Caprese Chicken Skillet: Your Ultimate One-Pan Dinner Guide

This Caprese Chicken Skillet recipe delivers a healthy, one-pan Italian chicken dinner featuring tender chicken breasts, vibrant cherry tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and fresh basil, all bathed in a rich balsamic glaze for a truly quick chicken meal.

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight hero, the Caprese Chicken Skillet! This healthy chicken skillet brings the beloved flavors of a classic Caprese salad, with juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and aromatic basil, right to your dinner table in one incredible dish. It’s a quick chicken meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, making it perfect for busy evenings when you crave something special without the fuss. Imagine tender, perfectly seared skillet chicken, bathed in a rich balsamic sauce, and topped with gooey cheese. This mozzarella tomato chicken is more than just a meal, it’s an experience.

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Preparing this Caprese Chicken Skillet is straightforward, but having the right kitchen tools can elevate your experience and speed up your meal prep. For instance, when it comes to quickly dicing garlic or slicing fresh mozzarella, a reliable Cuisinart 8 Cup Food Processor is a game-changer. Its fast chopping, slicing, and shredding capabilities make it a true meal prep essential, especially for complex recipes or when you’re preparing for multiple meals. And if you’re thinking about making your own vibrant basil pesto or a smoother balsamic reduction, the high-power performance of a Ninja BN751 Professional Plus DUO Blender ensures perfect results every time, ideal for making smooth sauces and purees.

Planning ahead or buying ingredients in bulk is smart, and keeping them fresh is crucial. A FoodSaver Vacuum Sealer Machine can extend the life of your chicken, tomatoes, and other fresh produce up to five times longer, preventing freezer burn and locking in flavor. This is ideal for stocking up and ensuring quality. While this one-pan chicken dinner is fulfilling on its own, you might want to roast some extra vegetables on the side. For that, the Cosori 9-in-1 TurboBlaze Air Fryer 6 Qt is fantastic; it roasts chickpeas and vegetables perfectly with less oil and has a large capacity for family-sized portions. After enjoying this delicious Caprese Chicken Skillet, you’ll likely have some leftovers. Storing them effectively is easy with the Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage Set of 9, which is crystal clear, leak-proof, and stackable, perfect for keeping your meals fresh and organized in the refrigerator.

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This Italian chicken recipe is not only flavorful but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it with pasta, rice, or a crisp side salad. It’s truly a complete meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. For more delicious healthy chicken recipes, be sure to explore our collection!

Ingredients

• Chicken: 1-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2-4 breasts, often pounded or butterflied)
• Oil: 1-3 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Seasoning: Salt and black pepper (to taste), 1/2 tsp – 2 tsp dried basil or Italian seasoning
• Tomatoes: ½ pint to 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• Garlic: 2-4 cloves (or 1 tablespoon) minced garlic
• Balsamic: 1 tablespoon to ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• Cheese: 2-8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese (sliced, shredded, or pearl balls)
• Fresh Herb: ¼ cup to 6 leaves fresh basil, chopped or thinly sliced (for garnish)

Optional Additions:

• Butter: 1-3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Broth: ½ cup chicken broth
• Sweetener/Acidity Balancer: 1 tablespoon honey
• Emulsifier/Flavor: 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Herb Enhancement: 1-2 tablespoons basil pesto
• Thickener: ¼ cup water (for sauce), 1 teaspoon corn starch (for thickening)
• Acidity: 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Aromatics: ¼ cup diced red onion
• Pantry: Pinch of capers
• Finishing: Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts to an even ¾-inch thickness or butterfly thicker breasts. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any dried herbs like Italian seasoning. For an extra flavor boost, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for about 20 minutes before cooking.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil (and butter, if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and tent it with foil to keep warm.
3. Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to medium-low. In the same skillet, add minced garlic (and diced red onion, if using) and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes and cook for 2-5 minutes until they begin to soften, blister, and release their juices.
4. Create the Balsamic Sauce: Pour in balsamic vinegar and chicken broth (if using). Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, or Italian seasoning if desired. If a thicker sauce is preferred, whisk corn starch with a little water or broth before adding. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until it slightly thickens. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Some variations include adding basil pesto at this stage.
5. Melt the Cheese: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and tomatoes, and spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Top each chicken breast with fresh mozzarella slices, shredded mozzarella, or pearl mozzarella balls. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Alternatively, if using an oven-safe skillet, transfer it to a preheated oven (350-400°F / 175-200°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes, or broil for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped or thinly sliced basil leaves. Spoon extra sauce over each piece of chicken before serving. Drizzle with optional balsamic glaze or pesto for an extra layer of flavor. This quick and easy Caprese Chicken Skillet is best served immediately with preferred sides like crusty bread, pasta, rice, or a simple side salad. Explore more one-pan dinners for stress-free meal ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze instead of vinegar?

Yes, absolutely! Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used for drizzling at the end to enhance the flavor without needing to reduce balsamic vinegar yourself. If you prefer a richer, sweeter sauce, you can also add a tablespoon or two of glaze to the sauce directly, adjusting for sweetness.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?

Certainly! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Caprese Chicken Skillet. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier. Adjust cooking times as needed, typically 6-8 minutes per side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C).

3. Can Caprese Chicken Skillet be made ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can certainly prep components ahead. You can pound and season the chicken, chop garlic and basil, and halve tomatoes. The chicken can be cooked and cooled, then added back to the skillet with sauce and cheese for melting just before serving. However, the cheese and basil are best added fresh.

4. How should I reheat Caprese Chicken Skillet leftovers?

To reheat, place leftovers in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving for best texture.

5. What type of mozzarella cheese is best for Caprese Chicken Skillet?

Fresh mozzarella, whether sliced, shredded, or pearl balls (bocconcini), is highly recommended for its creamy texture and authentic Caprese flavor. Pre-shredded mozzarella can also work in a pinch, but fresh provides a superior melt and taste for this Italian chicken recipe.

6. Can dried basil be substituted for fresh basil?

While fresh basil offers the best aromatic experience, you can use dried basil in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1 tablespoon of fresh basil called for. Add dried basil during the sauce simmering stage, and still aim to garnish with a little fresh if possible for flavor and presentation.

7. What are some good serving suggestions for Caprese Chicken Skillet?

This versatile Caprese Chicken Skillet pairs wonderfully with crusty bread for dipping in the balsamic sauce, pasta (like orzo or spaghetti), rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad. Roasted asparagus or zucchini also make excellent healthy additions. For more inspiration, explore our selection of other Italian-inspired meals.

8. How long can Caprese Chicken Skillet be stored in the refrigerator?

Leftovers of Caprese Chicken Skillet can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

9. Why is it recommended to pound the chicken breasts before cooking?

Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook more uniformly and quickly. This prevents the thinner parts from drying out while waiting for the thicker parts to cook through, resulting in tender, juicy chicken every time for your skillet chicken.

10. Are there any other vegetables or greens that can be added to this dish?

Yes! Spinach or arugula can be stirred into the sauce during the last minute of cooking for an added boost of greens. Sliced bell peppers or zucchini could also be sautéed with the tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients, complementing the fresh basil chicken beautifully.

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