Name: Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved; 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped; 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices; balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving something easy, flavorful, and downright impressive, you’ve got to try my Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe. Imagine juicy chicken breasts topped with melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and that vibrant burst of cherry tomatoes all kissed with balsamic goodness—it’s pure magic in a skillet. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to weeknight meals. Let me walk you through it so you nail it perfectly every time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Bold Flavor: This skillet recipe uses minimal ingredients that each deliver big on taste and freshness.
One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one pan keeps things easy and cuts down on cleanup.
Perfect Balance of Textures: Tender chicken is complemented by juicy tomatoes and gooey melted mozzarella.
Fresh Ingredients Shine: Using ripe cherry tomatoes and fragrant basil really elevates the dish.

Chicken Caprese Skillet, Easy Chicken Caprese, Balsamic Chicken Skillet, Quick Caprese Chicken Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Caprese - The image shows a silver pan on a white marbled surface with four cooked chicken pieces, each topped with a round slice of melted white cheese. The chicken is surrounded by a colorful mix of small red and yellow cherry tomatoes, some cooked and some whole, with bits of green herbs mixed in. Around the pan, there is a cluster of fresh red cherry tomatoes on a white marbled surface at the top right, a small clear glass bowl filled with dark sauce, a white plate at the bottom right, and a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves at the bottom left. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe plays a starring role in creating that fresh Italian flair. When shopping, look for the freshest produce you can find and good-quality mozzarella—it really makes a difference!

Chicken Caprese Skillet, Easy Chicken Caprese, Balsamic Chicken Skillet, Quick Caprese Chicken Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Caprese - Flat lay of four raw boneless skinless chicken breasts, a few pinches of kosher salt and scattered freshly ground black peppercorns, two small white ceramic bowls each holding golden olive oil, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with halved bright red cherry tomatoes, a few large vibrant green basil leaves, several thick slices of fresh white buffalo mozzarella arranged neatly, and a small white ceramic bowl of dark glossy balsamic vinegar, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking and easy slicing later.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
Olive Oil: Using good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a lovely richness.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brightens up the whole dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Their juiciness and sweetness become more concentrated when cooked—look for firm, brightly colored ones.
Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is a must for that signature Caprese flavor and aroma.
Buffalo Mozzarella: Creamy and soft, it melts beautifully over the chicken—use fresh, not pre-shredded.
Balsamic Vinegar or Glaze: Adds acidity and a touch of sweetness to finish the dish perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe my own by mixing up the herbs or adding a bit of spice—don’t hesitate to play around and make it fit your mood or pantry.

Variation: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes wakes up the dish and adds a little heat, which I adore on cooler evenings.
Herb Swap: If fresh basil isn’t in season, fresh parsley or oregano can stand in nicely.
Dietary Modification: For a lighter twist, use part-skim mozzarella or skip the cheese altogether for dairy-free.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously salt and pepper both sides. Heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large sauté pan, add the chicken. Covering the pan helps the chicken cook through evenly without drying out—give it about 10 minutes on one side before flipping. Look for a beautiful golden crust; that’s where the flavor starts!

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

Once the chicken’s cooked through (no pink inside and 165°F internal temp if you’re using a thermometer), remove it and cover with foil to rest. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan, toss in minced garlic, and sauté for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn! Then stir in the halved cherry tomatoes. Cooking these until their skins wrinkle releases a juicy, vibrant sauce—about 5 minutes is perfect.

Step 3: Add Basil, Mozzarella, and Finish

Stir in the chopped basil, then nestle the chicken back into the pan. Top each breast with two thick slices of buffalo mozzarella. Cover and allow the cheese to melt gently, just 1–2 minutes. Finally, drizzle a splash of balsamic vinegar or glaze right over the top to add that sweet-savory zing that ties everything together.

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Pro Tips for Making Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe

Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest under foil keeps it juicy and lets flavors settle before the final step.
Juicy Tomato Skin: Don’t skip cooking the tomatoes until their skins wrinkle; it unlocks the best texture and flavor.
Use Fresh Mozzarella: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt the same—fresh slices give you that rich, gooey texture.
Balsamic Balance: Use just a little balsamic at the end to brighten, not overpower, the dish.

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe

Chicken Caprese Skillet, Easy Chicken Caprese, Balsamic Chicken Skillet, Quick Caprese Chicken Dinner, One-Pan Chicken Caprese - The image shows two white dishes with a chicken meal. Each dish has a layer of cooked chicken topped with melted white cheese with light brown spots. The chicken sits on a bed of cooked cherry tomatoes in red and yellow, mixed with a few green basil leaves and some sauce that looks shiny and brown. The larger plate has three chicken pieces with cheese on top, garnished with three fresh green basil leaves in the center. The smaller bowl has one chicken piece with cheese, surrounded by cooked cherry tomatoes and some green basil leaves. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a black and white striped cloth near the bowl and some fresh cherry tomatoes with green stems to the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle a few whole basil leaves right before serving—it amps up the freshness and makes the dish look stunning. Sometimes, I’ll add a little extra drizzle of balsamic glaze for a glossy finish that guests rave about.

Side Dishes

For sides, I love pairing this Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe with some crusty garlic bread or warm ciabatta to soak up all those delicious juices. A simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try plating each chicken breast on a bed of creamy polenta or risotto, then garnish with microgreens and extra torn basil—looks elegant and feels special without much extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep perfectly well for up to four days. Just make sure everything has cooled down before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This dish freezes okay in a pinch but keep in mind the fresh basil and mozzarella texture can change after thawing. If freezing, wrap portions tightly in foil and place in freezer-safe bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—this keeps the chicken tender and the cheese melty without turning it rubbery like microwaving can. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts, but watch it closely!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work nicely and even add extra juiciness. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to reach 165°F internally.
Is it better to use balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze?

Both work well, but balsamic glaze is sweeter and thicker, which makes for a beautiful drizzle and less acidity. If you only have vinegar, add a small splash so it doesn’t overpower the delicate flavors.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead for meal prep?

You can cook the chicken and tomato mixture in advance and add the mozzarella fresh when reheating to keep it melty. Just store everything separately in airtight containers for best texture.
What can I serve alongside Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe for a full meal?

Great options include crusty bread, sautéed greens like spinach or kale, creamy polenta, or a light pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic. These sides complement and soak up all those wonderful juices.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Caprese Skillet Recipe is honestly one of my all-time favorites because it’s that perfect blend of fresh, simple, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing friends, it comes together fast with minimal fuss but delivers on wow factor. Give it a try—you’ll love how effortlessly delicious it is, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your repertoire just like it did in mine!