Caprese Chicken Skillet

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and black pepper to taste - 2 large tomatoes, sliced - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze - Optional: Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick To make a great Caprese Chicken Skillet, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. Start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be the star of your dish. Next, grab two tablespoons of olive oil. This oil gives the chicken a nice golden color. You also want one teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This blend adds flavor that will shine through. Don’t forget salt and black pepper. These basic seasonings help enhance the taste of your chicken. Now, pick two large tomatoes. Slice them up; they will add freshness and juiciness. You will also need eight ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese. Sliced mozzarella melts beautifully over the chicken. Next, gather one cup of fresh basil leaves. Their aroma and taste bring a lovely touch to the dish. Lastly, you need a quarter cup of balsamic glaze. This sweet drizzle adds a tangy finish. For those who enjoy heat, consider adding red pepper flakes. They can spice things up a bit. This mix of ingredients makes your Caprese Chicken Skillet flavorful and colorful. Make sure you have everything ready before you start cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} Heating the skillet and preparing chicken Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. While the oil heats, season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides. Cooking chicken to perfection Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on one side until golden brown. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked. Adding toppings for flavor After the chicken is cooked, layer 2 large sliced tomatoes evenly over each chicken breast. Then, place 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese on top of the tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes. This will help the cheese melt perfectly. Melting the cheese When the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from the heat. The melted mozzarella adds a creamy texture that makes this dish so enjoyable. Adding basil and balsamic glaze Next, sprinkle 1 cup of fresh basil leaves on top of each chicken breast. Drizzle 1/4 cup of balsamic glaze over the chicken for a sweet and tangy finish. If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serving suggestions Serve the Caprese chicken right away for the best flavor. You can pair it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy this easy and delicious meal! - Ensuring chicken is tender and juicy Start with fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These cook quickly and stay moist. Season them well with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook them on medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and juicy. - Ideal skillet techniques Use a large skillet for even cooking. Heat the olive oil well before adding the chicken. This helps create a nice golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if needed. This way, your chicken will brown nicely and won’t steam. - Best practices for cheese melting After cooking the chicken, layer sliced tomatoes on top. Then add fresh mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid to trap heat. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes. This will help the cheese melt perfectly and become gooey. - Adding red pepper flakes For a bit of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. This adds a nice kick and balances the creamy cheese. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference. - Marinating tips If you want extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours. Use olive oil, Italian seasoning, and a splash of balsamic glaze. This will enhance the taste and make the chicken even juicier. Just remember to pat the chicken dry before cooking to get that perfect crust. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in your Caprese Chicken. Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juices and ensure tenderness. Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add garlic powder or fresh minced garlic to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. Perfect Balsamic Glaze: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces and thickens. {{image_2}} You can switch things up with different chicken options. Try using turkey cutlets or even thin pork chops. These work well with the same flavors. For cheese, fresh mozzarella is great, but you can also use provolone or burrata. Each cheese brings its own taste and texture. If you want more flavor, consider adding feta or goat cheese on top. This dish pairs well with sides that balance its rich flavors. A simple green salad with vinaigrette is a perfect match. You could also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. If you want something heartier, serve the Caprese chicken over pasta. Tossing in some olive oil and garlic can elevate the dish even more. Another tasty option is to serve it on a bed of fresh salad greens, allowing the juices from the chicken to flavor the greens. To reheat Caprese Chicken, I recommend using the oven or stovetop. Both methods keep the chicken moist. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for 15-20 minutes. This method warms the chicken without drying it out. If you choose the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to a pan. Place the chicken in the pan over medium heat. Cover it with a lid and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain the flavor and keeps the chicken juicy. To store leftover Caprese Chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Always separate the chicken from the toppings to keep flavors intact. If you want to freeze it, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above to enjoy your meal again. Can I use skin-on chicken? Yes, you can use skin-on chicken. It adds flavor and moisture. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Skin-on chicken may need a bit longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature is 165°F. How can I make it spicier? To spice it up, add red pepper flakes. You can mix it into the seasoning or sprinkle on top. You can also use a spicy cheese or hot sauce. Both options will enhance the flavor. Is this recipe healthy? Yes, this recipe is healthy. It includes lean protein from chicken and fresh veggies. The mozzarella cheese adds calcium. Fresh basil and tomatoes provide vitamins. You can adjust the oil and glaze for a lighter option. What are the calorie counts per serving? Each serving has about 350 calories. This can vary based on the cheese used or added oils. For a more precise count, check the specific brands of ingredients. How can I adjust for larger portions? To make more servings, just double the ingredients. Use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Make sure to space the chicken for even cooking. Is there an instant pot version available? Yes, you can make Caprese Chicken in an Instant Pot. Sear the chicken first, then add tomatoes and cheese. Cook on high pressure for 8-10 minutes. This method saves time and keeps the chicken juicy. This article showed you how to make delicious Caprese Chicken. We covered ingredients like chicken breasts, olive oil, and mozzarella. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and adding flavors. Tips helped ensure your chicken stays juicy and tasty. We explored variations and provided storage advice. Try these ideas and make your meals even better. Cooking can be fun and rewarding! Enjoy every bite.$

A delicious and easy chicken dish topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste Salt and black pepper
2 large tomatoes, sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1 quarter cup balsamic glaze
optional Red pepper flakes

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, layer the tomato slices evenly over each chicken breast.
Place mozzarella slices on top of the tomatoes and cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
Remove the skillet from heat and add fresh basil leaves on top of each chicken breast.
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the chicken and sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if using.
Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful dish!

Notes

Optional: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Keyword caprese, chicken, dinner, easy, skillet