Garlic Balsamic Caprese Chicken is the perfect combination of juicy, tender chicken, savory garlic balsamic marinade, and fresh caprese toppings. Marinated for hours in a fragrant mixture of garlic, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil, the chicken comes out flavorful and juicy. Topped with bursting cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and simple to make. Plus, it’s ready in just 35 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Garlic Balsamic Marinade:
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8 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large shallot, minced
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3 leaves fresh basil, minced
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon pepper
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1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
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¼ cup balsamic vinegar
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¼ cup olive oil
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3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Toppings:
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, left whole or sliced in half lengthwise
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1 (8 oz) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
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A handful of fresh basil, sliced
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Balsamic glaze (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Balsamic Marinade
In a gallon-size ziplock bag, add the minced garlic, shallot, basil, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Close the bag and shake well to combine.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and add them to the marinade bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken and refrigerate the bag on a plate for at least 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Preheat and Sear the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while the oven heats up. Heat a large oven-safe skillet (such as cast iron) over medium-high heat and drizzle with oil. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3 minutes on the first side until caramelized. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2 minutes.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Turn off the burner and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes
While the chicken is baking, chop your topping ingredients and set aside. After about 8 minutes of baking, add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet. Continue to bake until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Once the chicken reaches 165°F, lay slices of fresh mozzarella over the chicken and return the skillet to the oven. Switch the oven setting to broil on HIGH and broil for a few minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly to your liking.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the oven. Sprinkle the chicken with fresh sliced basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with large portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist on this dish.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle over the chicken for a spicy kick.
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Pasta Option: Serve the garlic balsamic chicken and tomatoes over pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Cheese Variety: Swap out mozzarella for burrata or provolone for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the skin crisps up.
2. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic balsamic marinade up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just marinate the chicken when you’re ready to cook.
3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use provolone, gouda, or even Parmesan in place of mozzarella for a different flavor.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
5. Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?
Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken breasts over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, then add the mozzarella and let it melt on the grill or under a broiler.
6. Can I use a different vinegar instead of balsamic?
While balsamic vinegar is recommended for its deep flavor, you can substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a lighter option.
7. How do I store the balsamic glaze?
Store leftover balsamic glaze in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Reheat slightly before using again.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes hold up better in the oven and create a burst of flavor when baked.
9. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?
To prevent the cheese from burning, keep an eye on it while broiling and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s melted and bubbly.
10. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and even sear it in the skillet. However, it’s best to bake the chicken fresh to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
Garlic Balsamic Caprese Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the juicy burst tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fresh basil for a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or with a side of pasta, this dish will impress everyone at the table!
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Garlic Balsamic Caprese Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Garlic Balsamic Caprese Chicken is a flavorful, juicy chicken dish marinated in a garlic balsamic sauce, topped with burst cherry tomatoes, melted mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. A simple yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Balsamic Marinade:
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 large shallot, minced
3 leaves fresh basil, minced
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the Toppings:
1 pint cherry tomatoes (left whole or sliced in half lengthwise)
1 (8 oz) ball fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
A handful of fresh basil, sliced
Balsamic glaze (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
In a gallon-sized ziplock bag, add the minced garlic, shallot, basil, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. Close the bag and shake well to combine.
Marinate the Chicken:
Trim the chicken breasts of any excess fat and place them in the marinade bag. Massage the marinade into the chicken and refrigerate for approximately 8 hours or overnight.
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and let it warm up on the counter for about 15-20 minutes.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Add the chicken and caramelize each side — 3 minutes on one side, and 2 minutes on the other.
Bake the Chicken:
Turn off the burner and place the skillet in the oven. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes (depending on the thickness of the chicken). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Toppings:
While the chicken is baking, chop the topping ingredients (cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil). Set them aside.
Add Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese:
For the last 7 minutes of cooking, add the cherry tomatoes around the chicken. After the chicken has cooked through, place slices of mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast and return the skillet to the oven.
Broil the Chicken:
Switch the oven setting to BROIL and broil on HIGH for several minutes until the cheese is melted to your liking.
Finish and Serve:
Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the chicken with sliced fresh basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For a creamier dish, you can add a spoonful of ricotta cheese or fresh cream over the chicken before broiling.
If you prefer grilled chicken, you can cook the marinated chicken on the grill instead of in the skillet, following the same steps for adding the cheese and tomatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main course
- Cuisine: Italian
