Indulge your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish: Chicken Caprese with Tomato Basil Cream! Imagine succulent chicken breasts perfectly seared to golden perfection, topped with creamy mozzarella and a luscious tomato basil sauce that will transport you straight to the heart of Italy. This recipe is not just a meal; it's an experience that will impress your family and friends, making any dinner feel like a special occasion. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you'll want to keep this dish in your weekly rotation. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella, diced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tomato basil cream sauce. In a separate saucepan, add halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their juices.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine with the tomatoes.
- Add most of the chopped fresh basil to the cream sauce, reserving some for garnish. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the skillet and let rest for 2-3 minutes to retain juices.
- Top each chicken breast with diced fresh mozzarella, allowing it to slightly melt from the residual heat.
- Pour the tomato basil cream sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Garnish with remaining fresh basil and serve immediately, preferably with a side of roasted vegetables or light salad.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the mozzarella and basil. Fresh mozzarella will melt beautifully and add a rich creaminess to the dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it cooks to ensure it stays juicy. Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add garlic or a splash of white wine to the tomato basil cream sauce for an extra layer of flavor. You can also toss in some spinach or arugula for added nutrition.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your Chicken Caprese with roasted vegetables, a light salad, or even some garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the garnish! A sprinkle of fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish’s aroma and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 130mg
