Caprese Chicken Is The Fresh Weeknight Dinner I Keep Coming Back To

I can’t get enough of Caprese salad in all forms. Whether it’s topping asparagus, stuffed into lasagna, or layered between a sandwich, it’s one of my favorite ways to add fresh flavors to staple recipes. But, when I’m looking for a classic summer dinner, this Caprese chicken wins out as one of my all-time favorite versions. This one-pan meal reinvents the classic salad, complete with cheesy-smothered chicken, balsamic-glazed tomatoes, and fresh basil. Ready in 30 minutes, this quick and easy dinner is a summertime must. Here’s everything you need to know:

What People Are Saying:

“This was a quick and well received dish I served it over spinach. I definitely will be adding this into rotation!!!” - OliveStrawberry

“Loved this! my husband isn't a huge fan of tomatoes but he raved about this recipe.” - OliveDucky

How To Make Caprese Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use your favorite brand, or check out our list of the best (and worst!) olive oil brands.
• Chicken Breasts: I love using chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
• Balsamic Vinegar: I love the tart-sweet flavor profile that the balsamic adds, but if you’re not a fan, you can leave it out. Just add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pan instead of the balsamic to cook the garlic and tomatoes, and taste the softened tomatoes before you add the chicken–they might need a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten them up. Your finished dish will not look as glazed as the original recipe, but it will still be delicious!
• Garlic: 2 cloves of garlic will add plenty of flavor to the base of our dish and to our tomatoes.
• Grape Tomatoes: I’m using grape tomatoes in this recipe, but cherry tomatoes would also be an excellent choice!
• Basil: Freshly torn basil is a must for Caprese, and creates a fresh garnish (and pop of color) to this dinner.
• Mozzarella: There’s no Caprese without mozzarella, and who can say no to a cheesy chicken dinner?

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

First, heat your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken well on both sides with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and cooked through. This should take around 6-8 minutes per side, but you can also use a meat thermometer to check. Once done, set aside.

Caprese Chicken

Add balsamic vinegar to the same skillet, then add in the garlic and cook just until fragrant—around 1 minute. Add your tomatoes and season well with salt, then let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, until they are soft and juicy. Then, add in the basil and stir to combine.

Caprese Chicken

Return the chicken back to the skillet, adding them between the tomatoes. Top each with a slice of mozzarella, then cover the skillet with a lid so that the cheese can melt.

Once melted, spoon the tomatoes over the chicken and melted mozzarella, then serve! Top with more basil if you desire.

Caprese Chicken

The full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe below.

Caprese Chicken Variations

If you want to amp up this dish, feel free to add in what you have on hand, like spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes along with your grape tomatoes. Looking for more Caprese chicken ideas? Check out our Caprese chicken saltimbocca or Caprese chicken gnocchi skillet.

What To Serve With Caprese Chicken

You can’t go wrong with a veggie + starch side dish combo. Our smashed broccoli, grilled green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread (to sop up all of the delicious sauce) would all be perfect pairings. Feeling a salad? Whip up our kale Cobb salad or sheet-pan panzanella to add some more greens into your life.

Storage

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in your fridge for around 4 days.

Caprese Chicken

Caprese Chicken

Made This?

Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp.

  extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 lb.

  boneless skinless chicken breasts

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1/4 c.

  balsamic vinegar

• 2

  cloves garlic, minced

• 1 pt.

  grape tomatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp.

  freshly torn basil

• 4

  slices mozzarella

Directions

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and cooked through, 6-8 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
2. Add balsamic vinegar to skillet, then add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add tomatoes and season with salt. Let simmer until soft, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in basil.
3. Return chicken to skillet and nestle in tomatoes. Top with mozzarella and cover with a lid to melt.
4. Spoon tomatoes over chicken and serve.