Caprese Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
- 2 oz mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil
Directions
- 1
Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally so you have 4 thinner pieces
- 2
Pound chicken with a meat tenderizer until it lays flat, but not too thin
- 3
Mince garlic
- 4
Combine salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil in a small mixing bowl
- 5
Season all chicken pieces on both sides with seasoning mixture
- 6
Preheat oven to 350F
- 7
Heat 2 tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a large oven safe pan - I use a cast iron skillet
- 8
Once oil is hot carefully place chicken in the pan
- 9
Cook for 2 minutes on each side
- 10
Remove chicken from pan and reduce the heat to low
- 11
Allow the pan to cool slightly so you don’t burn your garlic
- 12
Add minced garlic to the pan and saute for a minute moving constantly so that the garlic doesn't burn
- 13
Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir - the balsamic will bubble up so be careful
- 14
Add the tomatoes to the pan and increase the heat to medium
- 15
Saute for 2-3 minutes
- 16
Turn the heat off the stove and add the chicken back to the pan and toss to coat in the balsamic sauce
- 17
Top the tomatoes and chicken with mozzarella - I used mini mozzarella balls
- 18
Place in the oven to bake at 350F for 10 minutes
- 19
Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil and enjoy!
Caprese Chicken Skillet
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss? This Caprese Chicken Skillet delivers all the classic Italian-inspired goodness of caprese salad, transformed into a satisfying one-pan dinner that's perfect for any night of the week.
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of this Caprese Chicken Skillet lies in its straightforward approach and fresh ingredients. By combining tender chicken breasts with sweet, juicy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and a tangy balsamic reduction, you achieve complex flavors without a lengthy cooking process. It’s an ideal solution for those busy evenings when you want something homemade and delicious without the extensive cleanup.
What to Expect
You can look forward to beautifully seasoned chicken breasts, infused with a fragrant blend of dried basil and oregano. Each bite of chicken is complemented by the burst of sweet cherry or grape tomatoes, all brought together with a rich, slightly syrupy balsamic glaze. The melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, savory note, while a scattering of fresh basil brightens the entire dish, creating a balanced and comforting meal. It’s a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, perfect for a light yet fulfilling dinner.
Customization & Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. While boneless skinless chicken breasts are specified, you could easily swap in boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. If you're looking for an alternative to mozzarella, try fresh burrata or provolone. For an extra pop of flavor, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the seasoning mix. This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegetarian by substituting the chicken with hearty portobello mushrooms or chickpeas.
Serving & Context
This Caprese Chicken Skillet shines as a complete meal for two, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend lunch. Serve it as is, or alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to round out the meal.