Easy Lazy Summer Caprese Chicken Skillet
A quick and easy Italian-inspired skillet meal combining juicy chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze, perfect for a light and satisfying summer dinner.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound/450 grams)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced (or cherry tomatoes halved)
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into chunks
- A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn or whole
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 1-2 minutes).
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes until the underside is golden brown and releases easily from the pan. Flip and cook the other side for another 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic around the chicken. Stir gently in the oil for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes over the chicken, then add mozzarella slices on top of the tomatoes. Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the mozzarella is soft and slightly gooey.
- Remove the skillet from heat. Scatter torn fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Transfer chicken to plates and spoon any leftover pan juices over the top. Serve hot.
Notes
Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even cooking and juiciness. Use a cast iron skillet for a better sear. Cover skillet while melting cheese to keep chicken moist. Optional: add red pepper flakes for heat or Italian seasoning for herbal notes. Rest chicken for a couple of minutes after cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 38
Keywords: Caprese chicken, summer dinner, quick chicken recipe, skillet chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, balsamic glaze, easy dinner