CHICKEN CAPRESE

CHICKEN CAPRESE

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets (approx. 170 g each)
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups halved grape tomatoes
• 2 cups grated whole milk slightly moist mozzarella
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into strips
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a saucepan. Then bring to the boil and simmer. simmer until the quantity is reduced by half; About 10 minutes. It should be thick enough to cover the back of a spoon.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large ovenproof pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.Add chicken breasts and brown on each side; about 3-4 minutes per side. Cover with foil and place in the oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (times vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts).
Carefully remove from the oven and cover the chicken with the grated mozzarella and spread it evenly. Scatter grape tomatoes over the cheese. Place the pan in the oven uncovered until the cheese melts. about 5 minutes.Turn on the grill during the last 1 to 2 minutes of cooking.
top with basil straps. Pour balsamic glaze over chicken and serve. Season with salt and pepper.

NOTES

If desired, you can cut two large chicken breasts in half lengthwise to reduce serving size and baking time.Chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
Use fresh garden tomatoes if available. When out of season, grape tomatoes are, in my opinion, the sweetest, sun-ripened variety.
Keep an eye on the pan when it is under the grill. Broilers are very unpredictable, especially on older flocks.Be very careful when removing the pan from the oven. The handle will be very hot. So use pot holders and remember that the handle will stay hot for quite a while. Investing in a simple handle cover is an easy way to prevent accidents in the kitchen. It’s easy to forget that the pan just came out of the oven!
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat in the microwave at 50% power.

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