Craving something that feels both fresh and indulgent? Picture this: juicy chicken baked to perfection, layered with melty mozzarella, tangy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s like a cozy Italian hug on a plate, reminiscent of that charming little trattoria you stumbled upon during your last summer trip to Rome.
Steps
- Begin by preheating your oven to the broil setting.
- In a small bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, prepared pesto, and a tablespoon of balsamic reduction. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set it aside for later use.
- Heat olive oil and salted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper, then cook them in the skillet for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Place a basil leaf and a slice of mozzarella on each chicken piece.
- Once the chicken is topped, move the skillet to the oven to broil for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mozzarella is nicely melted.
- Take the skillet out of the oven, and add the marinated tomatoes on top of the chicken, ensuring not to cover them completely. Drizzle with extra balsamic reduction and garnish with additional basil leaves. Serve with slices of toasted ciabatta bread.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
- 1 tablespoon balsamic reduction, plus extra for serving
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for chicken)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 6 chicken cutlets (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds)
- 6 large basil leaves, plus additional for serving
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella
- Sliced ciabatta bread, toasted, for serving
FAQ
- What type of pan is recommended for cooking Caprese chicken?
- A cast-iron skillet is ideal because it can be transferred from the stovetop to the oven. If you lack an oven-safe pan, simply transfer the cooked chicken cutlets to a baking dish before adding the basil and mozzarella.
- Which tomatoes work best for Caprese chicken?
- Cherry tomatoes are suggested for this recipe, but any type of tomato can be used. Larger tomatoes should be cut into bite-size pieces. This dish is particularly tasty with fresh, in-season summer tomatoes, but cherry tomatoes and basil are available year-round in most grocery stores.
- How should the chicken be served?
- This dish can be served over angel hair pasta or with a piece of toasted ciabatta bread to soak up the tomato juices. It’s a versatile meal that can be adapted based on your preference.
- Is Caprese chicken a quick meal option?
- Yes, this Caprese chicken can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you need a healthy and easy dinner solution.
- What is the purpose of the marinated tomatoes in the recipe?
- The marinated tomatoes add a burst of flavor and enhance the classic Caprese taste. They are tossed with olive oil, pesto, and balsamic reduction, then seasoned with salt and pepper, providing a vibrant topping for the chicken.
Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet for easy stovetop-to-oven cooking, or transfer the chicken to a baking dish if you don’t have an oven-proof pan.
- Opt for cherry tomatoes for convenience, but feel free to use any type of tomato you prefer. Just be sure to cut larger tomatoes into bite-size pieces.
- Enhance the flavor by using fresh, in-season tomatoes and basil, but remember that the recipe can be enjoyed year-round with store-bought ingredients.
- Serve the finished Caprese chicken with toasted ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious tomato juices and balsamic reduction.
Equipment
- Cast-iron skillet (oven-proof pan)
- Broiler-safe baking dish (if not using a cast-iron skillet)
