I stumbled upon this Caprese Chicken Skillet recipe during one of those frantic weeknights when time seemed to vanish like socks in a dryer. It’s a delightful symphony of flavors—tomato, mozzarella, and basil, dancing together in a skillet. I swear, it’s like a warm Italian hug after a long day, and it’s scandalously quick to whip up, leaving you more time to, well, binge-watch that new series everyone’s talking about.
Steps
- In a small saucepan, mix together half a cup of balsamic vinegar and one tablespoon of honey. Simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by a little more than half. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Gently pound them to an even thickness of about half an inch, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about four minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional three minutes, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add another tablespoon of oil. Cook the diced red onion until it softens, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, thyme, remaining balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper, increasing the heat to medium-high until the tomatoes soften.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes. Scatter mozzarella throughout the pan, cover, and remove from heat. Let it stand for a couple of minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Uncover the skillet, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the chicken and vegetables, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve the dish warm.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, divided
- 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey, divided
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 24 oz)
- 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
- 4 cups sliced tomatoes: halved cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints) or diced plum or other garden tomatoes
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls or 4 ounces block-style part-skim mozzarella cheese, diced into bite-sized cubes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1676 kcal | Carbohydrates: 84 g | Protein: 190 g | Fat: 66 g | Saturated Fat: 20 g | Cholesterol: 564 mg | Sodium: 2340 mg | Fiber: 8 g | Sugar: 28 g
FAQ
- What is Chicken Caprese Skillet?
- Chicken Caprese Skillet is a dish that combines the traditional flavors of a caprese salad — tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella — with chicken. The ingredients are cooked together in a single pan, and the dish is finished with a honey balsamic reduction and fresh basil.
- Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?
- Yes, while the recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute them with bone-in chicken thighs if preferred. Just ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
- Is it possible to use a premade balsamic glaze instead of making it from scratch?
- Absolutely! If you want to save time, you can use a store-bought balsamic glaze instead of making it homemade.
- What can I serve with Chicken Caprese Skillet?
- This dish can be quite filling on its own, but if you’re looking for side dish ideas, consider crusty French bread, an arugula salad with parmesan, zucchini carpaccio, or orzo with tomatoes and zucchini.
- How can I best utilize leftovers from this dish?
- Leftovers can be repurposed into a Caprese Chicken and Arugula Salad. Simply chop the leftover chicken and mix it with any remaining tomatoes and mozzarella, a few handfuls of arugula, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together for a fresh salad.
Tips
- Use a premade balsamic glaze if you’re short on time, as it can help speed up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
- For a richer taste, consider swapping dried thyme with fresh herbs like oregano or rosemary, which can enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Ensure that your chicken breasts are evenly pounded to a half-inch thickness to promote even cooking and avoid dry spots.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet during the final cooking stages for an additional serving of vegetables and a pop of color.
Equipment
- Instant-read thermometer
- Heavy-bottomed skillet
