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Easy One-Pan Caprese Grilled Chicken

one-pan caprese grilled chicken - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pan recipe featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, and basil, perfect for summer meals with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz / 170 g each), pounded slightly for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 ½ cups fresh cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (preferably whole milk mozzarella)
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Place each between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat a large cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and swirl to coat. Once shimmering, add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. (2 minutes)
  3. Carefully lay chicken breasts in the skillet, leaving space between each piece. Cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until golden crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). (10-12 minutes)
  4. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes around and on top of the chicken. Cook together for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften but hold shape. (3 minutes)
  5. Place sliced mozzarella over each chicken breast. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover skillet with lid or foil. Let cheese melt gently for 3-4 minutes until gooey but not browned. (5 minutes)
  6. Remove pan from heat. Tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over chicken and tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and lemon juice if using. (2 minutes)
  7. Serve immediately, spooning roasted tomatoes and pan juices over the chicken.

Notes

Keep an eye on the cheese melting step to avoid separation or browning. Covering the pan traps steam and melts cheese evenly. If chicken browns too fast before cooking through, lower heat and cover earlier. Use fresh mozzarella slices for best melt and creaminess. For juicier meat, chicken thighs can be substituted with adjusted cooking time. Use dairy-free mozzarella alternatives for a dairy-free version. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, one-pan chicken, grilled chicken, summer meals, easy dinner, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, Italian recipe

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/easy-one-pan-caprese-grilled-chicken-recipe-perfect-for-summer-meals/