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Flavorful Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe with Easy Balsamic Reduction and Fresh Basil

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A fresh and vibrant grilled chicken Caprese topped with melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a sweet-tart balsamic reduction. Perfect for quick summer dinners and backyard gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
  • 2 large vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes, sliced
  • About 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the balsamic reduction: Pour 1 cup (240 ml) balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Marinate the chicken: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Brush mixture over both sides of chicken breasts. Let marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Clean and oil grates or pan.
  4. Grill chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until grill marks appear and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on chicken. Let rest for 5 minutes off the grill.
  5. Assemble Caprese topping: Layer slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella on each grilled chicken breast. Return to grill for 1-2 minutes until mozzarella starts to melt, or briefly broil.
  6. Remove from heat, scatter fresh basil leaves on top, and drizzle generously with cooled balsamic reduction. Add a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
  7. Serve immediately with optional cracked black pepper and extra basil leaves for garnish.

Notes

Pound chicken breasts evenly for uniform cooking. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Watch balsamic reduction carefully to avoid burning. Add fresh basil at the end to preserve flavor. If no grill is available, use a grill pan or broil in the oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken Caprese, balsamic reduction, fresh basil, mozzarella, summer dinner, easy recipe, backyard grilling

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/flavorful-grilled-chicken-caprese-recipe-with-easy-balsamic-reduction-and-fresh-basil/