Description
Easy Chicken Caprese is a delicious, low-effort dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and basil, finished with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. Cooked using a combination of stovetop searing and oven baking, this vibrant meal combines fresh ingredients for a flavorful and satisfying dinner perfect for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 3 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 2 tablespoons torn fresh basil (or more, to taste)
- Balsamic glaze (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven to prepare for finishing the chicken with cheese.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden but not completely cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Wilt Spinach: Add chicken broth to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits. Add the fresh baby spinach and toss for about a minute until just wilted.
- Assemble in Skillet: Turn off the heat and place the chicken on top of the spinach in the skillet.
- Add Cheese: Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each piece of chicken.
- Bake and Broil: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 5 minutes. Then, broil for a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned, watching carefully to avoid burning. Alternatively, if not broiling, bake for 6-8 minutes until cheese melts and chicken cooks through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Top each chicken piece with tomato slices, torn fresh basil, and drizzle balsamic glaze generously (about a teaspoon per piece). Serve immediately with the spinach and pan juices. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet for easy transition from stovetop to oven.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Balsamic glaze adds sweetness and acidity; adjust the amount according to your taste.
- Fresh basil is key for authentic Caprese flavor, but you can substitute with dried basil if necessary.
- For a low-fat version, reduce the olive oil or use cooking spray and part-skim mozzarella.
