Description
This Chicken Caprese Skillet recipe is a delightful one-pan dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and onions, topped with melted mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a rich balsamic-honey reduction. It combines classic Italian flavors in an easy and quick skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 small boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 24 oz total)
- 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
Toppings
- 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Balsamic Reduction: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the mixture thickens to a syrupy consistency, approximately 15 minutes. Once thickened, set aside to cool slightly.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until they are golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the diced red onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add 4 cups of sliced tomatoes and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme. Stir and cook until the tomatoes soften and release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Scatter 4 ounces of part-skim mozzarella pearls over the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook just until the cheese melts, about 3-5 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction over the chicken and tomato mixture. Sprinkle ¼ cup fresh basil leaves on top. Serve immediately for a warm and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For juicier chicken, allow the cooked chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- The balsamic reduction can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Part-skim mozzarella pearls can be substituted with sliced fresh mozzarella if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if using unsalted ingredients.
