Easy Caprese Balsamic Chicken: A Healthy, Flavorful Weeknight Meal
Experience the best of Italian-inspired flavors with this easy Balsamic Chicken recipe, featuring a delightful Caprese twist! Succulent chicken breasts are pan-cooked to tender perfection in a rich, tangy balsamic sauce, then beautifully crowned with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and juicy tomato slices. This dish is not only incredibly delicious but also low carb and gluten-free, making it an ideal choice for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Life can be a whirlwind, can’t it? Just a little while ago, I found myself zipping from Chicago to Santa Barbara, and then, almost immediately, off to Palm Springs for a much-needed getaway with my amazing girlfriends. My husband, bless his heart, is truly a good sport to let me indulge in these adventures, especially with such a packed schedule!
During one of our lively chats on the way to the outlets in Palm Springs, my friend Emily shared a recipe her family adores. While she confessed it wasn’t the healthiest, she challenged me to give it my signature “YHE spin.” And you know me, I love a good culinary challenge! This was a perfect opportunity to transform a beloved family dish into something equally delicious but with a healthier profile.
Transforming a Classic: From Sandwich to Sensation
Emily’s original recipe was for balsamic chicken sandwiches. While the idea of a sandwich is comforting, I wanted to create a dish that was naturally lower in carbohydrates without sacrificing any of the incredible flavors. So, the sandwich concept gracefully stepped aside, paving the way for a more refined and wholesome meal. The biggest change, however, came with the balsamic sauce. Her recipe called for a generous amount of brown sugar, which I decided to swap for Truvia Brown Sugar Blend. This simple substitution was a game-changer, resulting in a sauce that was nothing short of ah-mazing – perfectly balanced, sweet, and tangy, yet significantly lighter.
The method involved pan-searing the chicken breasts until golden, then letting them simmer gently in this exquisite balsamic sauce. This ensures every piece of chicken is infused with flavor and cooked to tender perfection. The grand finale? Each piece of chicken is then topped with a luscious slice of fresh mozzarella, a vibrant sprig of basil, and a ripe tomato slice, then briefly baked or broiled until the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. My own boys devoured this balsamic chicken recipe, proving that healthy eating can be incredibly appealing to even the pickiest eaters!
Why This Caprese Balsamic Chicken Will Become Your New Favorite
This dish truly embodies the best of both worlds: a comforting, savory chicken entrée paired with the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad. The tender, juicy chicken, glistening with that incredible balsamic glaze, forms the perfect base for the rich, milky mozzarella, the aromatic basil, and the sweet, slightly acidic tomato. It’s like adding the perfect “icing on the cake” to an already fantastic meal. If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that consistently delivers on taste, ease, and health benefits, this is the one to try. It’s so delicious, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation.
Key Ingredients for an Unforgettable Flavor
Creating this Caprese Balsamic Chicken masterpiece relies on a few key ingredients, each playing a crucial role in the symphony of flavors:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. Pounding them to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain incredibly tender.
- Quality Balsamic Vinegar: The star of the sauce! A good quality balsamic vinegar will provide a depth of flavor that can’t be replicated. It adds that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced garlic provides an aromatic foundation for the sauce, adding a pungent kick that complements the balsamic beautifully. Be careful not to burn it!
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps create a savory, rich sauce base while keeping the salt content in check.
- Truvia Brown Sugar Blend (or Brown Sugar): For sweetness and a touch of molasses flavor. The Truvia blend is a fantastic low-carb alternative that works wonderfully.
- Fresh Mozzarella: This is non-negotiable for the Caprese element! Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and has a creamy texture that pre-shredded varieties simply can’t match.
- Ripe Tomatoes: Slices of ripe, juicy tomatoes add a burst of freshness and a slight tang. Heirloom tomatoes or Roma tomatoes work great.
- Fresh Basil: The aromatic cornerstone of Caprese! Fresh basil leaves bring a sweet, peppery, and slightly minty note that ties all the flavors together.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Essential for cooking and seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken.
Tips for Perfecting Your Caprese Balsamic Chicken
Even though this recipe is straightforward, a few tips can elevate it from great to truly exceptional:
- Pounding the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Pounding the chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness ensures they cook quickly and uniformly. It also helps them stay moist and tender. If your chicken breasts are very large, cutting them in half horizontally can also help.
- Browning is Key: Achieve a beautiful golden-brown sear on your chicken. This creates a flavorful crust that locks in juices and adds depth to the overall dish. Do this over medium-high heat.
