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Balsamic Chicken Cucumber Caprese Bowls

Balsamic Chicken Cucumber Caprese Bowls - featured image
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Juicy balsamic chicken, crisp cucumbers, creamy mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes come together in these fresh, protein-packed Caprese bowls. Perfect for meal prep or a quick, vibrant dinner, this Italian-inspired recipe is healthy, customizable, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g, boneless and skinless)
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 English cucumber (or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced thin)
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (or torn mozzarella balls)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: Mixed greens or baby spinach
  • Optional: Avocado slices
  • Optional: Red onion, thinly sliced
  • Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Add chicken breasts and toss until well coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  3. While the chicken marinates, slice the cucumber into thin rounds, halve the cherry tomatoes, and tear the basil leaves.
  4. In a bowl, combine cucumber, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and basil. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to combine. Add greens or avocado if using.
  5. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add chicken breasts (let excess marinade drip off). Sear for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Rest chicken for 2 minutes before slicing.
  6. Slice the chicken into strips or bite-size pieces. In serving bowls, arrange the Caprese salad base, then top with warm chicken.
  7. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Sprinkle extra basil and crushed red pepper if using.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or store components separately for meal prep.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken as long as possible (up to overnight). Pat mozzarella dry to avoid a watery salad. Chill cucumbers for extra crunch. To make vegetarian, swap chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas. Store chicken and salad separately for meal prep. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving for a sweet-tangy finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic chicken, caprese bowl, meal prep, healthy, Italian, summer salad, gluten-free, high protein, chicken salad, easy dinner

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/balsamic-chicken-cucumber-caprese-bowls-easy-fresh-meal-prep-recipe/