Caprese Chicken (Print Version)
Juicy grilled chicken topped with melted mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, finished with a balsamic glaze.
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Base
01 -
4 chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness (5-7 oz each)
02 -
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
03 -
2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
06 -
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Toppings
08 -
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 pieces
09 -
2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into ½-inch 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 using a rolling pin, pound to an even thickness of slightly less than 1 inch. Repeat with the remaining chicken breasts.
02 -
In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked pepper. Stir to mix well.
03 -
Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle with the seasoning blend on both sides.
04 -
Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F using an instant-read thermometer.
05 -
Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Continue grilling for 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
06 -
Place chicken on a platter or plates. Top each with 2-3 tomato slices, fresh basil, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Do not cook chicken to its full temperature in the initial grilling step to avoid overcooking when melting the cheese.
02 -
For consistent melting, use a cover over the grill pan, such as an inverted cake pan. Always use an oven mitt.
03 -
For larger batches, use a grill pan to partially cook chicken to 155°F, then finish in a 500°F oven until the cheese melts and the temperature reaches 165°F.