- Garlic Caution: When adding minced garlic, keep the heat on medium-low and cook until just fragrant and tender. Garlic burns easily, and burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to simmer in the balsamic sauce for 10-12 minutes, covered, is crucial. This is where the chicken absorbs all those wonderful balsamic and garlic flavors and becomes incredibly tender.
- Broiling with Care: When broiling, keep a close eye on the chicken. Broilers are powerful, and cheese can go from perfectly melted to burnt in seconds. You’re looking for slightly melted, bubbly mozzarella, then just enough heat to warm the tomato and finish melting the cheese.
- Sauce on the Side: Don’t discard the extra sauce from the pan! Drizzle it over the finished chicken for an extra burst of flavor. It’s too delicious to waste.
Caprese Balsamic Chicken Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 5-6 pieces, pounded to 1/2″ thick
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil extra virgin preferred
- 2-3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar good quality recommended
- 3 Tbsp. Truvia Brown Sugar Blend or about 6 Tbsp. regular brown sugar for a richer, sweeter flavor
- Sliced ripe tomato e.g., Roma, beefsteak, or heirloom
- Sliced fresh mozzarella preferably fresh, not pre-shredded
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish and flavor
Instructions
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Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound evenly to about 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin. If breasts are very large, you may cut them in half before pounding. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
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Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the pan and brown them on both sides for 2-3 minutes per side. The goal is to get a nice golden crust, not to cook through completely. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic to the pan.
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Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it is fragrant and tender, taking care not to burn it. Pour in the chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, and Truvia Brown Sugar Blend (or regular brown sugar) into the pan. Stir well to combine the sauce ingredients. Increase the heat back to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cover the pan and let the chicken cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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While the chicken is simmering, preheat your broiler. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully transfer each piece from the saucepan to the prepared baking sheet. Place a fresh sprig or a few leaves of basil on top of each chicken breast, then cover generously with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese.
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Place the baking sheet under the preheated broiler for 1-3 minutes, watching carefully, until the mozzarella cheese is slightly melted and bubbly. Remove from the broiler, add a slice of ripe tomato on top of the melted cheese, and return to the broiler for another 1-2 minutes, just until the tomato is warm and the cheese is fully melted and golden in spots. Serve immediately, either as is or with a delicious drizzle of the extra balsamic sauce from the pan. Enjoy your healthy, flavorful dinner!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This Caprese Balsamic Chicken is wonderfully versatile. It makes a complete meal on its own, but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- For a Low-Carb Option: Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or cauliflower rice.
- For a Heartier Meal: Pair it with quinoa, brown rice, a side of pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic, or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious balsamic sauce.
- Variations:
- Add Veggies: Sauté some spinach or cherry tomatoes in the pan before adding the chicken broth for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce can give it a nice heat.
- Herb Swap: While basil is classic, try a sprinkle of fresh oregano or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
- Cheese Options: If you don’t have fresh mozzarella, a good quality provolone or even a blend of Italian cheeses could work, though fresh mozzarella offers the best texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Caprese Balsamic Chicken
Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work wonderfully. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicy even if slightly overcooked. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: While best served fresh, you can cook the chicken in the balsamic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, then add the mozzarella, basil, and tomato before a quick broil.
Q: Is this recipe truly gluten-free and low-carb?
A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients are certified gluten-free. By omitting the bread from the original sandwich idea and using a low-calorie sweetener like Truvia, it becomes a fantastic low-carb option.
Q: What kind of balsamic vinegar should I use?
A: A good quality balsamic vinegar will make a noticeable difference. You don’t need the most expensive aged balsamic, but avoid overly cheap varieties that might be too watery or acidic. Look for one with a good balance of sweetness and tang.
Q: Can I make the balsamic sauce thicker?
A: If you prefer a thicker sauce, after removing the chicken, let the sauce continue to simmer uncovered over medium heat until it reduces and thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) to the simmering sauce, stirring until it thickens.
This Caprese Balsamic Chicken is a testament to how simple, fresh ingredients can create an extraordinary meal. It’s an easy, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s become a beloved dish!
You might like these recipes too:
Easy Garlic Butter Chicken
Chicken Teriyaki Bowls
Pecan Crusted Chicken with Apple Cream Sauce
Other balsamic chicken recipes from friends:
- Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Spicy Honey Bacon Glaze by The Food Charlatan
- Mustard Balsamic Baked Chicken with Roasted Vegetables by Joyful Healthy Eats
- Blackberry Balsamic Vinaigrette by Sugar Dish Me