When its 7:30 on a Tuesday night, you have finally gotten your kids fed, bathed and in bed, you have poured yourself a glass of wine, and you realize you haven’t figured out dinner for you and your husband…you are left with two choices. Order from your favorite sushi restaurant (which can recite your order before you can since you call so often – no judgements) or you can look in your refrigerator and pull together the very few ingredients it takes to make this delicious and healthy meal.
Chicken breasts, tomatoes, mozzarella and balsamic vinegar — these are really the only necessary items needed to make this dish a reality. The basil is certainly a plus, but don’t rule out this recipe if you don’t find it on hand.
Another plus for this dish, you get to release all your built up aggression from dealing with your kids’ bedtime routine. Start by taking your chicken breasts, placing one at a time inside a ziplock bag. Now take your rolling pin and start whacking. Beat that chicken! Let that chicken have it! You want to create an even thickness throughout.
Once you feel the chicken has gotten all it deserves, heat up some oil in the pan over medium high heat. Salt and pepper your chicken and sauté for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Cook the chicken in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Once each chicken breast is finished, place it on a prepared baking sheet. Turn your oven onto broil.
While the chicken is cooking, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 8 slices each. If you have basil, prepare 8 leaves to layer onto your chicken as well.
Once the chicken is finished and on the baking sheet, place 2 tomato slices on each breast, then a basil leaf on each tomato and top with a slice of mozzarella. Salt and pepper the top of the mozzarella and place the sheet pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
And as Ina Garten famously says, “how easy is that?” This is the point where I shamelessly admit that I have a love for Uncle Ben’s microwaveable rice packets. 90 seconds and you have a side dish. With this dish I served the rice/quinoa mix and it was a perfect accompaniment. This may not be the most culinarily accepted side, but for a busy mom, it’s perfect. As is this dish. Give it a try, it’s easy and delizious.
Easy Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded thin
- 4 tsp olive oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella
- 8 basil leaves plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
Instructions
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Preheat oven broiler.
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Heat 2 tsp to a medium skillet over medium high heat. Salt and pepper your pounded out chicken breasts and add them to the pan in batches. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side and place on a baking sheet. Cook remaining 2 chicken breasts and add to the same baking sheet.
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While chicken is cooking, slice the tomatoes and mozzarella into 8 slices each.
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Once chicken is cooked, place 2 slices of tomato on each chicken breast. Top each tomato slice with a basil leaf and then a slice of mozzarella. Lightly salt and pepper the tops.
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Place baking sheet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until melted.
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Place the cheesy chicken on the plate, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle extra basil over the top.
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Serve with rice or quinoa and enjoy!
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