It’s high tomato and basil season here (I know, insert a groan from those suffering in 16F weather) and with a massive pile of leftover turkey from Christmas dinner, it’s Turkey Caprese for dinner tonight.
The dish is dead simple and I can’t think of a better way to dress up leftover protein. Just pile on slices of tomato and fresh mozzarella over any warmed up store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, turkey, pork chops, salmon, etc., a little drizzle of olive oil and slide that under the broiler to melt the cheese. Season a bit with salt & pepper, throw on some basil and just a few drips of good balsamic vinegar if you want.
It’s a deceiving dish, looks so darn elegant yet so easy.
Chicken Caprese Recipe
Even though the title of this recipe says "Chicken" you can substitute with your favorite protein, like turkey, pork tenderloin, any fish fillet. My lazy day dinners are often store-bought rotisserie chicken that's already cooked and warm -- then following this Chicken Caprese recipe to dress it up.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces cooked chicken (or other meat/seafood)
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 large tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sprig fresh basil (or dried Italian herb mix)
- 2 teaspoons good quality balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Warm up chicken in oven, pan or microwave, take care not to overcook the already-cooked chicken. You just want it warmed through.
- Lay chicken on baking sheet. Alternate slices of tomato and mozzarella on each piece of chicken. Drizzle olive oil over chicken. Set oven rack 8 inches below heat source. Broil for 3-4 minutes, until cheese begins to melt.
- Season mozzarella cheese and tomato with salt and pepper (the already-cooked chicken should already be seasoned), drizzle a few drops of balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with fresh basil.
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This is such a fantastic idea Jaden! The tomatoes are ripe now, the basil is full of aroma…and we are having oven roasted chicken today, so there will be leftovers to try this tomorrow:)
Healthy, easy, simple…a perfect choice!
Thanx so much!
Panos and Mirella.
This recipe is so easy and so perfect for Summer when tomatoes and basil are in the garden. This was a huge hit.
Just had this and it was DELICIOUS!!! I LOVE caprese so I knew I would love this meal, my husband, who does not love tomatoes or cheese, I was a little more skeptical about him liking this. However, even he LOVED this!!!
i’ve been looking for the perfect birthday dish for my 25 y.o. son – he asked for something with chicken like a caprese salad so this is perfect! as always, thanks for the inspiration.
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Looks bueno. Must try next time I have chicken left over.
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I’ll eat Caprese anything… The only thing I’d do would be to whisk together a little balsamic, olive oil, dijon and honey – it’s my all-time favorite Caprese dressing. But other than that, this is perfect – and perfectly simple – as is!
This looks amazing and it’s simple! I would even eat it without broiling it, I love fresh mozzarella by the slice plain!
Will try at my home.
That looks delicious and SO simple! Mmmm, can’t wait to give this one a try!
Yum! Looks fabulous! I am still getting some great Heirloom tomatoes in Vegas at Trader Joe’s, about an hour from where I live in Arizona. I will definitely try this.
I agree with the others, it is in the 20’s here in Pittsburgh and has been all of December. Will remember for next summer.
I am so very jealous that it is high tomato time for you guys! The snow in Boston is up to my hips and not a tomato in sight for a while…will definitely have to make this once all this snow melts (if that ever happens?!) Love how you positioned the tomatoes, basil and cheese on top of the chicken. It’s so simple yet ingenious at the same time!
Amazing! A great way to use leftovers =)
You rock! Quit it….you’re making the rest of us look bad 😉
I love this but it is such a summer dish to me that I think I’ll have to wait until I can get my hands on some Grainger County tomatoes.
looks fantastic. perhaps even better than just the chicken on it’s on 🙂
that’s a very clever idea. i never thought of adding meat on caprese – and, hubby loves caprese. i’ll make this for him! that’s for sure.
Please deliver to my house immediately!
“Basil and tomato season” sounds like light years away.
This is a wonderful combination that I have also made many times before. I can highly recommend it.
Happy Holidays from Colorado.
Kirsten