One-Pan Caprese Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze - Extra basil for serving For this One-Pan Caprese Chicken Skillet, I use simple yet fresh ingredients. The chicken breasts form a tasty base. Cherry tomatoes add natural sweetness. Fresh mozzarella brings creaminess. Torn basil leaves give that vibrant flavor. In the seasoning part, I start with olive oil for cooking. Minced garlic adds depth. Dried oregano pairs well with the chicken. A sprinkle of salt and black pepper rounds it all out. If you want a special touch, drizzle balsamic glaze on top. Add a few extra basil leaves for a pop of green. These ingredients come together to create a dish that's not just easy to make but also delicious. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I season the chicken breasts with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. I make sure to coat both sides well. This adds great flavor to the chicken. Once the oil is hot, I place the chicken in the skillet. I cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. I know the chicken is ready when it turns golden brown and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After the chicken cooks, I add minced garlic to the skillet. I sauté it for about a minute. This step fills the kitchen with a lovely smell. Next, I toss in halved cherry tomatoes. I let them cook for about 3-4 minutes until they soften. The tomatoes add a sweet and juicy touch. Now comes the fun part! I sprinkle fresh mozzarella balls over the chicken and tomatoes. Then, I cover the skillet with a lid. I let it sit for 3-5 minutes. This helps the cheese melt perfectly. When I remove the lid, I see the gooey mozzarella ready to be enjoyed. Finally, I toss in torn basil leaves and drizzle balsamic glaze on top. This adds a fresh and tangy finish. To ensure your chicken is cooked just right, check its internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. This step keeps your chicken juicy and safe to eat. For a golden brown color, pat the chicken dry before seasoning. This helps it sear better. Make sure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken. Let it cook without moving it for the first few minutes. This helps form a nice crust. Fresh herbs can boost the flavor of your dish. Try adding thyme or rosemary along with the basil. Each herb offers a unique taste. You can mix and match to find your favorite. Cheese can also change the dish's taste. If you want a sharper flavor, use aged cheddar instead of mozzarella. Goat cheese adds a creamy tang, while feta can bring a salty kick. Feel free to experiment! This dish pairs well with many sides. A fresh green salad adds crunch. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a fun twist. For a heartier meal, try it with pasta. Toss the pasta with olive oil and herbs for a nice touch. Don’t forget to serve with crusty bread! It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. Enjoy every bite! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, especially the basil and mozzarella, the more vibrant the flavors will be in your dish. Check Chicken Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrients. Serve with Sides: Pair this dish with a side of pasta, rice, or a fresh salad to complete your meal. {{image_2}} If you want to make this dish fit your diet, there are easy swaps. For gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe! Just ensure your balsamic glaze is gluten-free. For low-carb variations, skip the tomatoes or use a smaller amount. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of leafy greens instead of rice or pasta. You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice taste. Tofu is great for a plant-based option. Feel free to use different vegetables too. Spinach adds color and nutrients, while zucchini adds a nice texture. Both options keep the dish fresh and exciting! Try using different balsamic glazes. Some glazes are sweeter, while others are tangy. Experiment until you find your favorite. You can also add spices for a kick. Red pepper flakes, paprika, or even cayenne pepper can spice things up. Test a little at a time to find the heat level you enjoy! To keep your One-Pan Caprese Chicken fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure the chicken cools down before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. For reheating, the stovetop is best. Heat it over low heat for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy. If you use a microwave, warm it for 1-2 minutes. Check to make sure it heats evenly. You can freeze leftover Caprese Chicken for later. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. It will stay good for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it using the stovetop or microwave as mentioned above. Always check that it's heated through before eating. This dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend 10 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the chicken and other items takes around 20 minutes. Yes, you can prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. Cook the dish fresh when you're ready to eat. This way, you save time and enjoy the best flavors. If you need a different cheese, try these options: - Feta cheese for a tangy taste. - Goat cheese for creaminess. - Vegan cheese for plant-based diets. These choices keep the dish tasty while meeting your needs. This blog post covered a delicious One-Pan Caprese Chicken Skillet recipe. We explored the main ingredients, seasonings, and optional garnishes. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions, tips for perfect chicken, and ways to customize the dish. You can store leftovers easily and reheat them without losing flavor. Finally, I answered common questions about preparation and ingredient swaps. This meal is simple, flavorful, and fun to make. Enjoy creating your own version!$

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

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with oregano, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking them down for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the mozzarella balls evenly over the chicken and tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
Remove the skillet from heat and toss in the torn basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze just before serving.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

Keyword caprese, chicken, easy, one pan, skillet