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Easy Chicken Caprese
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
cut in half lengthwise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
divided
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
divided
- 1 medium yellow onion
finely chopped, about 3/4 cup
- 3 cloves garlic
minced, about 1 tablespoon
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 8 ounces whole milk fresh mozzarella pearls
drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
Directions
- 1
Cook the chicken: Evenly season the chicken breasts with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken and cook the other side for 4 to 5 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through. An instant read thermometer inserted into the center should register 165°F. If the skillet isn’t big enough to fit the chicken in a single layer, cook them in 2 batches. Transfer the chicken onto a large plate. Tent it with foil to keep warm. You will use the same skillet to cook the vegetables.
- 2
Saute the onion and garlic: Add the onions and saute them until they just begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 more minute.
- 3
Deglaze the pan: Add the chicken stock and balsamic vinegar. Use a wooden spoon to scrape the brown bits stuck to the bottom and sides of the skillet. When the liquid begins to simmer, reduce the heat to medium. Simmer until the volume is reduced by half. This should take 5 to 6 minutes. You’ll notice the sauce will thicken a little.
- 4
Add tomatoes and seasoning: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the tomatoes begin to soften. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted.
- 5
Add the chicken and mozzarella: Nudge the cooked chicken and any drippings into the sauce. Spoon some of the tomatoes and sauce on top. Remove the skillet off the heat. Scatter the mozzarella cheese on top. Cover the skillet with a lid or a sheet pan until the cheese melts, about 4 minutes.
- 6
Serve warm: Sprinkle the basil on top and serve. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing this dish since it has fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Neither freezes well. To reheat, microwave it in 30 seconds increments until the chicken is just warmed through, but no longer since chicken can turn rubbery in the microwave. You can also transfer the chicken into a small skillet, spoon the leftover sauce on top, and reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to loosen up the sauce if needed. Did you love this recipe? Leave us a review in the comments!
Easy Chicken Caprese
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About this Recipe
Craving a vibrant, fresh-tasting dinner that's also incredibly easy? This Easy Chicken Caprese skillet delivers all the classic flavors of a beloved Italian salad in a satisfying, warm meal, perfect for any night of the week.
What makes this recipe truly shine is how it transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet-feeling experience with the rich tang of balsamic vinegar and the creamy goodness of fresh mozzarella. It's an efficient one-pan approach that brings sophisticated flavors to your table without the usual fuss.
Prepare for tender, juicy chicken breasts, subtly seasoned and seared to perfection. They're then enveloped in a luscious balsamic sauce, brightened by sweet cherry tomatoes that burst with flavor as they cook. The dish is crowned with delicate mozzarella pearls that melt into gooey pockets of cheese, and a generous sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
This skillet caprese is designed for simplicity, making it a fantastic choice for home cooks of any skill level who appreciate a quick yet flavorful meal. The textures are varied and appealing, from the soft chicken to the yielding tomatoes and creamy cheese, all harmonizing beautifully with the tangy sauce.
Feel free to experiment with different chicken cuts like boneless chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor. If fresh mozzarella pearls aren't available, a ball of fresh whole milk mozzarella, torn or thinly sliced, works beautifully. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
Serve this vibrant skillet caprese with a side of crusty bread to sop up the delicious balsamic sauce, or over a bed of pasta or quinoa for a heartier meal. It's an inviting dish that suits both casual weeknight dinners and more special occasions.