Juicy Caprese Chicken
Pan-seared or grilled chicken breasts are seasoned and topped with melted mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, then finished with a sticky balsamic glaze. It’s a low-carb, high-protein, Mediterranean-style dish that’s perfect for weeknights or date nights.
Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
4 slices fresh mozzarella (or ~1 cup shredded)
Caprese Toppings:
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Balsamic Glaze:
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp honey or brown sugar
Instructions
1. Prep Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Remove from heat. If using shredded mozzarella, cover pan for 1–2 mins to melt it over the chicken.
3. Make the Balsamic Glaze
In a small saucepan, bring balsamic vinegar and honey to a simmer over medium heat.
Cook until reduced by half and slightly syrupy, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside.
4. Assemble
Top each chicken breast with mozzarella, tomato halves, and basil.
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with a touch of salt and red pepper flakes if desired.
5. Serve
Serve hot, optionally over arugula, quinoa, or roasted veggies for a full meal.
Serving Ideas
With roasted sweet potatoes or zucchini
Over a bed of arugula or spinach
With a side of pesto pasta or couscous
Tips & Variations
Oven method: After searing chicken, top with cheese and tomatoes and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
Grilled version: Grill chicken, then add toppings and return to grill or broiler briefly to melt.
Make it creamy: Add a spoonful of pesto under the mozzarella before melting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work well—just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I prep this ahead?
A: You can season and sear chicken ahead, then assemble and bake or broil right before serving.
Q: What kind of mozzarella is best?
A: Fresh mozzarella slices are best for a melty, authentic texture, but shredded low-moisture mozzarella works too.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 320
Protein: 36g
Carbs: 6g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg