    To store Chicken Caprese, refrigerate it in an airtight container for 2-3 days. When you want to reheat it, pour a little olive oil into a pan on medium heat, and add some extra cheese on top of the chicken. Cook until the chicken and tomatoes reach the desired temperature.

    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (10)

    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (11)

    4.5 from 66 votes

    Print Pin Recipe

    Yield: 4 servings

    Chicken Caprese

    Chicken Caprese is made with garlicky cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, fresh basil, and balsamic vinegar. This easy 30 minute dinner will wow your tastebuds and satisfy your cheesy cravings!

    Prep Time10 minutes minutes

    Cook Time20 minutes minutes

    Total Time30 minutes minutes

    Ingredients

    • 4 skinless chicken breasts
    • kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
    • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
    • 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped
    • 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices
    • balsamic vinegar, to taste

    Instructions

    • Salt and pepper both sides of the chicken breasts and set aside.

    • In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken, cover pan, and cook for about 10 minutes. Flip chicken breasts and continue cooking until the chicken is cooked thoroughly (or has reached an internal temp of 165°F).

    • Remove chicken and place on a plate and cover with foil. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil tosauté pan. Add garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant, scraping up all the little bits of chicken left in the pan.

    • Add tomatoes and continue sautéing until tomatoes skin starts to soften/wrinkle, about 5 minutes.Stir in basil and quickly place chicken back in pan. Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of mozzarella.

    • Cover pan with lid and let the mozzarella melt, about 1-2 minutes.Drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar and serve immediately!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1, Calories: 462kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 51g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 147mg, Sodium: 527mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g

    © Jessica – The Novice Chef

    Cuisine: Italian

    Category: Chicken

    Categories:

    • 30 Min or Less
    • Chicken
    • Diet
    • Dinner Ideas
    • Gluten Free
    • Healthy
    • Low Carb
    • Recipes
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    More easy chicken dinner ideas

    If you’re a fan of easy chicken recipes, take a look at these!

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    Post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

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    Easy Balsamic Chicken Caprese Recipe - Ready in 30 Minutes! (2024)

    FAQs

    Is the chicken caprese discontinued? ›

    Starbucks has recently removed the beloved Chicken Caprese Panini from their menu, leaving many customers disappointed and frustrated. This panini was a fan favorite, with its delicious combination of grilled chicken, mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and basil pesto on ciabatta bread.

    How long to cook chicken breast in oven at 350? ›

    chicken breast at 350°F (177˚C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165˚F (74˚C).

    What is caprese chicken made of? ›

    This Caprese Chicken has the most flavorful balsamic sauce, seasoned and seared chicken, fresh tomatoes, and basil. It comes together quickly in a skillet before a brief bake in the oven to melt the fresh mozzarella cheese! Be sure to serve this with greens and beans and smashed or roasted potatoes!

    How long can caprese sit out? ›

    The salad can sit at room temperature, loosely covered with a clean dish towel for a few hours.

    Why is caprese called caprese? ›

    The salad is named after the island of Capri, where it is believed to have originated. Two common stories about its origin include it being an homage to the Italian flag or "in the 20th century to appease the palates of vacationing royalty and important politicos".

    Why is caprese so good? ›

    Everyone loves this colorful combination and it's easy to see why in its artful balance of flavors: creamy, milky mozzarella takes on the tomato's acidity and the sweetly herbaceous basil, where the extra virgin olive oil adds a mild fruitiness that brings it all together. It's like they were made for each other!

    Will chicken cook at 350 for 30 minutes? ›

    Generally, boneless chicken breasts take around 25-30 minutes to cook in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, while bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks may take 35-45 minutes.

    Is it better to bake chicken at 350 or 400? ›

    Given the fact that drumsticks and thighs are dark meat and won't dry out as easily as breasts, the range from 350 to 450 degrees is okay for baking them. 350 to 375 is generally best for breasts. The best answer to these questions? Simply check the chicken for doneness using an instant read thermometer.

    Is it better to bake chicken covered or uncovered? ›

    Larger cuts, such as whole chickens or bone-in pieces, often benefit from covered baking to ensure thorough and even cooking. Smaller cuts, like chicken breasts or tenders, can be baked uncovered for quick results. Lastly, think about the desired texture and flavor you're trying to achieve.

    What does caprese mean in Italian? ›

    As it's called in Italian, Insalata caprese, Caprese salad literally means “Salad of Capri.” Although nobody knows whether or not the salad was actually first made on the Italian island, it likely originated from a dish made in Capri from a different type of cheese, cacio, served with tomatoes.

    How healthy is caprese? ›

    You'll also be getting a good dose of potassium, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Tomatoes get their signature red color from something called lycopene. Lycopene is linked to better heart and eye health. Basil – Basil is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and natural essential oils.

    Is caprese actually Italian? ›

    In the 1920's, right after the close of World War I, a particularly patriotic stone worker wanted to create a dish that was a tribute to his beloved country. He did this by creating the caprese salad; The red, green, and white dish perfectly represented Italy.

    What can I substitute basil for in Caprese? ›

    Spinach, particularly baby spinach, can be a great substitute for basil in dishes where the herb would be served raw, like pesto or Caprese salads. Spinach provides similar color and texture to fresh basil, although it lacks some of the herb's aromatic nuance.

    What tomatoes are good for caprese? ›

    When selecting tomatoes, choose fragrant ones that smell earthy at the stem end and feel heavy for their size. Avoid any with wrinkled skins. You can also make a caprese with smaller tomato varieties, such as plum, roma, cherry, grape, or sungold.

    How are you supposed to eat caprese? ›

    It stays fresher and it's really easy to use a fork to break your portion up into bite size pieces. Or just eat it with your hands! Another way to serve a Caprese style salad is to chop everything into bite-size pieces, toss with the olive oil and vinegar, and serve over a bed of lettuce or as a chilled pasta salad.

    Did Starbucks get rid of the chicken caprese sandwich? ›

    It didn't last long. As NBC News reported over the weekend, Starbucks quietly stopped selling the item on June 26, a mere five days after it had been announced as a new permanent menu item.

    Is the Starbucks chicken sandwich discontinued? ›

    Starbucks is finally bringing back its maple chicken breakfast sandwich. The item was originally launched in June 2022 before joining the list of fast food items we sadly lost during that year. However, it seems to have returned as quietly as it left.

    Who has the new Caprese sandwich? ›

    Jimmy John's® is giving its fans a taste of Italy, without the need for a passport, with the introduction of the New Caprese Salami Pesto sandwich.

    Does Panera have caprese? ›

    White meat chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, mozzarella and asiago cheese with a shell pasta in a creamy basil pesto sauce. 32g Protein. 1 Serving of Veggies.

    References

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