Description
Crispy Chicken Caprese is a delightful Italian-inspired dish featuring golden breaded chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a sweet balsamic glaze. This recipe combines a crispy sear with oven baking to create a deliciously melty and fresh meal perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides evenly with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Prepare Breading Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly to create an egg wash.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture to cover completely.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Add Toppings: Remove the skillet from heat. Carefully layer slices of fresh mozzarella and tomato evenly over each piece of chicken.
- Bake to Finish: Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the cheese has melted beautifully.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, top each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves, and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze before serving to add a sweet, tangy finish.
Notes
- Use an oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transfer the chicken from stovetop to oven without losing crust crispiness.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Balsamic glaze can be homemade by reducing balsamic vinegar or store-bought for convenience.
- Make sure to check chicken doneness using a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
