Caprese Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, drained - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning When I cook Caprese Chicken Skillet, I love using fresh and simple ingredients. The chicken breasts serve as the main protein. They are tender, juicy, and perfect for this dish. I season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, which adds great flavor. Next, I add olive oil to the skillet. It helps the chicken to brown nicely. The cherry tomatoes bring a burst of sweetness and color. I always choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best taste. Fresh mozzarella is another star here. It melts beautifully, adding creaminess. I finish the dish with fresh basil and balsamic glaze. The basil adds a fragrant note, while the balsamic glaze gives a tangy sweetness. These ingredients not only taste good together but also look beautiful on the plate. You can serve the chicken on a large platter, garnished with more basil and a drizzle of glaze for a stunning meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, season the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the spices in well on both sides. This step adds great flavor to the chicken. Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. When done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. Now, it's time to bring in the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. Stir them occasionally until they start to soften. The tomatoes will add sweetness and freshness to the dish. After the tomatoes soften, place the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Arrange it among the tomatoes. On top of the chicken, add the fresh mozzarella balls. This will make the dish rich and creamy. Next, cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is gooey and soft. Once the cheese melts, sprinkle the chopped basil over the chicken. Finally, drizzle balsamic glaze on top. This adds a tangy flavor that pairs well with the dish. You can serve it right away by spooning the tomato mixture over the chicken. Enjoy your delicious Caprese Chicken Skillet! To achieve the perfect chicken texture, start with thin, even chicken breasts. This helps them cook evenly. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Use medium heat for cooking. This allows the chicken to brown nicely without burning. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. For melty cheese, add mozzarella balls on top of the chicken and cover the skillet. This traps steam and helps the cheese melt evenly. Keep the heat low during this step. It takes about 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to avoid overcooking. To serve this dish elegantly, use a large platter. Arrange the chicken and tomatoes neatly. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze over the top for visual appeal. For garnishing, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. This adds color and a fresh aroma. You can also place a few cherry tomatoes around for an extra pop. Consider using a colorful plate to make the dish stand out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil will significantly enhance the flavor of the dish. Opt for fresh, ripe ingredients whenever possible. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure the chicken is juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Balsamic Glaze Tips: If you want a richer flavor, consider reducing balsamic vinegar on the stove to create a homemade balsamic glaze. It enhances the dish beautifully. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, making it a complete meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. {{image_2}} You can switch proteins if you want. Try using turkey breasts or even tofu for a plant-based option. Both work well in this dish. If you prefer a different cheese, use goat cheese or feta. These cheeses add a unique taste that pairs nicely with the tomatoes and basil. You can also add more vegetables to your skillet. Zucchini or bell peppers can bring extra color and flavor. Slice them thin and add them with the cherry tomatoes. They will cook quickly and add a nice crunch. To elevate the taste, change up the seasonings. Think about adding herbs like thyme or oregano for a different twist. You can also try using lemon zest for a fresh kick. It brightens the dish and makes it even more delightful. If you want some heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes over the chicken. This adds a spicy kick that balances well with the creamy cheese. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. To keep your Caprese Chicken Skillet fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep out air and moisture. Make sure to cool the dish before sealing it. Your leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you won’t eat them soon, freeze the chicken and tomatoes. They can stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When it comes to reheating, I suggest using the stovetop. Place the chicken and tomatoes in a skillet over low heat. This method helps keep the chicken juicy and the tomatoes flavorful. You can also use the microwave for quick reheating. Just make sure to cover the dish to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil to keep everything moist. Enjoy your meal as if it were freshly made! For a complete meal, I love serving Caprese Chicken with simple sides. Here are a few great options: - Garlic bread: It adds crunch and flavor. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans work well. - Rice or quinoa: They soak up the tasty juices. - Mixed greens salad: A fresh salad adds crispness. These sides make the meal colorful and balanced. You can mix and match based on what you have at home! Yes, you can prep Caprese Chicken ahead of time. Here are my tips: - Marinate the chicken: Season and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. - Cook and cool: You can cook the chicken and let it cool before storing. - Store in the fridge: Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it gently. This saves time on busy days! To check if the chicken is done, here’s what to look for: - Golden brown color: The outside should look nice and brown. - Juices run clear: When you cut into it, the juices should be clear, not pink. - Use a meat thermometer: It should read 165°F in the thickest part. These steps ensure you serve safe and juicy chicken every time! This blog post covered how to make a delicious Caprese Chicken Skillet. We discussed the key ingredients, like chicken, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella. I shared simple steps for preparing, cooking, and fancy presentation tips. You learned variations to change flavors and ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking is fun and easy. You can impress anyone with this dish. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Caprese Chicken Skillet

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, drained
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet and arrange it among the tomatoes. Add the fresh mozzarella balls on top of the chicken.
Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt.
Once the cheese is melted, sprinkle the chopped basil over the top of the chicken and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Serve immediately, spooning the tomato mixture over the chicken.

Notes

Serve the Caprese chicken on a large platter, garnished with additional fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch of elegance.

Keyword Caprese, chicken, easy dinner, skillet