Chicken Caprese Recipe
A delightful and healthy Chicken Caprese dish featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomato slices, basil, and a sweet and tangy homemade balsamic reduction. Perfect for a flavorful, low-carb meal inspired by classic Italian flavors.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 4 slices tomato
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure it is hot enough for cooking the chicken evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper on both sides for a flavorful base.
- Prepare the Grill: Spray the grill grates with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook until they are almost fully cooked through, turning as needed for even grill marks and doneness.
- Add Mozzarella: Place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast, then close the grill lid and allow a few minutes for the cheese to melt beautifully over the chicken.
- Make the Balsamic Reduction: While the chicken cooks, combine balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for about 10 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half, forming a thick, sweet glaze. Keep warm until serving.
- Assemble the Caprese: Remove the chicken from the grill. Top each breast with fresh slices of tomato and sprinkle with sliced basil leaves for a burst of freshness.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm balsamic reduction over the topped chicken breasts. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and tangy flavors.
Notes
- You can use fresh mozzarella slices for a creamier texture but make sure they are well-drained to avoid excess moisture.
- If you don’t have a grill, the chicken can be cooked using a grill pan on the stovetop or baked in the oven at 375°F until cooked through.
- For a thicker balsamic glaze, continue simmering the vinegar longer but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to garnish with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Leftover balsamic reduction can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: Chicken Caprese, grilled chicken, balsamic reduction, Italian chicken recipe, mozzarella chicken, healthy chicken dinner