Chicken Caprese an Italian Summer on a Plate
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of Italy tonight? This chicken caprese recipe brings the taste of a Mediterranean summer right to your kitchen. It's all about fresh flavours and simplicity, honestly a proper winner!
Brief Overview
The dish originates from the classic Caprese salad, a simple yet flavourful Italian staple. This easy chicken caprese recipe is dead simple and takes about 35- 40 minutes from start to finish.
It serves four hungry folks.
Main Benefits
Chicken Caprese is packed with protein, making it a satisfying and relatively healthy dinner option. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual get-together.
What makes this dish special? It tastes amazing and it is dead simple to prepare!
Getting Started with Your Italian Chicken Recipes
Alright, let's dive in. It's time to create a restaurant quality meal at home! We will start by listing all the equipment and ingredients necessary to cook our Italian masterpiece!
What You'll Need:
- Large skillet for cooking
- Cutting board for preparing vegetables
- Sharp knife because sharp knives are safer, remember!
- Small bowl for mixing seasonings
- Measuring spoons and cups to be precise!
- Meat thermometer (optional, but highly recommended!)
The Ingredients You'll Be Using:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 30 ml of olive oil
- 5 ml of Italian seasoning, adds a flavour boost
- 2.5 ml of garlic powder, for that extra punch
- 1.25 ml of salt, because flavour!
- 1.25 ml of black pepper
- 225g of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 60 ml of balsamic glaze
Honestly, even if you don't have everything exact, it'll still taste great. A little more of this, a little less of that - you know how it is. Next up: step-by-step instructions!
Chicken Caprese: Ingredients & Equipment for Italian Magic
Right, let's dive into what you'll need for this gorgeous Chicken Caprese Recipe ! Trust me, it’s easier than fitting into your skinny jeans after Christmas. We're keeping it simple, yeah?
Main Ingredients for Chicken Caprese
Here's the lowdown on the grub we need.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each/ 170g ). Quality chicken is key. Look for plump breasts that aren't too pale or slimy.
2 tablespoons olive oil ( 30 ml ). Extra virgin is always a winner.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ( 5 ml ). A good blend makes life easier.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder ( 2.5 ml ). Don’t be shy with it!
1/4 teaspoon salt ( 1.25 ml ). Sea salt adds a nice touch.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper ( 1.25 ml ). Freshly ground is best.
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced ( 225g ). Go for proper mozzarella. It’s worth it.
2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced. Vine ripened tomatoes are the bomb.
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped (loosely packed). Fresh basil smells divine, doesn't it?
1/4 cup balsamic glaze ( 60 ml ). A good balsamic glaze will elevate your dish.
Seasoning Notes for the best Tomato Basil Chicken
Italian seasoning is your base. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat! Garlic powder? Oh my gosh, that's a must! No Italian dish is complete without it.
If you ain't got Italian seasoning, a mix of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme will do the trick. Want extra flavor? Add a knob of butter to the pan as the cheese melts.
Honestly, it's a game changer. You know?
Equipment Needed for the Easy Chicken Caprese
Okay, so you’ll need a few bits and bobs. Nothing too fancy, mind.
- A large skillet, preferably cast iron. It gives a good sear.
- Cutting board and a sharp knife. Obviously.
- Small bowl for mixing the seasoning.
- Measuring spoons and cups. Precision is key, folks.
- Meat thermometer. Seriously, get one. It stops you from serving dry Chicken Caprese Breast .
If you don't have a cast iron, any heavy bottomed pan will do. No meat thermometer? Cut into the chicken to check it’s cooked through.
Just don’t tell anyone I told you to do that! Ready to get started on this Italian Chicken Recipes ? This Easy Chicken Caprese will be your new go-to dish!
Chicken Caprese: An Italian Summer on a Plate
Honestly, folks, have you ever wanted a taste of Italy without forking out for a flight? This Chicken Caprese recipe is your answer.
I swear down, it's like sunshine on a plate. Just close your eyes, take a bite and think of Amalfi coast!
Prep Like a Pro
Right, let's get organised. First, slice your mozzarella and tomatoes. Next, give your basil a quick chop. Mise en place is key, innit? Pat those chicken breasts dry before you start.
This helps them brown properly in the pan.
step-by-step to Chicken Perfection
- Pound those chicken breasts to about ½ inch thick. This makes for even cooking, see?
- Mix 2 tablespoons olive oil , 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , ¼ teaspoon salt , and ¼ teaspoon black pepper in a bowl.
- Rub that mixture all over the chicken. Get every nook and cranny.
- Heat your skillet over medium high heat. Make sure it's hot!
- Cook the chicken for 5- 7 minutes per side , until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to be sure.
