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Delicious Caprese Chicken with tomatoes and mozzarella on a plate

Caprese Chicken Recipe

A comforting and straightforward dish that combines pounded chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all topped with a drizzle of balsamic for a delicious finish.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Essentials
  • 4 pieces chicken breasts (5–7 oz each), pounded to even thickness (about a little less than 1" thick)
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning (check label to confirm gluten-free blend)
  • 2 tsp sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 even pieces (about 2 slices per breast)
  • 2 pieces vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into 1/2" rounds
  • to taste fresh basil leaves (a handful or more)
  • to taste aged balsamic vinegar or a gluten-free balsamic glaze
  • 1 parchment paper or heavy-duty resealable plastic bag (for pounding)
Optional Add-ons
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon (for brightness)
  • 1 handful baby arugula or baby spinach (to serve beneath the chicken)
  • to taste gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (for a very light crust)
  • to taste high-quality extra-virgin olive oil (for an extra glossy finish)
  • to taste red pepper flakes (for gentle heat)
  • to taste freshly grated Parmesan (ensure gluten-free labeling)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Lay one chicken breast on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold the paper over the chicken to contain it while pounding.
  2. Gently pound the thickest parts until the chicken is evenly less than 1 inch thick.
  3. Set aside the pounded breast and repeat with the remaining chicken.
Make the seasoning blend
  1. In a small bowl, stir together the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper.
Oil and season the chicken
  1. Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil and sprinkle the seasoning blend evenly on both sides.
Cook the chicken
  1. Preheat a grill or grill pan over high heat.
  2. Place the breasts on the hot surface and cook for 5–6 minutes per side.
  3. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; pull when it reads 155°F.
Add the mozzarella
  1. Top each breast with two slices of fresh mozzarella and cover to melt for 3 more minutes.
Rest and assemble
  1. Transfer the chicken to plates and let it rest for a minute.
  2. Top each with 2–3 slices of tomato and scatter fresh basil leaves.
  3. Drizzle with aged balsamic just before serving.
Serve
  1. Serve immediately while warm, paired with suggested sides.

Notes

To keep chicken juicy, use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. If mozzarella is wet, pat it dry before topping to avoid moisture issues.