Hi, friends!  I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day! 

I bought a basil plant at the store the other day on a whim.   Nothing tastes (and smells) better to me then fresh basil.  But, the plant just sat there. I needed inspiration in a bad way so I turned to my own Employee Dining Room at work where they make chicken caprese.

I am also a sucker for mozzarella, but add a tender chicken breast and it takes this dish over the top.  The chicken is drizzled with a balsamic reduction-with a twist. 

See as I was making this, swanky boyfriend came in the kitchen and started adding berries and such to my reduction. Not surprisingly, the end result was delicious and had a little bit more sweetness that paired well with the basil.

Chicken Caprese With a Sweet Balsamic Sauce –(adapted from allrecipes)

serves 4

Ingredients:

• 4 (6 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 4 (1/2 inch thick) slices fresh mozzarella cheese
• 4 (1/2 inch thick) slices roma tomato 
• 4 large fresh basil leaves 

For the sauce:

• 1 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup blackberries
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• juice of two small seedless tangerines
• dash of salt and pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.

3.Pour olive oil into a large cast-iron or ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until a small droplet of water pops in the oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken breasts onto pan. 

Sear chicken for about 3 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.

While the chicken is searing, get started on the marinade.  Put balsamic, sugar, and blackberries, salt and pepper into sauce pan.  Cook over medium-high heat until the blackberries can be easily crushed with a fork, about 15 minutes.

Once berries have softened, mash with a fork. Raise the heat to high and stir frequently as the mixture reduces to about half it’s original volume.

While that is simmering, put the chicken breast in the oven.  Let cook for about 10 minutes.

After the time has passed, remove chicken and place tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil onto each piece.  Put back in oven for about 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.

Finish off the sauce by straining the berry mixture. 

Add in juice of tangerines and mix well.

Remove chicken from oven.

You are almost ready to dig in!

Pour balsamic sauce over top and serve!  I added in more fresh basil cause I can’t get enough.

The balsamic sauce added a slight sweetness to this dish.  

Every bite must include juicy chicken, sweet tomato, and melty mozzarella.

Delicious.

Hope you have a speedy week and a happy Monday!

Thanks for reading!

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