Caprese Chicken Skillet (Print Version)

Italian-inspired chicken with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a balsamic glaze. One-skillet dinner ready in 35 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
03 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Caprese Topping

05 - 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
06 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
07 - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

→ Balsamic Glaze

08 - 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
09 - 1 tablespoon honey

# How to Make:

01 - Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside.
03 - In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Arrange tomato slices on top of the chicken breasts. Place mozzarella slices over the tomatoes. Cover the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese melts completely.
04 - While the cheese is melting, combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and syrupy.
05 - Sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken and drizzle with the balsamic glaze. Transfer to serving plates and enjoy immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is as easy as the cooking itself.
  • The melted mozzarella and warm tomatoes create this gorgeous, gooey topping that feels indulgent but stays light.
  • It looks restaurant-ready but comes together in about half an hour, making it perfect for weeknights or surprise guests.
  • The balsamic glaze adds a sweet, tangy finish that ties every bite together beautifully.
02 -
  • Don't skip drying the chicken before seasoning, any moisture on the surface will steam instead of sear and you'll lose that gorgeous golden crust.
  • Use a lid that fits snugly when melting the cheese, trapping the heat is what transforms cold mozzarella into that perfect melted layer in just a few minutes.
  • Watch the balsamic glaze closely in the final minute, it can go from perfectly syrupy to burnt and bitter faster than you'd expect.
03 -
  • Let the chicken rest for a minute after searing and before adding the toppings, this keeps the juices from running out and ensures every bite stays moist.
  • If your mozzarella isn't melting fast enough, add a tablespoon of water to the skillet before covering, the steam will speed things up without making anything soggy.
  • For a deeper flavor, rub the chicken with a pinch of Italian seasoning or garlic powder before seasoning with salt and pepper.
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