Chicken Caprese

 I love the fresh flavors of each component that this dish has in it.  My favorite summertime side is Caprese with fresh Buffalo Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomatoes and Fresh Basil drizzled with the finest and most flavorful of Olive Oil and Vinegars.  A spin on the traditional caprese, I added chicken to this famous dish and created a salad like mixture with the fresh ingredients to place on top. No butter, no frying, just healthy, flavorful delicious goodness that your family will devour! 

I served mine with an angel hair pasta and drizzled fresh Parmesan on top of it all.  The pasta absorbed the oil and vinegars and each bite was absolutely heavenly.  The colors in the bruschetta like topping presented beautifully and it was definitely a fan favorite! 

 Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• cup & 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 slices fresh buffalo mozzarella cheese medallions
• 4 roma tomatoes (seeded & diced)
• 8 fresh basil leaves (stacked, rolled & thinly sliced into chiffonade)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

 
Preheat oven to 375F and spray baking dish with cooking spray.

1. Combine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and olive oil in a bowl. Marinade the chicken in balsamic mixture for 15 minutes.
2. Place chicken breasts in baking dish, pour half of the mixture over the meat, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Bake at 375F until chicken is cooked through (about 30 minutes), occasionally spooning the balsamic mixture back over the chicken.
4. During the last 2 minutes of baking, place 2 slices of cheese over the top of each chicken breast to melt.
5. In a large bowl combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, a pinch of salt and remaining balsamic. Toss gently to combine.
6. Place the chicken breasts on plates, top with tomato mixture and serve.

*Good Balsamic vinegar plays a key role in adding an extra something to any Italian dish.  My favorite vinegars come from a store called Olive oil & Beyond.  They can be ordered online or pop by the store for a sampling of the finest of vinegars.  My personal favorites are the Vanilla Balsamic and Blueberry Balsamic.  Meals will never be the same again...promise.