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Caprese Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 81 reviews

Caprese Chicken is a delightful and fresh Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, pan-seared to perfection, and topped with a vibrant sautéed cherry tomato and onion mixture. Finished with melty mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, basil pesto, and optional balsamic reduction and Parmesan, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rich, tangy, and herbaceous flavors in just 35 minutes.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2 breasts)
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning (divided)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Vegetables and Toppings

  • 1/2 large red onion, finely diced
  • 3 cups halved cherry tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese pearls
  • 1/3 cup ribboned fresh basil
  • Basil pesto, for serving
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
  • Balsamic reduction (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to make 2 thinner cutlets. If needed, lightly pound them to even thickness. In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, ¾ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Season one side of the chicken with half of this mixture.
  2. Cook Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken into the pan, seasoned side down, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning on the top side. Cook without moving for 4 minutes until golden brown, then flip the chicken. Add 1 tablespoon butter to the pan and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the other side is golden and the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Remove chicken from pan and cover with foil to keep warm.
  3. Sauté Onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and diced red onion to the same pan, scraping up any browned bits. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften and become golden.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Season: Add halved cherry tomatoes, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and honey to the pan. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Increase heat back to medium-high and cook for 2-4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
  5. Assemble the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and nestle the cooked chicken back into the pan with any juices left on the plate. Evenly distribute the mozzarella cheese pearls around the pan. Cover the pan for 1 minute to allow the cheese to soften. Uncover, add dollops of basil pesto to taste, top with fresh basil ribbons, drizzle with balsamic reduction, and optionally grate fresh Parmesan over the top. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Mozzarella pearls melt quickly, so covering the pan briefly helps soften them without overcooking.
  • Basil pesto adds a fresh herbal richness; feel free to substitute with your favorite pesto or omit if preferred.
  • Balsamic reduction and Parmesan are optional but add a tangy sweetness and extra savory flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/caprese-chicken-recipe/