Transform your weeknights with the Caprese Chicken Skillet, a vibrant, one-pan chicken dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all brought together with a luscious balsamic glaze for a healthy and quick chicken meal.
If you’re searching for a speedy yet sophisticated supper that brings the taste of Italy to your table, look no further than this incredible Caprese Chicken Skillet. This skillet chicken recipe is a delightful take on the classic Caprese salad, perfectly marrying juicy chicken breasts with the iconic flavors of fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil. It’s an Italian chicken recipe that’s not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably simple to prepare, making it the ultimate quick chicken meal for any busy evening.
Imagine succulent chicken, perfectly seared, then nestled into a vibrant medley of bursting cherry tomatoes and fragrant garlic. Topped with creamy melted mozzarella and finished with a scattering of fresh basil and a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze, this dish is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. It’s truly a one-pan chicken dinner, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. Whether you’re aiming for a healthy chicken skillet option or just craving something utterly delicious, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Preparing fresh
Ingredients for Your Caprese Chicken Skillet
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your masterpiece:
- Main Components:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-3 large, pounded thin or butterflied)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced, shredded, or mini mozzarella balls)
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or thinly sliced, plus more for garnish
- Aromatics & Fats:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Sauce & Flavor Enhancers:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for balancing acidity)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional, for chicken)
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Caprese Chicken Skillet
Follow these simple steps for a truly exceptional Caprese Chicken Skillet:
1. Prepare the Chicken
If your chicken breasts are thick, butterfly them or slice horizontally to create thinner pieces. Alternatively, place them between two pieces of parchment paper and pound to an even ¾-inch thickness. This ensures even cooking and keeps your balsamic chicken juicy. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear for 3-6 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam rather than sear. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, tenting with foil to keep warm. Leave the delicious browned bits in the pan; they’re packed with flavor!
3. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and slightly blister. This creates a wonderful base for your mozzarella tomato chicken sauce. For quick chopping of tomatoes or garlic for this and other easy dinner recipes, a Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor is a fantastic meal prep essential, making fast work of chopping, slicing, and shredding.
4. Create the Balsamic Sauce
Pour in the balsamic vinegar, chicken broth or water, and honey (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, and cook for 2-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens to a glaze consistency. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. This rich, sweet, and tangy sauce is what truly elevates your Caprese Chicken Skillet.
5. Combine and Melt Cheese
Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the bubbling tomato-balsamic mixture. Top each chicken breast generously with slices of fresh mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can place the skillet in a preheated oven (350-400°F or 175-200°C) for 10-15 minutes, or under a broiler for 2-3 minutes for a slightly browned, bubbly cheese topping, perfect for any healthy chicken skillet.
6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with additional balsamic glaze or a swirl of basil pesto if desired. Serve immediately, spooning the extra sauce over the fresh basil chicken. For storing any delightful leftovers from this one-pan chicken dinner, we highly recommend the Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9. They are crystal clear, leak-proof, and stackable, making meal prep and storage a breeze.
People Also Ask About Caprese Chicken Skillet (FAQs)
1. What is Caprese Chicken?
Caprese chicken is a culinary spin on the classic Italian Caprese salad. It features tender chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic fresh basil, often finished with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze.
2. How do I keep the chicken moist?
To ensure juicy chicken, pound your chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness for uniform cooking. Avoid overcooking, and sear both sides of the chicken before letting it finish cooking in the sauce or oven.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They tend to be more forgiving and cook up incredibly tender and juicy in this skillet chicken recipe.
4. What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are highly recommended for this dish. They burst beautifully as they cook, releasing their sweet juices and contributing to a rich, “jammy” sauce that complements the mozzarella tomato chicken perfectly.
5. What is balsamic glaze and can I make it myself?
Balsamic glaze is a thickened, reduced form of balsamic vinegar, resulting in a syrupy condiment that is sweeter and tangier. Yes, you can easily make it yourself by simmering balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until it reduces and thickens. For a detailed guide, check out our balsamic glaze recipe.
6. Can I add other vegetables?
While traditional Caprese focuses on the core ingredients, you could certainly add diced red onion to the sauté step for extra flavor. For personal preference, other quick-cooking vegetables could be incorporated, though they might alter the classic Caprese profile.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
Allowing the balsamic mixture to simmer and reduce naturally thickens it into a glaze. For a quicker thickening method, a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) can be stirred into the simmering sauce.
8. What can I serve with Caprese Chicken Skillet?
This Caprese Chicken Skillet is a complete meal on its own! However, it pairs wonderfully with sides such as buttered noodles, spaghetti squash, a simple side salad, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
9. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time or store leftovers?
Yes, the cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet or oven. Add fresh basil and a fresh drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto after reheating for best results.
10. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
While fresh basil is highly recommended for its authentic Caprese flavor and aroma, you can use dried basil as a substitute, though the flavor will be less vibrant. Alternatively, a dollop of store-bought or homemade basil pesto can provide a good flavor boost.
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