Imagine diving into a perfectly cooked, juicy chicken breast topped with melted mozzarella, bursting cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze that will transport your taste buds straight to the Italian countryside. This Instant Pot Caprese Chicken is about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession - so easy to make, yet so incredibly delicious that it'll have everyone at the table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Turn the Instant Pot to "Sauté" mode and add a small amount of olive oil to the bottom of the pot. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown color.
- Remove the seared chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate. Pour 1/4 cup of chicken broth or water into the pot to deglaze, scraping any browned bits from the bottom.
- Return the chicken breasts to the Instant Pot, arranging them in a single layer. Scatter the cherry tomatoes around and between the chicken pieces.
- Close the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure. Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Sprinkle the mozzarella balls over the chicken and let them melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil and drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken before serving.
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before plating to allow juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for the most authentic and creamy texture.
- Don't skip the searing step - it adds incredible depth of flavor to the dish.
- Check chicken doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- For extra flavor, try using different varieties of fresh herbs like oregano or thyme.
- If you don't have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a small pan until it thickens.
- Choose cherry tomatoes that are ripe and vibrant for the best flavor and presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 110mg
