Tangy Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe

Succulent chicken takes a delicious turn with this balsamic glazed chicken that promises a burst of Mediterranean flavors.

A tantalizing blend of sweet and tangy notes makes this dish a weeknight dinner sensation.

The rich balsamic glaze coats tender chicken breasts with an irresistible shine and depth.

Ripe tomatoes and creamy mozzarella add a classic Italian touch to the plate.

Fresh herbs sprinkled on top bring a vibrant, aromatic finish to each bite.

You’ll savor every morsel of this elegant yet simple meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

• Quicken Meal Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to create a gourmet-style dish without complicated techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Balsamic glaze combines tangy and sweet notes with juicy chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that elevates a standard protein into a restaurant-quality meal.
• One-Pan Wonder: Using an oven-safe skillet means fewer dishes to clean, reducing kitchen cleanup and making this recipe incredibly convenient for home cooks seeking streamlined meal preparation.
• Healthy Twist: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil add nutritious elements to the protein, transforming a basic chicken dish into a balanced and colorful meal that looks as good as it tastes.

What You Need for Balsamic Chicken Caprese

• Chicken: A lean protein that serves as the star of this delicious balsamic glazed dish.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Provides a sweet and tangy flavor profile to the chicken glaze.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Tomatoes, Mozzarella, Basil: A classic combination that adds freshness, creaminess, and aromatic herbs to the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden brown sear on the chicken and prevents sticking to the pan.

Steps to Make Balsamic Glazed Chicken and Tomato Mozzarella

Step 1: Whip Up The Balsamic Sauce

Grab a bowl and vigorously whisk together all sauce ingredients.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Let the sauce sit and mingle while you prepare other components.

Step 2: Create Tomato Mozzarella Salad

• Fresh tomatoes
• Creamy mozzarella
• Fragrant basil leaves

Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Set this colorful mixture aside.

Step 3: Preheat The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s perfectly warm for cooking.

Step 4: Sear The Chicken

Heat oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.

When the pan is sizzling hot, place chicken pieces in a single layer.

Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust develops.

Step 5: Pour In Balsamic Magic

Add the prepared balsamic sauce to the skillet.

Watch it quickly simmer and bubble.

Use a wooden spoon to scrape up those delicious caramelized bits stuck to the pan’s bottom.

Step 6: Layer With Tomato Mozzarella Mixture

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the tomato mozzarella salad over the chicken, creating a vibrant topping.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake uncovered for 18-23 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Tips for Juicy Balsamic Chicken with Mozzarella

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in juices and creates delicious caramelization.
• Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for a rich, deep taste that complements the chicken without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165°F, preventing overcooking while ensuring food safety.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and preventing dryness.
• Replace basil with fresh oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile that still pairs beautifully with balsamic and tomatoes.

Balsamic Chicken Caprese – Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Caprese Tofu: Replace chicken with firm tofu, sliced and pan-seared. Marinate tofu in balsamic sauce for enhanced flavor and follow the same cooking method.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour in the balsamic sauce. Select gluten-free ingredients to maintain the recipe's integrity while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Dairy-Free Herb Chicken: Substitute mozzarella with dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast. Use plant-based milk in the sauce for a creamy texture without dairy products.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Swap: Replace tomatoes with roasted zucchini slices. Use fewer carbohydrate-dense ingredients while keeping the core flavor profile of the original recipe intact.

How to Serve Balsamic Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella

• Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Serve this balsamic glazed chicken on a large white platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and drizzled with extra balsamic reduction for a stunning presentation.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Pair with herbed couscous or roasted garlic orzo to soak up the delicious balsamic sauce and complement the chicken's rich flavors.
• Rustic Salad Sidekick: Create a light mixed green salad with arugula, toasted pine nuts, and a simple lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's robust taste and add freshness to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Choose a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white such as Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the balsamic glaze and highlight the chicken's tender texture.

Storing Balsamic Chicken Caprese for Later

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor retention.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place chicken on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re evenly sized for consistent cooking and check the internal temperature reaches 165F.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

You can substitute with dried basil or use fresh parsley as an alternative herb. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious.

• Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?

No, balsamic glaze is a reduced, thicker version of balsamic vinegar with a sweeter, more concentrated flavor. If you only have vinegar, you can reduce it in a pan to create a similar consistency.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Prepare the chicken and sauce components separately and combine just before baking. This helps maintain the texture of the tomatoes and prevents them from becoming too soggy.

Balsamic Glazed Chicken with Tomato Mozzarella Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent balsamic glazed chicken dances with fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes in this Mediterranean-inspired classic. Crisp herbs and tangy glaze create a harmonious blend that promises to delight senses and transport you straight to an Italian kitchen.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness

Seasoning and Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt
• Fresh black pepper

Oils, Herbs, and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 8 ounces (226 grams) grape tomatoes, halved
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella balls (Ciliegine or pearls)

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant balsamic sauce by whisking together ingredients in a mixing bowl, seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow flavors to meld while preparing other components.
2. Create a fresh tomato-mozzarella salad by combining ingredients, delicately seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside to develop flavors.
3. Activate oven to 400°F, ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking.
4. Select a large oven-safe skillet and heat oil over medium-high heat. Generously season chicken with salt and pepper. Once oil shimmers, carefully place chicken in a single layer, searing 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown edges develop.
5. Pour balsamic sauce into skillet, allowing liquid to simmer instantly. Use wooden spoon to deglaze pan, lifting caramelized chicken bits from bottom.
6. Remove skillet from heat, artfully distributing tomato-mozzarella mixture across chicken surface.
7. Transfer skillet to preheated oven, roasting uncovered for 18-23 minutes. Verify chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F. Allow dish to rest 5 minutes before serving, enabling juices to redistribute and flavors to intensify.

Notes

• Balsamic vinegar’s acidity can be mellowed by adding a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the tangy flavor.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier, more forgiving protein that absorbs marinades beautifully.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes during summer for maximum flavor and sweetness in the salsa-like topping.
• For a low-carb version, replace balsamic glaze with a lighter white wine reduction or simple herb-infused olive oil.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 415 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 50 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg