Caprese Chicken Recipe

If you love Italian flavors but want something quick and satisfying for dinner, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how the juicy chicken pairs perfectly with sweet grape tomatoes, creamy melted mozzarella, and fresh basil—a classic Caprese salad turned into a hearty meal. It’s just one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze, and it feels fancy even on a weeknight.

When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away by how easily it brought together simple ingredients for a dish packed with flavor. You’ll find that this Caprese Chicken Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to serve over pasta, with a crisp salad, or alongside your favorite veggies. Trust me, it’s worth having in your dinner rotation!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Caprese Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating that balance of savory, bright, and creamy flavors. When shopping, I recommend picking the freshest basil and ripe grape tomatoes—the freshness really shines through.

• Extra-virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil for the best flavor and a nice sear on the chicken.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to use evenly sized breasts so they cook uniformly.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning everything properly and enhancing natural flavors.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice complexity without overpowering.
• Balsamic vinegar: I discovered this trick—balsamic really adds a subtle sweetness and acidity that brightens the dish.
• Garlic cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is a must to give the sauce that punch of aroma.
• Grape tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy tomatoes that soften quickly in the pan.
• Freshly torn basil: Adding it at the end keeps the herbaceous fragrance alive and fresh.
• Mozzarella slices: Use fresh mozzarella to get that melty, gooey texture everyone loves.

Variations

I love how flexible this Caprese Chicken Recipe can be—sometimes I like to add a personal twist or make it work for different diets. Feel free to experiment with variations to best suit your taste or what’s in your fridge.

• Variation: For a Low-Carb Version, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles instead of pasta—I did this once and loved how it kept the meal light yet satisfying.
• Variation: Add a drizzle of pesto on top for an herby depth that’s a fun flavor upgrade.
• Variation: Swap chicken breasts for thinly sliced chicken thighs for extra juiciness and richness.
• Variation: For a dairy-free option, omit the mozzarella and add sliced avocado right before serving—it offers creaminess without cheese.

How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Searing the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Start by heating the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the chicken and cook undisturbed for about 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You want to get a nice crust here—that’s where the flavor really builds. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm while you make the glorious tomato topping.

Step 2: Simmering the Balsamic Tomatoes

In the same skillet, pour in the balsamic vinegar to deglaze, scraping up those flavorful browned bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 1 minute—you’ll see how that garlic aroma wakes up the pan. Next, add the halved grape tomatoes and season with a pinch of salt. Let them simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their sweet juices. Stir in the freshly torn basil leaves right at the end to keep their bright color and flavor.

Step 3: Melting Mozzarella over the Chicken

Return the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the saucy tomatoes. Now, top each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt—this usually takes around 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the cheese is ooey-gooey but not completely runny. Finally, spoon some of the tomato mixture over the chicken for a stunning presentation, and you’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Caprese Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this Caprese Chicken Recipe with a few fresh basil leaves scattered on top and a drizzle of high-quality balsamic glaze if I have it on hand. It adds that extra layer of sweetness and makes the dish look even more inviting—like something out of a restaurant menu.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. If you want a heartier meal, garlic mashed potatoes or crusty bread work beautifully to soak up all those balsamic tomato juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered the chicken on a platter garnished with whole sliced tomatoes, extra basil sprigs, and a few olives for a Mediterranean vibe. You can also serve it family-style with warm bread and let everyone help themselves—it’s great for casual dinner parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let the Caprese chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an excellent next-day meal.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this recipe because fresh basil and melted mozzarella don’t freeze well, but if you want to, freeze just the cooked chicken separately without toppings. Then, reheat and add fresh tomatoes, basil, and cheese when serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, covering it loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Then I add fresh mozzarella and basil to melt just before serving for that fresh caprese feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Caprese Chicken Recipe truly brings together some of my favorite flavors in a way that feels both fresh and comforting. It’s one of those dishes I happily make when I want something that looks impressive but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen for hours. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how quickly it comes together and how much your family will ask for seconds. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to dishes for a simple, delightful dinner.

Caprese Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This Caprese Chicken recipe brings the flavors of a classic Caprese salad to your dinner plate with juicy chicken breasts topped with sweet grape tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella cheese, all enhanced by a tangy balsamic garlic sauce. It’s a perfect, easy-to-make summer meal that delivers a delicious combination of savory, fresh, and cheesy tastes.

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Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Sauce and Toppings

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 tbsp. freshly torn basil
• 4 slices mozzarella

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: To the same skillet, add the balsamic vinegar, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Then, add the halved grape tomatoes and season with salt. Let the mixture simmer until the tomatoes soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the freshly torn basil to infuse a fresh herbal note.
3. Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Top each breast with a slice of mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow the cheese to melt over the chicken, creating a gooey, cheesy topping.
4. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, spoon the tomato and basil mixture over the chicken breasts and serve immediately for a warm, flavorful meal.

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Notes

• Craving the flavors of a fresh Caprese salad? This Caprese chicken—with sweet juicy tomatoes, cheesy chicken, and fresh basil—should be your summer go-to.
• To add extra flavor, consider drizzling with more balsamic vinegar or a splash of olive oil before serving.
• Use fresh mozzarella for best melting results and creamier texture.
• Serve with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
• Calories: 283
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 556 mg
• Fat: 13 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg