How to Make the Best Chicken Caprese

In Italian, we also call this as “petto di pollo alla Caprese” because we use chicken breast for this fantastic recipe. This special dish is also cheesy and delish!

SERVING:

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 boneless chicken breasts
• 8 – 10 oz. fresh mozzarella – in log
• ¼ cup freshly grated cheese – your favorite
• 4 Roma tomatoes – ripe
• 1 pint grape tomatoes – or more to taste
• 1/3 cup pesto – made with basil
• 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves – torn   
• pinch of kosher salt – to taste
• balsamic vinegar – to drizzle
• 2 tsps. Italian seasoning – your favorite combination

METHOD:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF (200ºC).
2. Coat a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray, or you can also simply grease the pan with olive oil.
3. Lay the chicken out on a cutting board and carefully cut several slits in each breast that is about ¾ deep. Be very careful to not cut all the way through.
4. Combine the salt and the seasonings together and sprinkle evenly over the top of each chicken breast and massage slightly to adhere.
5. Slice the mozzarella into 12 pieces and slice each piece in half. Slice the tomatoes into 12 slices and then slice again in half. Special note: This number of slices may change depending on the number of slits you were able to make in each chicken breast.
6. Fill each slit in the chicken breasts with a little pesto, a slice of cheese and a slice of tomato. Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with the freshly grated cheese. Cut the grape tomatoes in half, sprinkle with some olive oil and a little garlic powder and then scatter around the baking dish.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF (about 75ºC).
8. Garnish with some torn basil and a good drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
9. You have cooked to perfection! Now, serve and have a wonderful meal with the best chicken Caprese!

Note: The balsamic vinegar adds the perfect sweet-tart compliment to this dinner. This chicken Caprese is also perfect with a salad or a side of rice to make a heartier meal. Don’t forget the crusty Italian bread to pass and sop up any juice.

Buon Mangiata!