Caprese Chicken Skillet

$To make Caprese Chicken Skillet, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze - Salt and pepper to taste You can swap some ingredients if needed. For chicken, use thighs instead of breasts. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, use diced regular tomatoes. Instead of fresh mozzarella, shredded mozzarella works too. If you want a twist, try using feta cheese. For those who don’t like basil, you can use parsley or spinach. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. Fresh chicken tastes better and is juicier. Ripe cherry tomatoes add sweetness and acidity. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully, giving a nice texture. Basil adds a bright, aromatic flavor. Always choose quality ingredients when cooking. It shows in every bite! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your chicken breasts and season them. Use salt and pepper on both sides. This helps bring out the flavor. Make sure to cover all parts evenly. Next, grab a large skillet and heat it on medium-high. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken in the skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be golden brown and cooked through. When done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds. You want to smell that lovely aroma! Then, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You will see them blister and soften. This step adds great flavor to the dish. To get a nice sear on your chicken, start with a hot skillet. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. The oil should shimmer but not smoke. Season your chicken well with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet without crowding. This helps it brown nicely. Cook each side for 5-6 minutes. Look for a golden crust before flipping. Don’t rush the process; a good sear adds flavor. To melt the cheese just right, add it at the right time. After you return the chicken to the skillet, add the mozzarella balls. Cover the skillet with a lid immediately. This traps heat and helps the cheese melt evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Check the cheese often to avoid overcooking. You want it soft and gooey, not rubbery. Balsamic glaze brings a sweet tangy kick to the dish. Drizzle it on right before serving. This adds depth to the chicken and tomatoes. If you want more flavor, try reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan first. Heat it until it thickens and becomes syrupy. This enhances the glaze’s sweetness and richness. A little goes a long way! Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe cherry tomatoes will elevate the flavor of this dish. Opt for high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best melting quality. Let It Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender. Customize with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the skillet for added nutrition and flavor. {{image_2}} You can add fresh spinach to your Caprese Chicken. This gives it a nice boost of flavor and nutrition. Simply toss in about 2 cups of fresh spinach after you add the tomatoes. Cook until the spinach wilts down. It adds color and makes the dish even healthier. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky flavor. To try this, season your chicken breasts and grill them over medium heat. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until they are fully cooked. Once grilled, follow the same steps to add tomatoes, cheese, and basil. The result is a tasty, outdoor flavor. For a dairy-free option, swap mozzarella for vegan cheese. Look for brands that melt well. For a vegan version, skip the cheese entirely and add more herbs for flavor. You can also drizzle with a bit of extra balsamic glaze to enhance taste. This keeps the meal fresh and plant-based. To keep your Caprese Chicken Skillet fresh, let it cool first. Place the chicken, tomatoes, and cheese in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again! When you’re ready to eat, reheat the dish on the stove. Use low heat and add a splash of water. This keeps the chicken moist. Stir gently until warmed through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid hot spots. If you want to freeze leftovers, place the cooled dish into a freezer-safe container. Make sure to seal it well. The Caprese Chicken can stay good for about three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This method keeps the flavor intact! Caprese Chicken Skillet can last in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When you're ready to eat, check for any off smells or changes in texture. Yes, you can use different types of cheese. While fresh mozzarella is classic for its creamy texture, you might try provolone or fontina. These cheeses melt well and add unique flavors. Just remember, each cheese type will change the dish’s taste a bit. I love serving Caprese Chicken Skillet with a side salad or some crusty bread. A simple green salad pairs well and adds a fresh crunch. You can also serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy experimenting with different sides! This blog post covered the key elements of making a tasty Caprese Chicken Skillet. You learned about essential ingredients, helpful cooking steps, and tips for great flavor. Fresh ingredients make your dish shine. Explore variations to fit different diets and store any leftovers properly. With these simple steps, you can create a delightful meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and remember to share your delicious results!$

A delicious and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon balsamic glaze
to taste salt and pepper

Instructions

Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to blister and soften.
Return the chicken to the skillet and add the fresh mozzarella balls. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped basil over the chicken and tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Turn the chicken to coat in the sauce and melted cheese, then serve immediately.

Notes

For added flavor, use high-quality balsamic glaze.

Keyword Caprese, chicken, easy, one pan, skillet