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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar - Fresh basil leaves - Salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes When making Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken breasts serve as a tender, juicy base. I choose the cherry tomatoes for their sweet burst of flavor. Halving the mozzarella balls allows them to melt perfectly into the dish. Next, I use garlic and butter to create a rich sauce that ties everything together. Olive oil adds a nice touch and helps with searing. I always keep balsamic vinegar on hand. It adds a tangy note that enhances the overall flavor. For seasoning, salt and pepper are essential. They help boost the taste of each ingredient. I love adding fresh basil leaves at the end. They bring a fragrant aroma and vibrant color. If you like some heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can make it exciting. - Season the chicken: First, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each chicken breast. This adds flavor from the start. - Sear the chicken in olive oil: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. They should turn a nice golden brown. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once they are cooked, take them out and set aside. - Melt the butter and sauté garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add half a cup of unsalted butter to the pan. Let it melt slowly. Then, add four cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells great. - Add cherry tomatoes and cook: Next, toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to soften up a bit and burst with flavor. - Nestle chicken back into skillet: Now, return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Place them among the tomatoes. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the chicken. This allows the chicken to soak in all those tasty flavors. - Add mozzarella and balsamic vinegar: Sprinkle one cup of halved fresh mozzarella balls around the chicken. Drizzle one teaspoon of balsamic vinegar over everything. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This melts the cheese perfectly and blends the flavors together. To achieve the perfect sear, use a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil until it shimmers. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. Sear them for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown color. This step locks in juices and flavors. To ensure the chicken is cooked through, check the internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F (74°C). If you don't have one, cut a breast in the thickest part. The juices should run clear, not pink. For a vibrant dish, serve the chicken on a large platter. Arrange the sautéed tomatoes and melted mozzarella around the chicken. This makes the dish colorful and inviting. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves. They add a pop of green and enhance the aroma. You can also drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top for a glossy finish. For heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken. This adds a spicy kick that some may love. You can also explore additional herbs and spices. Consider adding oregano or thyme for more depth. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors too. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this dish. Try using burrata for a creamier taste or feta for a tangy kick. These swaps add unique flavors to the meal. For tomatoes, consider sun-dried tomatoes. They give a rich taste and chewy texture. Both swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting. You have options for cooking your chicken. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. It gives a great char and juicy texture. Pan-searing is quick and results in crispy skin. If you want a healthier choice, bake the chicken. It cooks evenly and keeps it moist. Baking also frees you up to prepare sides while it cooks. For gluten-free meals, use a gluten-free soy sauce instead of balsamic vinegar. This keeps the flavors intact without gluten. If you follow a low-carb diet, skip the balsamic vinegar. You can add fresh herbs like oregano instead. This gives the dish flavor without the carbs. Customize it to fit your diet while keeping it tasty! To store your Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken, let it cool first. Place leftovers in airtight containers. This keeps the chicken fresh and flavorful. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, think about freezing it. When reheating chicken, the best method is on the stove. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a bit of butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and cover it. This helps keep the chicken moist. Heat it for about five to seven minutes. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Yes, you can freeze Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken! To do this, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the methods mentioned earlier to keep it tasty. To cook chicken through, you need about 10-14 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. If it is not done, cook it a bit longer. This helps you avoid dry chicken. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember, cooking time will be longer. It may take about 20-30 minutes more. Always check the internal temperature. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C). To ensure even cooking, thaw the chicken overnight. If you forget to thaw, use the skillet method. Start on low heat, then increase it to cook evenly. You can serve many sides with Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken. Here are a few great options: - Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and crunch. - Rice or quinoa: These grains make a nice base for the dish. - Pasta: Toss with olive oil and herbs for a tasty side. - Salad: A fresh garden salad pairs well with the meal. These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors. Enjoy! You learned how to make Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken using simple ingredients. Start with chicken, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella for a tasty meal. We've covered the steps to cook it, tips for success, and ways to vary the recipe. Remember, creativity in cooking can lead to great flavors. Make this dish your own, and enjoy a delightful dinner that impresses everyone at your table. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so get in the kitchen and try it!

Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken

Savor the flavors of Caprese Garlic Butter Chicken with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken breasts bathed in buttery garlic sauce, paired with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and aromatic basil make for a delightful meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, this dish brings Italian charm to your table. Click to explore the full recipe and get ready to elevate your cooking!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick

Instructions
 

Begin by seasoning both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Once cooked, remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.

      In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

        Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.

          Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the tomatoes. Spoon the garlic butter over the chicken, allowing it to absorb the flavors.

            Add the mozzarella balls and balsamic vinegar to the skillet, sprinkling them around the chicken. Cover and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the cheese melts.

              Finally, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken and melted cheese. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a large platter with the sautéed tomatoes and melted mozzarella generously draped over each piece. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a vibrant touch.