Easy Chicken Caprese Recipe with Fresh Mozzarella & Basil

If you love fresh, simple flavors, a chicken Caprese recipe is a great dish to try. It combines juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella for a tasty meal you can make quickly.

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This recipe is perfect when you want something healthy but still filling. You don’t need many ingredients, and it works well for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without too much fuss.

You’ll enjoy how easy it is to put together, plus the bright flavors will make your meal feel special. Keep reading to find out how to make this delicious dish step by step.

How to Make Chicken Caprese

You’ll need fresh, simple ingredients, careful cooking steps, and a few tips to keep the chicken juicy and the mozzarella fresh. You can finish the dish with easy serving ideas that add color and flavor.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

For this recipe, you need:

Chicken breasts: boneless and skinless work best.
Fresh mozzarella: choose high-quality balls or slices.
Tomatoes: ripe, firm tomatoes like Roma or vine-ripe.
Fresh basil leaves: for flavor and freshness.
Olive oil: use extra virgin for the best taste.
Balsamic glaze or vinegar: adds a nice tang.
Salt and pepper: to season.

If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, use fresh burrata or a mild soft cheese as a substitute. Cherry tomatoes can replace larger tomatoes, and if balsamic glaze isn’t available, reduce balsamic vinegar on the stove until thickened.

Chicken Caprese

Ingredients:

2 large chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large tomatoes, sliced
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
Fresh basil leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions:

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and golden brown on the outside. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the tomato slices and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.

Place the chicken breasts back in the skillet on top of the tomatoes. Layer slices of fresh mozzarella on each chicken breast. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the mozzarella has melted.

Remove the skillet from heat. Top each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze if using. Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Serve the Chicken Caprese hot, paired with a side salad, pasta, or crusty bread.

Tips for Juicy Chicken and Fresh Mozzarella

To keep chicken moist, don’t overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking.

For mozzarella, let it drain on paper towels if it’s too wet. This stops your dish from becoming watery.

Add mozzarella at the end and warm gently to keep its creamy texture without melting it completely.

Serving Suggestions and Garnishing Ideas

Serve Chicken Caprese with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.

Drizzle extra balsamic glaze for more flavor and an attractive look.

Add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or lemon zest to brighten the dish.

Fresh basil sprigs or chopped herbs make nice garnishes and add visual appeal.

This dish works well warm or at room temperature for easy entertaining.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Caprese

To keep your Chicken Caprese fresh and tasty, it’s important to plan ahead and store leftovers the right way. You also want to warm it carefully to keep the flavors and texture just right.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you want to prepare Chicken Caprese ahead of time, cook the chicken fully but wait to add the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella until just before serving. This keeps the fresh ingredients from getting soggy.

Store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container and keep fresh toppings in the fridge. This way, the chicken stays juicy and the basil and mozzarella stay fresh.

You can also marinate the chicken before cooking for extra flavor that develops even when you make it in advance.

Leftover Storage Guidelines

Place leftover Chicken Caprese in an airtight container to prevent drying out. You want to store it in the fridge within 2 hours of cooking.

Keep the toppings like basil and tomatoes separate if you can, since they get watery and limp over time.

Use leftovers within 3 to 4 days to maintain safety and taste.

If you need to freeze the chicken, remove fresh toppings first and freeze the chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Defrost it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Best Methods for Reheating

Warm your Chicken Caprese gently to avoid drying out the chicken or melting all the cheese unevenly.

The oven is best: heat at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes, uncovered. This helps keep the chicken juicy and melts the cheese just right.

You can also use a microwave, but do it in short bursts (30 seconds) and check frequently to avoid overheating.

Add fresh basil and tomatoes after reheating to preserve their flavor and freshness.

If frozen, thaw thoroughly before reheating for best results.

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