Description
This Chicken Caprese Skillet recipe is a delightful fusion of tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a flavorful skillet with sautéed onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes. Melted mozzarella pearls add a creamy texture, while a homemade balsamic reduction drizzled on top brings a sweet and tangy finish. Fresh basil leaves garnish the dish, delivering a classic Italian Caprese salad twist in a warm, hearty skillet meal perfect for a quick, 35-minute dinner serving four.
Ingredients
Scale
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Chicken
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (24 oz)
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups sliced tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
Cheese & Garnish
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon honey. Place over medium heat and simmer until the mixture thickens and reduces by about half, approximately 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables & Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the sliced tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, cooking for another 5 minutes until the tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet on top of the tomato mixture. Evenly distribute the 4 ounces of part-skim mozzarella pearls over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt for about 3-5 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction over the chicken and vegetables. Garnish generously with ¼ cup fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a thicker balsamic reduction, simmer longer but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use fresh mozzarella pearls for best melting and flavor.
- Chicken breasts should be evenly sized for uniform cooking.
- If fresh tomatoes are not available, canned diced tomatoes can be used but drain excess liquid to avoid sogginess.
- Can be served with crusty bread, over quinoa, or alongside a green salad for a complete meal.
