Caprese Chicken (Print Version)
Juicy grilled chicken topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and basil, finished with a drizzle of balsamic.
# Ingredients:
01 -
4 chicken breasts (5-7 oz each), pounded to even thickness
02 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
03 -
2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
08 -
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 even pieces
09 -
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into ½" slices
10 -
Fresh basil, to taste
11 -
Aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Place one chicken breast onto a sheet of parchment paper. Fold the paper over the chicken and use a rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness of slightly less than 1 inch. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
02 -
Combine Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend.
03 -
Brush the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides with the seasoning blend.
04 -
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer registers 155°F.
05 -
Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella and continue grilling for 3 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 -
Place each chicken breast on a plate and top with 2-3 slices of fresh tomato. Sprinkle with basil and add additional salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Do not overcook the chicken in Step 4 as it will continue to cook when melting the cheese.
02 -
You can use an inverted cake pan as a cover to help melt the cheese while grilling.
03 -
For doubling the recipe using a grill pan, grill chicken in batches to 155°F, then finish in a 500°F oven after assembling with mozzarella.