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Quick Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe

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A fast and easy one-pan meal featuring chicken breasts topped with creamy mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, flattened slightly
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or chopped
  • 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced or torn
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes

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 1/2 inch thick. Season both sides with salt and pepper. (5 minutes)
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. (2 minutes)
  3. Add chicken breasts to the pan and cook 5-6 minutes on the first side without moving to develop a golden crust. Flip carefully and cook another 4-5 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through (internal temperature around 150°F). (10-12 minutes)
  4. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and torn basil leaves around the chicken in the skillet. Season tomatoes lightly with salt and pepper. (2 minutes)
  5. Place slices or torn pieces of mozzarella evenly over the chicken breasts. Drizzle balsamic vinegar or glaze over everything. Cover skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Cook for 3-4 minutes until mozzarella melts and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. (5 minutes)
  6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with extra fresh basil and red pepper flakes if using. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices. (3 minutes)

Notes

Pounding chicken breasts thin ensures even cooking and tenderness. Do not move chicken while searing to develop a golden crust. Melt mozzarella gently over low heat with a lid to avoid rubbery texture. If mozzarella doesn’t melt evenly, broil for 1-2 minutes watching closely. Fresh basil adds a bright, peppery note that balances richness. For balsamic glaze, reduce 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar over medium heat until syrupy (5-7 minutes).

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, quick chicken skillet, mozzarella chicken, easy chicken dinner, balsamic chicken, weeknight meal, one-pan meal, gluten-free, low-carb

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/quick-caprese-chicken-skillet-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-creamy-mozzarella-meal/