Go Back
+ servings

Easy Skillet Caprese Chicken

This easy chicken caprese is cooked in a skillet and topped with a honey balsamic reduction and fresh basil – the perfect way to use fresh summer tomatoes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Balsamic Glaze

  • 0.5 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Main Dish Ingredients

  • 4 small breasts boneless skinless chicken breasts about 24 oz total
  • 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt divided
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 1 medium red onion diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic minced (about 4 teaspoons)
  • 4 cups sliced tomatoes halved cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints)
  • 0.25 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls or 4 oz block-style cubed
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil leaves thinly sliced

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • In a small saucepan, combine 0.5 cup of the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the honey. Gently simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by a little more than half, about 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • While the balsamic reduces, arrange the chicken on a cutting board and stretch a large sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Lightly pound the chicken breasts into an even 0.5-inch thickness. Discard the plastic, then sprinkle the chicken with 0.75 teaspoon of the salt and 0.25 teaspoon of the pepper, seasoning both sides.
  • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken breasts top-sides down. Let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F at the thickest part. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Without wiping out the pan, reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, swirl to coat the pan, then add the red onion and let cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan.
  • Add the garlic and let cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes, thyme, and remaining 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, 0.5 teaspoon salt, and 0.25 teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat back to medium high and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the tomatoes, and scatter the mozzarella throughout.
  • Cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the mozzarella to become soft and melty.
  • Uncover, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top, and sprinkle with the fresh basil. Serve warm.

Notes

This recipe is fantastic with fresh, peak season tomatoes. If you have balsamic glaze already made, you can skip the reduction step.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!