Caprese Chicken Skillet
This Caprese Chicken Skillet is a simple, one-pan dinner made with juicy chicken breasts, blistered cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a quick balsamic glaze. It delivers classic caprese flavors in an easy skillet meal that's ready in under 40 minutes.
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A Quick Look at the Recipe
✅ Recipe Name: Caprese Chicken Skillet
🕒 Ready In: ~35 minutes
👪 Serves: 4 servings
🍽 Calories: ~420 calories (estimated)
🥣 Main Ingredients: Chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, balsamic vinegar, fresh basil
📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free; high-protein
👌 Difficulty: Easy - one-pan skillet dinner with simple steps
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Unlike many caprese chicken recipes that rely on the oven or heavy sauces, this version keeps things light and balanced. The tomatoes cook just until softened, the mozzarella melts gently over the chicken, and the balsamic reduction adds richness without overpowering the dish.
This caprese chicken skillet works well for busy weeknights but feels special enough for entertaining. For more easy weeknight dinner recipes, try our Mini Meatloaves, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, Fish Casserole or Sheet Pan Sausage and Vegetables.
Jump to:
- A Quick Look at the Recipe
- Why You'll Love this Caprese Chicken Skillet:
- Key Ingredients:
- Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- How to Make Caprese Chicken Skillet:
- Recipe Notes & Tips:
- How to Store:
- Caprese Chicken Skillet FAQs:
- More Chicken Dinner Recipes You'll Love
- Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
- Caprese Chicken Skillet
Why You'll Love this Caprese Chicken Skillet:
One-pan dinner: Everything cooks in a single skillet, making cleanup quick and easy.
Classic caprese flavors: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic come together in a simple, balanced way.
Light but satisfying: This recipe delivers plenty of flavor without heavy sauces or breading.
Weeknight-friendly: Straightforward steps and minimal prep make it easy to get dinner on the table fast.
Versatile serving options: Serve it on its own or pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to round out the meal.
Key Ingredients:
- balsamic vinegar. The key to the rich, tangy glaze is high-quality balsamic vinegar. Aged balsamic is naturally sweeter and more concentrated, reducing the need for extra sweeteners.
- chicken breasts. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and absorb flavors well. For a juicier option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness and juiciness create a flavorful sauce without making the dish too watery. Halve them for even cooking and better texture.
- mozzarella pearls. Melt evenly and distribute well throughout the dish. Fresh mozzarella slices provide a creamier texture, while shredded mozzarella gives a more even melt.
- fresh basil leaves. Thinly sliced just before serving to preserve their bright color and flavor. Adds a fresh contrast to the rich balsamic glaze and creamy mozzarella.
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this page for exact quantities.
Easy Substitutions & Variations:
- Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can replace chicken breasts; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Swap the cheese: Fresh mozzarella slices or burrata can be used instead of mozzarella pearls.
- Make it dairy-free: Omit the mozzarella and finish with extra basil and balsamic glaze for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables: Spinach or zucchini can be added to the skillet with the tomatoes for extra veggies.
- Change the sweetener: Maple syrup can replace honey in the balsamic glaze if preferred.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Skillet:
- In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until reduced by half. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomato mixture. Top with mozzarella pearls. Cover and cook until the mozzarella is just melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the skillet and drizzle the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Reduce the balsamic slowly: Simmering the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat prevents burning and creates a smooth glaze.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Cook just until the chicken reaches 165°F to keep it juicy and tender.
- Let the tomatoes soften, not burst: Cooking the tomatoes briefly helps them release juices without becoming mushy.
- Add the mozzarella at the end: Covering the skillet for a few minutes allows the cheese to melt gently without overcooking.
- Finish with fresh basil: Adding basil at the very end preserves its flavor and color.
- Serving Suggestions: We love serving this chicken with Gluten-Free Focaccia and Pesto Tortellini for a complete meal.
How to Store:
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and tomatoes together, but if possible, store fresh basil separately to maintain its freshness.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture. Add a drizzle of extra balsamic glaze while reheating to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the mozzarella rubbery and the chicken dry.
Freezing: Due to the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes, freezing can alter the texture, making the dish watery and less flavorful when thawed. If you need to freeze, store only the cooked chicken and add fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella when reheating.
Caprese Chicken Skillet FAQs:
A large nonstick or cast-iron skillet works best, allowing the chicken to brown evenly and giving the tomatoes enough space to cook properly.
Yes. Store-bought balsamic glaze can be used as a shortcut-simply drizzle it over the dish before serving.
Reducing the balsamic vinegar creates a thicker, more flavorful glaze, but if you're short on time, you can use store-bought balsamic glaze instead.
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Caprese Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 ounces mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, simmer balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat until reduced by half. Set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden on both sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet.
- Sauté minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the cherry tomatoes and dried oregano. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomato mixture. Top with mozzarella pearls. Cover and cook until the mozzarella is just melted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Sprinkle fresh basil over the skillet and drizzle the balsamic glaze. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
- Reduce the balsamic slowly: Simmering the balsamic vinegar and honey over medium heat prevents burning and creates a smooth glaze.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Cook just until the chicken reaches 165°F to keep it juicy and tender.
- Let the tomatoes soften, not burst: Cooking the tomatoes briefly helps them release juices without becoming mushy.
- Add the mozzarella at the end: Covering the skillet for a few minutes allows the cheese to melt gently without overcooking.
- Finish with fresh basil: Adding basil at the very end preserves its flavor and color.
- Serving Suggestions: We love serving this chicken with Gluten-Free Focaccia and Pesto Tortellini for a complete meal.
Love
I make this all the time with scallion also, and sometimes vary the ingredients, artichokes, spinach, blue cheese, pepper jack,cherry peppers, capers, add white wine and broth to baking dish
So easy and delicious! Was a hit with the family!
I used fresh garden tomatoes and added some red roasted peppers and sometimes I use a handful of gresh spinach, delicious and easy. This recipe is a keeper !
Glad you liked it! Thanks for the feedback Donna!
I. made this with fresh garden tomatoes instead and added roasted red pepers, sometimes I also use fresh spinach, its always fantastic and could not be easier !
This was awesome I really loved the taste and the ease of making it. I will make this again and again.Your pictures are lovely. Thank you.
Absolutely love your site. My 9 year old niece is a (newly) type 1 diabetic and my whole family spends tons of time looking for low carb recipes especially for her. I have found tons of family hits from your website. Thank you!
Thank you for the comment, Abby! We always appreciate hearing things like this! Glad you were able to find some recipes your family enjoyed! 😀
Omg this recipe was very delicious! I'm definitely putting this in my rotation! ???? Thank you for sharing!
Great to hear! Thanks for stopping by, Amy! 🙂
Totally delicious recipe! I halved and pounded 2 breasts, making four servings (3 oz each). Works great with WW Points Plus.... added the chopped sundried tomato, basil pesto and then used half fat free mozzarella and half regular to lower the fat a little. Rolled up with tooth picks, and then seasoned. BAM! this dish has F L A V O R. I love this, and my husband did too. Each portion was 4 points. FOUR delicious, can't wait to make it again points. Thanks!
Thanks for the comment! Glad you liked it! 🙂