Caprese Chicken With Tomatoes And Basil
Juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and balsamic glaze. This easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner comes together in 30 minutes with just one skillet.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Meat mallet
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1.5 pounds, pounded to even thickness
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved, or 3 large tomatoes sliced
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese sliced into 8 rounds
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze plus extra for serving
- 2 cloves garlic minced, optional
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to even 1/2-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides of chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, pressing spices into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Reduce heat to low and top each breast with tomato halves and mozzarella slices.
- Cover skillet for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Remove from heat and immediately sprinkle with torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze and serve immediately with extra glaze on the side.
Notes
- For even cooking, ensure all chicken breasts are the same thickness before seasoning
- Low-moisture fresh mozzarella prevents watery results
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes after cooking for juicier meat
- Add basil off heat to prevent it from turning black
- Can be served over pasta, with roasted vegetables, or alongside garlic bread