Description

This Chicken Caprese Skillet recipe is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan meal combining juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts with a medley of sautéed tomatoes, garlic, and onions. Topped with melted mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a rich homemade balsamic reduction, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors, making it a quick yet elegant dinner option.

Ingredients

Scale

Balsamic Reduction

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon honey

Chicken and Vegetables

4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (24 oz)
1¼ teaspoons kosher salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups sliced tomatoes
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls
¼ cup fresh basil leaves

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Instructions

Prepare Balsamic Reduction: Combine the balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook gently until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are browned on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the sliced tomatoes and dried thyme, stirring to combine. Cook the mixture until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Sprinkle the mozzarella pearls evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the cheese melt over low heat for about 3-5 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction over the chicken and vegetables, then garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately, allowing the flavors of the caprese-inspired skillet to shine.

Notes

Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and texture in the sautéed vegetable mixture.
Adjust the balsamic reduction cooking time for desired thickness; it should coat the back of a spoon.
Part-skim mozzarella can be substituted with fresh mozzarella slices if preferred.
To speed up cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking.
Serve with crusty bread or over a bed of cooked pasta or rice for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian