Grilled Sweet Basil Caprese Chicken

Prepare your taste buds for a delightful journey with our Grilled Sweet Basil Caprese Chicken! This dish is a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate, bringing together the freshness of sweet basil, the sizzling allure of perfectly grilled chicken, and the classic Caprese elements.

Imagine tender chicken breasts infused with the earthy aroma of fresh basil leaves, each bite bursting with vibrant green goodness and the luscious creaminess of mozzarella cheese. The grilling process adds a smoky, charred perfection to the mix, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes that's nothing short of mouthwatering.

But it's not just about the ingredients; it's about the experience. The sizzle of the grill, the tantalizing aroma wafting through the air, and the anticipation of that first, juicy bite—it's a culinary adventure you won't want to miss.

INGREDIENTS: 

6 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
1 cup olive oil
Juice of 3 lemons
3 cloves garlic
½ cup sweet vermouth
8 large leaves of basil
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¾ cup balsamic vinegar
6 slices of mozzarella cheese (½ inch thick)
5 large tomatoes (sliced)
Garnish: 5 leaves basil (chopped)

PREPARATION:

Place olive oil, lemon juice, sweet vermouth, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper in food processor or blender. Pulse mixture 10-12 times or more until well combined. Stir and taste mixture for salt content. 

Place chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag, pour mixture over chicken, making sure that each piece is coated well. Seal bag and place into refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

While chicken is marinating, it's time to make the balsamic reduction. Place vinegar into a saucepan and bring to a boil, reduce and simmer for 8-10 minutes. It should have a thick, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Once this is achieved, remove from heat, cover and set aside.

Preheat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from bag and place onto grill. Cook for 8-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Toward the end of the cooking time, place a slice of mozzarella and 1-2 slices of tomato on each breast.

Cook for 2-3 additional minutes. Chicken is done once it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. in the thickest part of the meat. Remove from heat and garnish with reduced balsamic and chopped basil leaves. 

Whether you're enjoying this dish as a summer barbecue favorite or as a cozy winter indulgence, Grilled Sweet Basil Caprese Chicken is a celebration of simple ingredients that come together to create extraordinary flavor.

So, grab your fork and take a flavorful journey that'll leave you craving for more!" 🍗🌿🧀🔥