Summer is finally here and your garden is likely bursting with fresh herbs. This caprese chicken recipe is the perfect way to use those vine-ripened tomatoes and fragrant basil leaves.
It is a fresh, light meal that feels fancy but takes very little effort. You can have a restaurant-quality dinner on the table in just 30 minutes tonight.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
You will love how this dish balances savory chicken with sweet balsamic glaze. It is naturally low-carb and packed with high-quality protein for your family.
Since everything happens in one skillet, your cleanup will be a breeze after dinner. It is the ultimate solution for those hot nights when you want something healthy but fast.
Simple Method
Making this dish is very straightforward even for beginner cooks. You simply sear the chicken and then layer on the fresh toppings to melt.
The secret is using a heavy skillet to get that perfect golden crust on the meat. You do not need any special equipment or advanced culinary skills to succeed here.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that let the natural flavors shine through.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 4 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced into 8 rounds
- 0.25 cup balsamic glaze
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Step-by-Step
- Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Top each chicken breast with one slice of mozzarella cheese and two slices of tomato.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet for 2 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil chiffonade and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this chicken warm while the mozzarella is still stretchy and gooey. It pairs beautifully with a simple side of roasted asparagus or a light arugula salad.
If you have hungry kids, serve it over a bed of buttery angel hair pasta. Pour a glass of chilled white wine and enjoy a relaxing summer evening on your patio.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The tomatoes may soften slightly, but the flavors will stay delicious.
To reheat, place the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat until warmed through. This prevents the chicken from becoming tough or rubbery in the microwave.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh mozzarella balls sliced thick for the best melting experience.
- Pat your chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a better sear.
- Do not crowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of browning nicely.
- Wait to add the fresh basil until the very end so it stays bright green.
- For a quicker version, use store-bought balsamic glaze rather than making your own.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking the meat.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the dried oregano for a teaspoon of basil pesto on each breast.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, richer flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little bit of heat.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can season the chicken a few hours early to save time. However, it is best to melt the cheese and add tomatoes right before serving.
What if I don’t have an oven-safe skillet?
Any large frying pan with a lid will work for this recipe. You only need the lid to help the cheese melt quickly on the stovetop.
Will my picky eaters like this?
Most kids love the combination of melted cheese and mild chicken. You can leave the balsamic glaze off their portion if they prefer simpler flavors.
I hope this fresh chicken dish becomes a new favorite for your summer table. It is so simple to make and always impresses the whole family. Happy cooking!
— Lidia
Caprese Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon sea salt
- 0.25 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 4 thick slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium Roma tomatoes, sliced into 8 rounds
- 0.25 cup balsamic glaze
- 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves, chiffonade
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 6 to 8 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Top each chicken breast with one slice of mozzarella cheese and two slices of tomato.
- Reduce heat to low and cover the skillet for 2 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted.
- Remove the skillet from heat and drizzle the balsamic glaze over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil chiffonade and serve immediately.
