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Flavorful Caprese Chicken Recipe with Easy Sweet Balsamic Reduction

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A quick and easy Caprese chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with melty burrata or mozzarella, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, and a sweet balsamic reduction. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (around 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (about 150 g), halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 8 oz burrata or fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn
  • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (120 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Pound to an even thickness about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm). Season both sides with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. In a small saucepan, combine balsamic vinegar and honey or brown sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently until thick and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside. (15 minutes)
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Add chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving until golden brown.
  5. Flip chicken breasts and immediately top each with burrata or mozzarella. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Cover skillet with lid and cook for another 5-6 minutes until cheese melts, chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), and tomatoes soften.
  6. Remove lid, sprinkle chopped basil over chicken and tomatoes. Drizzle sweet balsamic reduction over everything. Optionally add crushed red pepper flakes. Let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. Simmer balsamic reduction low and slow to avoid burning. Add cheese after flipping chicken to prevent overcooking. Let chicken rest before serving to keep it juicy. Give chicken enough space in pan to sear properly. Fresh basil is essential for flavor. Balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, balsamic reduction, chicken recipe, easy dinner, Italian chicken, burrata, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil

Find it online: https://spoonette.com/flavorful-caprese-chicken-recipe-with-easy-sweet-balsamic-reduction/