Description
A fresh, quick, and satisfying one-pan dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts, ripe cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 700g)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (30 ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (300g)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn (225g)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, loosely packed
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prep your ingredients by halving the cherry tomatoes, mincing the garlic, and slicing or tearing the fresh mozzarella. Tear the basil leaves and set aside for later.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook another 4-5 minutes until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and a pinch of salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the tomatoes. Top each piece with slices or torn pieces of fresh mozzarella.
- Cover the skillet with a lid or foil and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over everything and scatter torn fresh basil on top. Toss gently if desired.
- Serve immediately while cheese is melty and basil is fresh.
Notes
[‘Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear.’, ‘Use ripe cherry or grape tomatoes for best flavor.’, ‘Melt mozzarella off heat with the skillet covered to avoid clumping.’, ‘Add fresh basil at the end to preserve its bright flavor and color.’, ‘Drizzle balsamic vinegar or glaze just before serving for a balanced acidity.’, ‘Season generously with salt to enhance flavors.’, ‘Avoid reheating leftovers in the microwave to prevent drying out the chicken and rubbery cheese; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or olive oil.’]
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 45
Keywords: summer chicken, caprese skillet, quick dinner, one-pan meal, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, easy chicken recipe