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Easy 15-Minute Caprese Chicken Recipe Perfect for Quick Dinners

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A quick and easy one-pan Caprese chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (preferably thinner cuts)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
  • About 10 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar glaze (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (such as oregano or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
  2. Heat a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add chicken breasts to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip and cook the other side for 4-5 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken to one side of the pan and add minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes to the empty side. Sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant and tomatoes soften but retain shape.
  5. Place slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over each chicken breast. Scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Cover skillet with a lid or foil and let cheese melt for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Drizzle balsamic vinegar glaze over the chicken and tomatoes.
  7. Remove from heat, let rest for a minute, then serve immediately.

Notes

Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. If chicken breasts are thick, pound them slightly before cooking. Keep the pan hot before adding oil and chicken to get a good sear. For dairy-free, substitute mozzarella with a vegan cheese alternative or omit it. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken and cheese.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, quick dinner, one-pan recipe, easy chicken recipe, mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/easy-15-minute-caprese-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-quick-dinners/