Caprese Chicken Skillet

$Here’s what you need for Caprese chicken skillet: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), sliced or halved - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon dried oregano You can mix it up with these ideas: - Add crushed red pepper for heat. - Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. - Try Italian seasoning for an added flavor boost. To make this dish, gather these tools: - A large skillet for cooking. - A sharp knife for chopping. - A cutting board for prep work. - A spatula for flipping the chicken. - Measuring spoons for precise amounts. These simple ingredients and tools make it easy to whip up a tasty meal. Enjoy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take the chicken breasts out of the package. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the chicken brown better. Next, sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano on both sides of each chicken breast. This seasoning adds great flavor. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. Look for a nice golden brown color. Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s temperature. It should reach 165°F or 75°C. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. Let it rest for a moment. In the same skillet, add 2 cups of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. This step brings out the tomatoes' sweetness. Lower the heat and return the chicken to the skillet. Top each chicken piece with the cooked tomatoes and 1 cup of fresh mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid for 2 minutes. This helps the cheese melt nicely. After 2 minutes, remove the lid and add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil on top. Finally, drizzle 2 tablespoons of balsamic glaze over the chicken and serve hot. To make your chicken juicy, start with good quality meat. I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this dish. Before cooking, season both sides well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. This adds flavor and helps keep moisture in. Cook the chicken on medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side. This allows the chicken to brown nicely while cooking through. Always check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F or 75°C. Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices. For that gooey, melty mozzarella, add it at the right time. After cooking the chicken and tomatoes, place mozzarella on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat. This helps the cheese melt without burning. Keep the heat low to avoid overcooking. The mozzarella should be soft and slightly gooey in about 2 minutes. Fresh ingredients make a big difference in flavor. Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness and juiciness. Look for smooth, firm mozzarella balls; they should feel slightly springy. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. Cut or tear the leaves just before serving to keep them vibrant. Always wash your produce well. Using high-quality, fresh ingredients ensures a tasty dish every time. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly. Opt for fresh ingredients whenever possible for the best results. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy, make sure you do not overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C). Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like sautéed spinach or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. Get creative! Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or garlic bread to soak up the juices. Make it a complete meal! {{image_2}} If you're watching carbs, you can still enjoy this dish. Swap the cherry tomatoes for zucchini noodles or spiralized cucumber. This keeps the dish light and fresh. You can also replace the balsamic glaze with vinegar. It adds flavor without the extra sugar. This Caprese Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your balsamic glaze is gluten-free as well. Most brands are safe, but check the label. You can serve this dish with a side of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with eggplant or portobello mushrooms. They have a nice texture and soak up flavors well. Cook the vegetables the same way as you would the chicken. Add the mozzarella and basil for that classic Caprese taste. After you finish your meal, let the Caprese chicken cool. Then, place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you need to separate the chicken from the toppings, do it. This way, the tomatoes and cheese stay tasty. When you want to eat your leftovers, reheat them gently. Use a skillet on low heat. This helps keep the chicken juicy. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, around 30 seconds. Check often so you don’t overcook it. If you want to save some for later, freezing works well. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can serve Caprese Chicken Skillet with various sides. A fresh green salad pairs nicely. Garlic bread is also a great option. You might like to add some pasta. The flavors mix well with a light sauce. If you want something simple, steamed veggies work too. These sides will enhance the meal's taste and feel. Yes, you can use different cheeses. Provolone or gouda adds a nice twist. Feta cheese gives a tangy flavor. If you want a creamier texture, try ricotta. Each cheese will change the dish's taste. Stick with mild flavors to complement the tomatoes and basil. Cooking chicken in a skillet takes about 12 to 14 minutes. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. Make sure the chicken is golden brown. Check the internal temperature; it should be 165°F or 75°C. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat. Cooking times may vary with different chicken sizes. This blog post covered how to make a Caprese Chicken Skillet. We discussed the key ingredients, options for seasoning, and tools you might need. You learned step-by-step instructions for prepping and cooking the chicken, plus adding tasty Caprese elements. We shared tips for juicy chicken, melting cheese, and using fresh ingredients. You saw variations for low-carb, gluten-free, and vegetarian diets. We also looked at storage tips for leftovers and answered common questions. Enjoy making this dish your own!$

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

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt
to taste pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), sliced or halved
1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano on both sides.
Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken to the skillet. Top each piece of chicken with the cooked cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid for about 2 minutes to allow the mozzarella to melt.
Once the cheese has melted, remove the lid and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top of the chicken. Drizzle balsamic glaze over the entire dish.
Serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra basil for garnish if desired.

Keyword caprese, chicken, easy, one-pan, skillet