- Top each breast with mozzarella and tomato slices. Proper lush, this is.
- Cover and cook for another 2- 3 minutes , till the cheese melts. Gooey is good.
- Sprinkle with basil and drizzle with balsamic glaze . Bosh!
Pro Tips for a Blinder Chicken Caprese
Fancy a bit of Pesto Chicken Caprese ? Spread pesto on the chicken before adding toppings. Bangin'! Want to make it even easier? You could even use pre-sliced mozzarella.
Don't rush the cooking. Cooked Chicken is the enemy. Using room temperature tomatoes makes a big difference to the flavour.
And always let the chicken rest before slicing. It's just good form, right? This easy chicken caprese is perfect with a simple salad and some crusty bread.
Give it a go. I promise you won't regret it.
Recipe Notes for the Best Chicken Caprese Ever
Right then, before you dive into making this Chicken Caprese Recipe , let's have a quick chat about a few bits and bobs that'll make your life easier.
I've made this loads of times, and I've learned a thing or two along the way. Honestly, it's proper simple, but a few tips never hurt, eh?
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Let's get this Easy Chicken Caprese looking like it came straight from a fancy restaurant. A simple white plate works a treat.
I like to arrange the Caprese Chicken Breast nicely and drizzle a bit extra of that balsamic glaze. For sides? Think simple.
A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or some garlicky roasted asparagus. A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio goes down a treat too.
Sorted.
Storage Secrets: Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Right, so you've made too much Italian Chicken Recipes ? No worries! Pop any leftover Chicken Caprese into an airtight container.
It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to three days. Freezing isn't ideal, as the mozzarella can get a bit watery.
But if you must, wrap each piece individually. To reheat, a gentle warm-up in the oven is best. Microwaving? Not so much, unless you like rubbery cheese.
Nobody does.
Mix It Up: Delicious Variations
Fancy putting your own stamp on this Mozzarella Chicken Recipe ? Go for it! If you are looking for other Chicken Caprese Variations , try this.
A drizzle of pesto before the mozzarella adds a lovely nutty flavour. Or, if you're watching the carbs, serve it over a bed of courgetti (zucchini noodles).
Instead of pan-frying you can make a pan-fried Chicken Caprese , or grilling the chicken breast too gives it a fab smoky flavour.
Easy peasy.
The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics
Alright, let's talk about the good stuff. Each serving of this Tomato Basil Chicken is packed with protein. That's thanks to the chicken and mozzarella.
Plus, you're getting some vitamins from the tomatoes and basil. It's not exactly a salad, but it's definitely not the worst thing you could eat.
Just remember that balsamic glaze can be a bit sugary, so go easy on it.
So there you have it! A few handy hints to make your chicken caprese experience a breeze. Go on, give it a go.
I reckon you'll smash it. I'm absolutely sure that this recipe for Quick Chicken Dinner Ideas will become one of your favorites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best way to stop my chicken from drying out when making chicken caprese?
Nobody wants a dry bird, right? The key is not to overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness also helps them cook more evenly.
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing is like giving it a little spa break to redistribute the juices.
Can I make chicken caprese ahead of time, or is it best served immediately?
Chicken Caprese is best served fresh from the pan, like a proper Sunday roast. The mozzarella melts beautifully, and the basil is at its most fragrant. While you could technically make it ahead, the cheese might solidify and the basil could wilt.
If you must, prep the individual components (slice tomatoes, mozzarella, etc.) ahead of time and assemble just before cooking.
I'm not a massive fan of balsamic glaze. What else can I use on my chicken caprese?
No worries, we all have our "marmite" ingredients! A drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil works beautifully. Alternatively, you could use a pesto sauce, or even a sun-dried tomato tapenade for an extra punch of Italian flavour. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice also adds a lovely brightness.
Is chicken caprese healthy, and what are the nutritional considerations?
Chicken Caprese can be a relatively healthy option! It's packed with protein and has healthy fats from the olive oil and mozzarella. However, the balsamic glaze can be high in sugar, so use it sparingly or opt for a sugar-free version. To lower the fat content, use part skim mozzarella.
What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken caprese?
Chicken caprese pairs perfectly with a light and fresh side. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette is a classic choice. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the dish beautifully. For something more substantial, try serving it with garlic bread or a side of quinoa.
Can I grill the chicken for this recipe instead of pan-frying for chicken caprese?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken breasts adds a lovely smoky flavor that works really well with the caprese toppings. Just make sure to preheat your grill to medium high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), then proceed with topping and melting the cheese as per the recipe.
Chicken Caprese An Italian Summer On A Plate
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 0g |
