ONE-PAN CHICKEN

Caprese Chicken Skillet

Seared chicken with burst cherry tomatoes, garlic, melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and a balsamic finish.

Jump to Recipe
Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time20 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings4
DifficultyEasy

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For Topping

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 200g fresh mozzarella, sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • Optional: extra olive oil for serving

Substitutions

  • Use provolone or another well-melting cheese in place of mozzarella.

Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Sear the chicken for Caprese Chicken Skillet

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Cheese

Add cherry tomatoes around the chicken and place mozzarella slices on top.

Add tomatoes and cheese for Caprese Chicken Skillet

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the mozzarella softens and melts slightly.

Step 5: Finish with Basil

Top with fresh basil and balsamic glaze before serving.

Finish with basil for Caprese Chicken Skillet
Finished Caprese Chicken Skillet ready to serve

Timing the Caprese Finish

Cook the chicken fully before the mozzarella goes into the skillet. The cheese needs only a brief covered finish; adding it earlier can make it rubbery and leave extra liquid around the tomatoes.

Basil and balsamic glaze are finishing ingredients here. Add them after the pan comes off the heat so the basil stays fresh and the glaze keeps its sweet-tangy flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerate the cooked chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella within 2 hours and use within 3 to 4 days. Store extra basil and balsamic glaze separately so they stay fresh and can be added after reheating.

How to Reheat

Warm the chicken and tomatoes in a covered skillet over low heat with a teaspoon or two of water. Add the mozzarella only for the final minute so it softens without turning rubbery.

Finish reheated portions with fresh basil and balsamic glaze after the pan comes off the heat.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 390
Protein 42g
Carbohydrates 7g
Fat 21g
Sugar 4g

Nutrition is an estimate and can vary with brands, portion size, and substitutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the mozzarella from turning watery?

Use well-drained fresh mozzarella, add it only after the chicken is fully cooked, and cover the skillet for just 2 to 3 minutes. Long cooking can cause fresh mozzarella to release more liquid.

When should I add the basil and balsamic glaze?

Add both at the very end, after the mozzarella has softened and the skillet is off the heat. That keeps the basil bright and prevents the balsamic glaze from scorching.

About the Author

FreshFork Recipes Team edits each recipe page for clear measurements, consistent instructions, and practical cooking guidance.

More Recipes

Similar Recipes

Try another fresh and easy recipe from FreshFork Recipes.