Caprese Chicken Skillet
A quick and vibrant Caprese Chicken Skillet featuring pan-seared chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of sweet balsamic glaze.
For 4 servings
**Prep Chicken**: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If chicken breasts are very thick (over 1 inch), carefully slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets or pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness for quicker, more even cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
**Prep Toppings**: Slice the fresh mozzarella into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Slice the Roma tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Roughly chop or tear the fresh basil leaves.
**Sear Chicken**: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel recommended) over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Sear for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
**Add Toppings**: Reduce heat to low. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, arrange 2-3 slices of fresh mozzarella and 2-3 slices of tomato on top of each cooked chicken breast.
**Melt Cheese**: Cover the skillet with a lid or a baking sheet to trap heat, allowing the mozzarella to melt and become gooey, about 1-2 minutes. Alternatively, if your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly.
**Finish and Serve**: Carefully remove the skillet from the heat. Transfer the Caprese chicken breasts to serving plates. Garnish generously with the fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze over each piece. Serve immediately.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Even Cooking**: Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures they cook uniformly and remain juicy, preventing dry spots.
- 2**Skillet Choice**: A cast iron or heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet provides excellent heat retention and even searing for a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- 3**Homemade Balsamic Glaze**: For a homemade glaze, simmer 1/2 cup of good quality balsamic vinegar over medium-low heat until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency (about 10-15 minutes).
- 4**Don't Overcrowd**: Cooking chicken in batches prevents the pan temperature from dropping too much, which ensures a good sear rather than steaming the chicken.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Boost
Spread a thin layer of basil pesto over the chicken before adding the mozzarella and tomatoes for an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
Instead of pan-searing, bake chicken breasts at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, then add toppings and bake for another 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Added NutrientsAdded Nutrients
Sauté some spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers in the skillet after removing the chicken, then serve alongside for a complete meal.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a lean protein source essential for muscle repair, growth, and satiety, helping you feel full longer and manage weight.
Packed with Antioxidants
Tomatoes provide lycopene and basil offers various antioxidants, which help combat free radicals and support cellular health and immunity.
Contains Healthy Fats
Olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, known for their benefits in supporting cardiovascular health, reducing inflammation, and aiding nutrient absorption.
Frequently asked questions
While convenient, pre-shredded mozzarella often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly as fresh mozzarella. For the best texture and flavor, fresh mozzarella is highly recommended.
