This easy chicken caprese is cooked in a skillet and topped with a honey balsamic reduction and fresh basil – the perfect way to use fresh summer tomatoes.
4small breastsboneless skinless chicken breastsabout 24 oz total
1.25teaspoonskosher saltdivided
0.25teaspoonground black pepperdivided
2tablespoonsextra virgin olive oildivided
1mediumred oniondiced (about 1 cup)
4clovesgarlicminced (about 4 teaspoons)
4cupssliced tomatoeshalved cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints)
0.25teaspoondried thyme
4ouncespart-skim mozzarella pearlsor 4 oz block-style cubed
0.25cupfresh basil leavesthinly sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
In a small saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the honey. Gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by a little more than half, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
While the balsamic reduces, arrange the chicken on a cutting board and stretch a large sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Lightly pound the chicken breasts into an even 0.5-inch thickness. Discard the plastic, then sprinkle the chicken with 0.75 teaspoon of the salt and 0.25 teaspoon of the pepper, seasoning both sides.
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken breasts top-sides down. Let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Without wiping out the pan, reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, swirl to coat the pan, then add the red onion and let cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
Add the garlic and let cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the tomatoes, thyme, and remaining 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat back to medium high and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the tomatoes, and scatter the mozzarella throughout.
Cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the mozzarella to become soft and melty.
Uncover, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top, and sprinkle with the fresh basil. Serve warm.
Notes
This recipe is fantastic with fresh, peak season tomatoes. If you have balsamic glaze already made, you can skip the reduction step.