Description
This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to perfection and topped with a tangy balsamic reduction, fresh cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s a quick and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, combining classic Italian flavors in a simple skillet meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Toppings
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4-8 thin slices mozzarella cheese
- Sliced fresh basil, for serving
Instructions
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken and keep warm tented with foil.
- Make sauce: To the same pan, add chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom for extra flavor. Stir in balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (if using), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Let the mixture simmer over medium heat until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cook tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pan and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften but remain intact, avoiding overcooking to maintain texture.
- Finish dish: Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spooning the balsamic sauce over them as they heat through for 2 to 3 minutes. Then, remove the pan from heat and top each chicken breast with 1 to 2 slices of mozzarella cheese. Cover the pan with a lid and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with sliced fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Brown sugar is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet sauce.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or over pasta for a complete meal.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
