Grilled Sweet Vermouth Caprese Chicken

After the holidays of feasting and merriment, here is a healthy and delicious recipe for starting out the New Year right. 

Marinated with basil, lemon and sweet vermouth, this chicken is taken to the grill and cooked to perfection, then topped with fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes, and a balsamic reduction. Low carb goodness will feel good after you restart that new gym membership. 

LET’S SAY GOODBYE TO 2018 and SHUT IT DOWN!  

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)

GRILLING MUSIC SELECTION:  Shut It Down - Dave Silcox

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. 

CRANK THIS TUNE WAY THE HELL UP!!!

LET'S SHUT THIS YEAR DOWN!

Thank you for stopping by my dangerous kitchen. I look forward to sharing a new year of culinary & music adventures with you! xxxooo III

Happy New Year 2019!