Chicken Caprese is a delightful blend of flavors that brings the freshness of Italian cuisine to your table. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken breasts with the classic Caprese trio of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for any occasion, offering both visual appeal and a burst of flavors.

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Ingredients and Preparation

To prepare this Chicken Caprese recipe, gather the following ingredients: four skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, each weighing about six ounces, and two tablespoons of canola oil. You will also need one cup of Italian salad dressing to marinate the chicken, along with one tablespoon of chicken seasoning, such as Grill Mates® Montreal Chicken Seasoning, and one tablespoon of Italian herb seasoning. For the Caprese topping, have ready four half-inch-thick slices of fresh mozzarella cheese and four half-inch-thick slices of ripe tomato. Fresh basil leaves are essential, so ensure you have four large ones, and finally, one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for drizzling.

Start by marinating the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag, then pour in the Italian salad dressing. Add the Italian herb seasoning and chicken seasoning. Knead the bag to ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. Squeeze out any excess air and seal the bag tightly. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.

Cooking Instructions

Searing the Chicken

Heat the canola oil in a large cast iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small amount of water into the skillet; it should sizzle and pop. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil, searing them for about 2 minutes on each side to create a golden, flavorful crust.

Baking the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees F (260 degrees C). Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for approximately 12 minutes, ensuring it is cooked through and the juices run clear. This high temperature helps seal in the moisture, keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Adding the Caprese Toppings

Melting the Mozzarella

After the initial baking, top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a slice of tomato. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is perfectly melted and bubbly. The mozzarella adds a creamy texture that complements the juicy chicken.

Tomato and Basil Finishing Touches

Choose the freshest tomatoes and basil leaves for this recipe. Lay a slice of tomato over the melted mozzarella on each chicken breast. Finish with a large fresh basil leaf on top, which adds a vibrant green color and a burst of fresh flavor. Finally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a tangy finish that ties all the flavors together.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Tips

Marinating Secrets: For the best results, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. You can experiment with different marinades to add variety to the dish.
Cooking Techniques: Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear. If you don’t have one, any ovenproof skillet will work.
Mozzarella Tips: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, but you can use other cheeses like provolone or gouda if you prefer.
Tomato and Basil Selection: Choose firm, ripe tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different cheeses? Yes, alternatives like provolone or gouda work well, each bringing a unique flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe ahead of time? Marinate the chicken a day before and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet? Use any ovenproof skillet, ensuring it can handle the high oven temperature.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Pair this Chicken Caprese with a variety of side dishes. Fresh salads with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta dish complement the rich flavors. For beverages, consider serving a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced tea.

This Chicken Caprese recipe is a harmonious blend of simplicity and elegance, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of marinated chicken, melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, all finished with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, creates a dish that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Give it a try and share this delightful meal with your loved ones!

Ingredients

4 6 ounce skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
2 tablespoons canola oil
1 cup Italian salad dressing
1 tablespoon chicken seasoning such as Grill Mates® Montreal Chicken Seasoning
1 tablespoon Italian herb seasoning
4 pcs 1/2 inch thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
4 pcs 1/2 inch thick slices tomato
4 pcs large fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag and pour in the Italian salad dressing. Add the Italian herb seasoning and chicken seasoning. Knead the bag to ensure the chicken is well-coated with the marinade, then squeeze out any excess air before sealing the bag. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld.
Preheat your oven to a scorching 500 degrees F (260 degrees C).
In a large cast iron or ovenproof skillet, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until a small droplet of water sizzles and pops upon contact. Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, discarding the used marinade. Place the chicken breasts into the hot oil and sear for about 2 minutes on each side.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. Top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and a slice of tomato.
Return the skillet to the oven and continue baking for an additional 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted. Move the chicken breasts to a serving platter, adorn each with a fresh basil leaf, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. Serve immediately.