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This Balsamic Caprese Chicken Skillet is the perfect easy chicken dinner for busy weeknights! Juicy chicken breast is cooked in a rich balsamic tomato sauce with garlic, butter, fresh basil, and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese. It is a simple one pan meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes and is packed with fresh flavors.
If you love classic Caprese flavors, you are going to love this easy skillet chicken recipe!! The combination of sweet tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and tangy balsamic vinegar creates the most delicious sauce that feels both comforting and fresh.
This recipe is gluten-free, low carb, and naturally full of wholesome ingredients. It is one of those simple dinners that proves you do not need complicated ingredients to make something truly amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals!! This easy chicken skillet is all about fresh flavors, minimal prep, and maximum comfort.
Here are a few reasons this recipe has become a favorite:
- It is made in one pan, which means easy cooking and easy cleanup.
- It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It uses simple, real food ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
- The combination of balsamic vinegar, fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella gives you all the flavors of a classic Caprese salad in a satisfying chicken dinner.
When I first created this recipe, I had just returned from a trip to Italy and could not stop thinking about fresh tomato sauces, basil, and cheese. All I wanted was the combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic in every meal!! This skillet chicken was inspired by those simple Italian flavors that make fresh ingredients shine.
As a nutritionist, I love creating recipes that highlight seasonal ingredients because they often provide the best flavor and nutritional benefits. The fresh cherry tomatoes and basil are the stars of this dish, while the butter and balsamic vinegar create a rich and flavorful sauce that makes this meal feel extra special.
For another quick and flavorful chicken dinner, my 15-Minute Skillet Cilantro Lime Chicken Tenderloins is another favorite for busy nights.
How to make Balsamic Caprese Chicken Skillet:
Let’s gather up our ingredients:
- butter (can use ghee in it’s place)
- garlic
- chicken breast
- cherry tomatoes
- balsamic vinegar
- buffalo mozarella
- fresh basil
- sea salt to taste
Start heating a large skillet over medium high heat. Add half of the butter and garlic once the pan is hot. The butter will quickly turn golden, which adds incredible flavor to the sauce. Let the garlic cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts and cook for a few minutes on each side. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked yet because it will continue cooking later in the sauce.
Remove the chicken and add the remaining butter and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then cover the pan with a lid. Let the tomatoes cook for another 5 to 7 minutes until they soften and release their juices.
Add the balsamic vinegar and return the chicken to the skillet. Place the lid back on and cook until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
Top each chicken breast with fresh mozzarella, cover again, and cook until the cheese is melted and creamy.
Finish with fresh basil, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, and a sprinkle of sea salt. Serve immediately and enjoy!!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, ripe tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes work beautifully because they become sweet and juicy as they cook. Using seasonal tomatoes will give you the best flavor.
- Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken breast cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it while it finishes cooking in the tomato sauce. This helps keep it tender and juicy.
What to Serve With Caprese Chicken
I served this Balsamic Caprese Chicken Skillet with crusty bread for my kids, and they loved it! I personally enjoy it over a bed of arugula for a simple meal without any starch.
It would also be delicious with:
- Pasta
- Zucchini noodles
- Roasted vegetables
- A simple green salad
My Easy House Salad also makes the perfect fresh and simple pairing.
Balsamic Caprese Chicken Skillet
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp grass fed butter or ghee, divided
- 3 large cloves of garlic, crushed
- 4 medium to large chicken breast
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar
- 6 oz buffalo mozzarella cheese*, cut into 1/4 inch thick slices
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breast by pounding to less than 1 inch thick. Set aside.
- Begin by heating a large skillet pan to medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 2 tbsp of butter and crushed garlic. Simmer for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the butter is golden.
- Add chicken breast. Cook on each side for 2 minutes, until the chicken is golden. It will not be cooked through, set aside for later.
- Add the other 2 tbsp of butter to the pan, then toss in the cherry tomatoes. Cover the pan, and cook the tomatoes for another 5-7 minutes or until the tomatoes are softened and can be pressed down to make a thick sauce. Mix in 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and salt.
- Add the chicken back to the pan and cover. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until chicken is almost cooked through.
- Place mozzarella slices on top of the chicken and cover. Simmer for another few minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Drizzle with remaining balsamic and add fresh basil. Serve warm on top of a salad, with crusty bread, or with pasta.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Great recipe with minimal ingredients that provide robust flavor.
This was/is very very savory! And not much prep work! We are a big fan of your recipes. Thank You!
This recipe did not disappoint! It almost seemed to easy to put together to be so delish! I did sauté mushrooms before adding the tomatoes and I used chicken thighs vs. breasts. A definite family winner!!
Love to hear that, thanks Kristin!!
Delicious! Great dinner tonight with a salad and some crusty bread.
Thanks Cindy! Glad you enjoyed it!
What a wonderful recipe. I tried this tonight and it was so easy to make and very tasty!