Caprese Chicken – A 30-Minute Skillet Wonder!
Craving a fast, fresh, and flavor-packed dinner?
This Caprese Chicken is everything you love about a classic Caprese salad—melty mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil—but with a hearty, protein-packed twist!
Seared to perfection and baked in a basil pesto blanket, this one-pan meal comes together in just 30 minutes.
It’s weeknight-friendly, minimal on prep, and big on bold Italian flavors.
Plus, with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to finish it off, every bite is a delicious balance of savory, creamy, and tangy goodness.
Simple ingredients. One skillet. Epic flavor.
This is the quick, satisfying dinner you’ll be making on repeat!
For Caprese Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless, sliced in half for even cooking.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Olive Oil & Butter – A mix of both creates a rich and golden sear.
- Basil Pesto – Adds bold, herby flavor to every bite.
- Fresh Mozzarella – Melts beautifully over the chicken for creamy goodness.
- Cherry or Cocktail Tomatoes – Brings a juicy, fresh contrast to the dish.
- Balsamic Glaze – Adds a tangy-sweet drizzle to finish.
- Fresh Basil – Slivered for an extra pop of freshness.
Easy Caprese Chicken (30-Minute Skillet Meal)
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 jar (6 oz.) basil pesto
- 4-6 slices fresh mozzarella (or 6 oz. shredded mozzarella)
- 8 small cocktail tomatoes, sliced
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Fresh basil, slivered
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter melts, add the chicken and cook for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Spread 1–2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each chicken breast. Top with fresh mozzarella slices and tomato slices.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy!
1. Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! A good-quality store-bought pesto saves time and still delivers amazing flavor. If you have extra, drizzle it over veggies or mix it into pasta!
2. What if I don’t have an oven-proof skillet?
No worries! Just sear the chicken in any pan, then transfer it to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. Easy and just as delicious!
3. How do I keep my chicken from drying out?
Slicing the chicken breasts in half makes them cook faster and more evenly. Also, don’t overbake—pull them out as soon as they hit 165°F!
4. What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?
A quick balsamic reduction works wonders! Just simmer balsamic vinegar until thick. If you’re short on time, a drizzle of straight balsamic vinegar works too!
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Sear the chicken and store it separately from the toppings. When ready to serve, assemble and bake until everything is melty and perfect.
This recipe is all about big flavors with minimal effort—you’ll be making it on repeat!
