Caprese Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, halved - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 3 cloves garlic, minced - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional) The main ingredients in this dish create a tasty balance. The chicken breasts serve as a great protein base. Their mild taste lets the other flavors shine. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and a burst of color. Fresh mozzarella brings a creamy texture that melts beautifully. Lastly, fresh basil gives a bright, herby touch. In the pantry staples, olive oil is perfect for cooking. It helps brown the chicken and adds flavor. Balsamic glaze provides a sweet and tangy finish. Garlic adds depth to the dish, making it savory and aromatic. For seasonings, salt and pepper are key. They enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients. If you want an extra kick, add Italian seasoning. It brings a mix of herbs that complement the dish well. Gather these ingredients to create a delightful Caprese Chicken Skillet that is sure to impress! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This sets the stage for cooking. Next, I season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if I choose to use it. This little step adds a lot of flavor. Once the oil is hot, I add the chicken breasts to the skillet. I brown them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. It's key to watch for a golden brown color. After that, I check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The chicken must reach 165°F to be safe to eat. Once done, I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, I add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until it smells great. Then, I toss in the halved cherry tomatoes. I cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, letting them soften and release their juices. After this, I reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. I layer the fresh mozzarella balls on top and let them melt for about 2 to 3 minutes. Finally, I drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped basil for a fresh touch. Now, it’s ready to serve! To get that perfect golden brown chicken, start with a hot skillet. Use medium-high heat and add olive oil first. Season the chicken well with salt and pepper. If you want extra flavor, sprinkle some Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know it's done when the inside hits 165°F. A meat thermometer works best for this. Signs of doneness for chicken include the juices running clear. If you cut into it and see pink, it needs more time. Trust your thermometer, but don’t skip the visual check too. Caprese Chicken Skillet pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a full meal. You can also add some steamed veggies for color and nutrients. For presentation, layer the chicken on a bright plate. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a nice touch. This will not only look good but also smell amazing! You can make this dish your own by adding vegetables. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work well. Just toss them in with the garlic and tomatoes. Swapping cheeses is another fun option. Try using goat cheese or feta for a twist. You can also change the glaze to a honey or citrus glaze for a different flavor. Each change adds a new layer of taste to your meal! Pro Tips Perfect Chicken Cooking: Make sure your chicken breasts are all the same thickness for even cooking. You can pound them to an even thickness if needed. Freshness is Key: Use fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish! Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the amount of balsamic glaze based on your preference. A little extra can enhance the sweetness and acidity. Serving Suggestions: Serve with crusty bread or a side salad to soak up the delicious juices and complete the meal. {{image_2}} To store Caprese Chicken Skillet, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing. When reheating, keep the chicken moist. The best way is in a skillet. Heat it on low. Add a splash of water or broth to help. Cover the skillet to trap steam. This will keep the chicken juicy. You can also use a microwave. Just cover the dish with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts to avoid drying it out. To freeze Caprese Chicken Skillet, cool it completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. Label the container with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently as mentioned above. This keeps the chicken tasty and safe. Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They add a richer flavor thanks to their higher fat content. Chicken thighs also stay moist during cooking. However, they take a few extra minutes to cook through. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F as with breasts. If you don’t have mozzarella, try fresh burrata or ricotta. They both offer creamy textures. You can also use provolone or gouda for a different taste. Keep in mind that each cheese has a unique flavor, which changes the dish a bit. To cut calories, use less oil when cooking. You can also reduce the amount of cheese. Try using low-fat mozzarella or skipping it altogether. Adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini can fill you up without adding many calories. Each serving of Caprese Chicken Skillet has about 400 calories. Here’s the breakdown per serving: - Fats: 20 grams - Proteins: 40 grams - Carbohydrates: 10 grams This dish is rich in proteins, making it great for muscle building. The healthy fats come from olive oil and mozzarella. Chicken provides lean protein, which helps you feel full. It supports muscle growth and repair. Basil adds a fresh flavor and has antioxidants. It can help with inflammation and digestion. Tomatoes are packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C. They also have lycopene, which is good for your heart. If you want a gluten-free meal, this dish fits perfectly. It has no gluten ingredients. For a low-carb option, you can skip the balsamic glaze or use less. If you follow a dairy-free diet, try using vegan cheese or skip the mozzarella. This way, you can enjoy the flavors without the dairy. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Caprese Chicken Skillet. We looked at the main ingredients, including juicy chicken and fresh basil. You learned how to prepare the chicken, cook it to perfection, and create delicious flavors with garlic and mozzarella. I shared tips for serving, storing leftovers, and even answering common questions. In the end, you can enjoy a meal that is not only quick but also healthy. Try making this dish your own with various flavors or sides. Happy cooking!$

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low and return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Layer on the fresh mozzarella balls and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with the chopped basil.
Serve immediately, garnishing with additional basil if desired.

Notes

Serve with additional basil for garnish if desired.

Keyword caprese, chicken, easy dinner, Italian, skillet