Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Italy with our Caprese Grilled Chicken Paillard—a dish that’s not just a feast for the eyes but a symphony of taste! Imagine tender chicken breasts perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, topped with luscious slices of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze. This recipe is not only quick to prepare, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish, but it also brings a touch of gourmet flair to your dinner table. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight meal, this dish promises to impress and satisfy. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 cups tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even 1/4-inch thickness, ensuring uniform cooking.
- Season both sides of the flattened chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the chicken to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the seasoning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken paillards on the hot grill. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and nice grill marks have formed.
- Remove the grilled chicken from heat and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately top each chicken breast with sliced fresh mozzarella while still hot, allowing the cheese to slightly melt.
- Arrange fresh tomato slices over the melted mozzarella, overlapping them slightly for an attractive presentation.
- Scatter fresh basil leaves generously over the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella.
- Drizzle the entire dish with high-quality balsamic glaze, creating an elegant and flavorful finish.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and the mozzarella is soft and slightly melted. Pair with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Pound Evenly: Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even 1/4-inch thickness for uniform cooking. This prevents some parts from drying out while others are undercooked.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Generous seasoning enhances the flavor of the chicken and complements the fresh ingredients.
- Preheat the Grill: Make sure your grill or grill pan is preheated to medium-high heat (around 400°F) before adding the chicken. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices.
- Melt the Cheese: For the best melted mozzarella, add it to the hot chicken immediately after grilling. The residual heat will soften the cheese perfectly.
- Presentation Matters: When arranging your tomatoes and basil, take a moment to overlap the slices for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
- Balsamic Glaze: Use a high-quality balsamic glaze to finish your dish. A drizzle adds a sweet and tangy flavor that elevates the entire meal.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve your Caprese Grilled Chicken with a light salad or grilled vegetables for a refreshing and balanced meal that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 135mg
