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This 20-minute Chicken Caprese recipe is a fun and easy way to add Italian-inspired flare to your dinner!
If you’re in the mood for classic Italian food but need something quick and elegant, look no further than this Chicken Caprese recipe.
It’s a one-pan, skillet dinner made with seared chicken breasts and a handful of fresh Italian ingredients. It’s so easy to make and tastes incredible.
Table of Contents
What is chicken Caprese?
Chicken Caprese is named after the famous Italian salad, Caprese salad. This simple salad is made with fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil leaves seasoned with a balsamic glaze. These wonderful flavors pair well with most dishes, which is why it’s so common to create Caprese-inspired recipes, especially featuring chicken!
Here are some reasons why I love this recipe:
- Easy but elegant. This is the kind of dinner that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special events.
- Perfect texture and flavor. The texture of the chicken is extra juicy and moist, and the tomatoes and basil soft and tender. It’s full of zesty Italian flavors that is enhanced by the melty cheese.
- Skillet or oven option. I prefer using a skillet to cook this dish but it also can be oven baked too!
Ingredients needed
This Caprese chicken is so easy to make, and besides the chicken and some pantry staples, there isn’t much else needed to make. Here is what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts. Use boneless and skinless chicken breasts that are the same size and thickness.
- Italian seasoning. Use store-bought or a homemade blend of dried oregano, rosemary, thyme, basil, and marjoram.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Olive oil. To prevent the chicken from sticking as it sears.
- Balsamic vinegar. For the best sweet-tart flavor, use a good-quality aged balsamic vinegar or a high-quality balsamic vinegar from Modena, Italy.
- Brown sugar. It balances the flavors and helps the Caprese sauce thicken into a glaze-like consistency.
- Garlic cloves. Freshly minced for a deeply savory flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes. Cut in half or quarters, depending on their size. Grape tomatoes also work.
- Basil. Fresh basil is a must!
- Mozzarella. Look for a ball or log of fresh mozzarella packed in water or brine. This variety has a soft and creamy texture and melts beautifully over the chicken.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How to make Caprese chicken
Step 1- Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 2- Sear the chicken: Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear until both sides are nicely browned. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate.
Step 3- Make the Caprese sauce: Add the balsamic vinegar, sugar, and garlic to the now empty pan, and cook. Next, add the tomatoes and sauté until fragrant. Finally, stir in the basil.
Step 4- Assemble: Nuzzle the chicken into the sauce and top each piece with a slice of mozzarella. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid, and cook until the cheese melts.
Step 5- Serve: Spoon some sauce over the chicken, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and serve hot.
Alternative cooking methods
While I prefer cooking the chicken in a skillet, I’ve also tested this recipe by baking it in the oven, so you have options!
Start by prepping the chicken as instructed, then whisk the Caprese sauce. Grease a baking dish, then place the chicken in it. Next, add the tomatoes and basil to the chicken. Drizzle the sauce all over it. Now, bake for 20-25 minutes, before adding the cheese and broiling for 5 minutes.
Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165F before removing it from the oven.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Start with thin chicken breasts. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing and pounding them into thinner chicken cutlets so they cook quicker and more evenly.
- Season generously. To achieve a nice sear on the outside while locking in the juices, pat the chicken dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with the seasonings.
- Melt the cheese under the broiler. If the cheese is taking a while to melt on top of the chicken, consider placing the oven-safe skillet under the broiler until it becomes hot and gooey.
Storage instructions
To store: Let the leftover Caprese chicken cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat: Heat the leftover chicken and sauce in a baking dish in a 350ºF oven until warmed through.
Leftovers idea
Use leftovers to make a delicious chicken Caprese sandwich or serve over mixed greens for an elegant chicken Caprese salad.
Frequently asked questions
Simple carbs like rice or pasta works well, as does a thick slice of crusty bread to soak up the incredible juices and sauce.
Yes! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work well, as do chicken cutlets and chicken tenderloins. Avoid using bone-in chicken or drumsticks as they will not hold the sauce as well.
Yes! Any cheese that melts well can be used, including boccocini and burrata.
More Italian chicken recipes to try
Chicken Caprese
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tablespoons basil sliced
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat oil over medium-high heat in a cooking pan and cook the chicken until golden. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan, along with the sugar and garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook them for 5 minutes then add the basil and cook for another minute.
- Return the chicken to the pan and top it with mozzarella slices. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the cheese melts over the chicken.
- Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken and serve with some fresh basil leaves.
Notes
Nutrition
The recipe originally published June 2023 but updated to include new information for your benefit.
