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Summer Delight: Caprese Chicken with Fresh Tomato and Basil

Summer Delight: Caprese Chicken with Fresh Tomato and Basil

This 20-minute Caprese chicken recipe combines juicy chicken breasts with basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and balsamic glaze for a restaurant-quality meal that feels both elegant and comforting. Inspired by classic Italian Caprese flavors, this dish brings the vibrant taste of summer to your dinner table even on busy weeknights. The recipe is incredibly versatile and adaptable for various diets including keto and low-carb options.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Basil pesto (Homemade or store-bought)
  • 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese, low sodium (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in thickness each)
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • 2 tbsp Balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
  • 8 Fresh basil leaves (leave 4 whole and slice the rest into ribbons)

Equipment

  • skillet
  • kitchen mallet
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. If the chicken breasts are large and thick, cut them horizontally through the middle to make thinner cutlets or pieces. If you like, use a kitchen mallet to tenderize and flatten the chicken breasts before cooking. This helps them cook quickly and evenly.
  2. Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  3. Heat an indoor griddle or pan over high heat. Drizzle about 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil to coat bottom of pan.
  4. Add the chicken and cook for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until done (chicken's internal temperature should register 165 degrees F).
  5. In the last couple minutes or so of cooking, top each piece of chicken with a bit of the basil pesto then add a mozzarella slice on top.
  6. Remove from heat. Add fresh basil leaves and tomato slices on top of each chicken piece and finish with a little balsamic reduction (or balsamic glaze). Finally, sprinkle fresh basil ribbons and serve!

Notes

For thicker chicken breasts, cut horizontally to create thinner cutlets for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. The recipe works well on both indoor pans and outdoor grills. Leftovers store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.