Caprese Chicken is an easy weeknight dinner that tastes like summerโtender chicken, sweet tomatoes, melty mozzarella, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic.
Authorโs Note
Weeknight-Worthy Caprese Chicken (That Tastes Fancy)
Iโve made a lot of Caprese Chicken recipes over the years, and this is the one that finally checks every box!
What makes this version better than the others? Itโs fast (done in 30 minutes or less), all made in one pan, and actually tastes like something youโd get at a good restaurant. The tomatoes blister just enough to create a quick, flavorful sauce, and the melty cheese + pesto combo is next-level good!
If youโre looking for something fresh, easy, and a little impressiveโthis is it. Trust me, youโre gonna want to make it again the second you finish your plate.
Caprese Chicken Ingredients
The full recipe is below, but here are a few ingredient notes:
- Cherry tomatoes: Use firm, ripe ones with smooth skin for the best texture and flavor.
- Mozzarella pearls: These are ideal, but fresh mozzarella (diced to cubes) works too.
- Basil pesto: Store-bought is great (I like Ranaโs), or make your own!
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh from a blockโsuper fine shreds melt right in nicely.
- Balsamic reduction: Buy or make by simmering balsamic with honey until thick.
How To Make Caprese Chicken (Tips)
- Chicken: Slice each breast in half and pound lightly so they cook evenly.
- Donโt overcook: Use a meat thermometerโchicken is done at 165ยฐF.
- Use cast iron: It holds heat well and gives the chicken a nice sear.
- Add basil last: Top with fresh basil right before serving so it stays bright and flavorful.
- Dice small: Smaller onion pieces soften faster and mix into the sauce better.
What To Serve with Caprese Chicken
- Pasta: Spaghetti, penne, or angel hair tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan.
- Farro: A nutty grain that pairs well with the juicy chicken and tomatoes.
- Rice or Quinoa: Both make a hearty, simple base.
- Salad: Try a garden salad, Caesar, or cucumber salad.
- Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.
Storage
Best fresh, but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3โ4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Featured Comment
โThis is amazing! We loved it the first night so much that we made it again the next night!โ
-Short
More Chicken Dinners To Love:
Caprese Chicken
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 breasts)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning divided
- Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 large red onion finely diced
- 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese pearls see note 1
- 1/3 cup ribboned fresh basil
- basil pesto for serving, see note 2
- Parmesan cheese optional, for serving, see note 3
- Balsamic reduction optional, for serving
Instructionsย
- Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to create 2 thinner cutlets. Lightly pound to even thickness if needed. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ยพ teaspoon salt, and ยผ teaspoon pepper. Season one side of the chicken with half of this mixture.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, seasoned side down, and sprinkle remaining seasoning mix on top. Cook for 4 minutes without moving, then flip, add 1 tablespoon butter, and cook for another 3โ4 minutes or until golden brown and internal temp hits 160ยฐF. Remove from pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
- In the same pan (donโt clean it), reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and diced onion. Sautรฉ for 3โ5 minutes, scraping up browned bits from the pan, until onion softens and turns golden.
- Add cherry tomatoes, remaining 1 tsp Italian seasoning, garlic, balsamic vinegar, & honey. Season with ยฝ tsp salt & ยผ tsp pepper. Turn heat back up to medium-high and cook for 2โ4 minutes, until tomatoes begin to soften.
- Remove pan from heat. Nestle chicken back into the pan with any juices left behind on the plate. Sprinkle mozzarella pearls around the pan. Cover for 1 minute to soften the cheese. Uncover, add dollops of pesto to taste, and top with fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic reduction and, if desired, grate fresh Parmesan on top. Serve right away.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! Easy to make and a great blend of flavours. Served with a garden salad and a fruity Portuguese red
One comment โ the suggested pesto recipe was thin. No garlic and light on pine nuts ( I adjusted for both)
I will make this again
Delish! Iโm so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Joe!
Literally all of my favorite foods in one! the only thing i would change is the onion.
Yay! You can totally leave the onion out!
This dish came together fast, and it was so flavorful! I paired it with a Ceasar salad, and my husband loved it!
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks Julia!
This is amazing! We loved it the first night so much that we made it again the next night!
Thanks so much! I am so thrilled to hear this! ๐
I love Caprese salad, and I think your addition of chicken is fantastic! This sounds like the perfect meal to kick off the Spring weather. Thanks for sharing!
I love that this is cooked up in the skillet to perfection. Oh my gosh, I cant wait to get my hands on this chicken. So many layers of goodness. And that fresh basil!!
Isnโt fresh basil the best?! Thank you so much Aimee!!
The perfect weeknight meal. And stunning as well!