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Caprese chicken with smashed potatoes, melted cheese, basil, tomatoes, and balsamic drizzle

Caprese Chicken with Smashed Potatoes and Fresh Basil

Caprese Chicken with Smashed Potatoes is a comforting dinner featuring tender chicken, crispy-edged potatoes, melted cheese, fresh basil, and a flavorful balsamic finish. It is a great choice for an easy weeknight meal with balanced textures and classic caprese-inspired appeal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 553
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Smashed Potatoes
  • 10-12 small red or gold potatoes
  • olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper
  • fresh parsley or chives
Chicken
  • 1 lb. chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into thinner pieces to make 4 pieces)
  • olive oil, salt, and pepper
Topping
  • 6-ish roasted or sun dried tomatoes
  • 2 oz / 55 g havarti cheese, in small slices
  • fresh basil
  • balsamic reduction (see notes)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, cook for 10 minutes, then drain and let cool slightly.
  2. Press each potato gently under a clean dish towel, keeping it mostly intact. Move the potatoes to a baking sheet.
Cooking
  1. Coat the potatoes with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Heat a small amount of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then brown both sides without needing to cook it completely through.
  3. Add the sun dried tomatoes and cheese slices over the chicken. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has melted.
Assembly
  1. Finish the chicken with fresh basil and balsamic reduction. Serve with the smashed potatoes.

Notes

Make the balsamic reduction by simmering about a cup of balsamic vinegar over medium heat in a small saucepan. Continue cooking until the liquid has reduced significantly and coats the back of a spoon, then remove from the heat for a smooth balsamic drizzle.