Caprese Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups shredded whole milk low moisture mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:

1. Prepare Balsamic Glaze:
   • Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan.
   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
   • Simmer until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Cook Chicken:
   • Preheat oven to 350°F.
   • In a large ovenproof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add chicken breasts and brown each side, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Cover with foil and place in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. Assemble and Bake:
   • Carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
   • Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella, dividing evenly.
   • Sprinkle halved grape tomatoes over the cheese.
   • Return the skillet to the oven, uncovered, until the cheese melts, about 5 minutes.
   • Turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to brown the cheese slightly.
4. Finish and Serve:
   • Top with fresh basil ribbons.
   • Spoon balsamic glaze over the chicken.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes:

• If desired, cut two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to reduce portion size and baking time.
• Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Use fresh garden tomatoes when available; grape tomatoes are a sweet and sun-ripened choice in the off-season.
• Keep a close eye on the skillet under the broiler as broilers can be unpredictable.
• Be cautious when removing the skillet from the oven, as the handle will be very hot. Use oven mitts and consider investing in a handle cover to prevent kitchen accidents.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave at 50% power.