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Chicken Caprese Overhead view of plated caprese chicken topped with melted mozzarella, roasted cherry tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic glaze on a white plate.

Chicken Caprese

Juicy Chicken Caprese finished with pesto, melty mozzarella, and sweet tomatoes for a fast, comforting dinner.
5 from 1 vote
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Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: caprese chicken, pesto chicken, quick dinner, skillet chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Oven Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 232kcal
Cost: $14

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts skinless, boneless, sliced horizontally for even cooking
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt used to season both sides of the chicken
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper adds mild heat and balance
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil prevents sticking and adds flavor
  • 1 tablespoon butter creates richness and browning
  • 6 ounces basil pesto store-bought for convenience or homemade
  • 4–6 slices fresh mozzarella cheese thinly sliced for quick melting
  • 8 cocktail tomatoes sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze for drizzling, adjust to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil thinly sliced for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F so it is fully heated when needed.
  • Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise, season both sides with salt and pepper, then heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until lightly golden on both sides, about 3–4 minutes per side.
    Overhead kitchen scene showing pan-seared chicken breasts in a skillet next to a cutting board with sliced mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil, and kitchen tools.
  • Spread basil pesto generously over the top of each chicken piece, then layer mozzarella slices and tomato rounds on top.
    Close-up action shot of pan-seared chicken breasts in a skillet as a spoon drizzles fresh basil pesto over the golden-brown chicken.
  • Move the skillet into the oven and bake until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F internally, then finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
    Top-down view of caprese chicken cooking in a skillet, with melted mozzarella and basil pesto, as a hand places fresh cherry tomatoes on the chicken breasts.

Notes

This dish brings together classic caprese flavors in the easiest possible way. The aroma of basil and warm tomatoes makes it feel special, even on a busy night.

Nutrition

Serving: 220g | Calories: 232kcal (12%) | Carbohydrates: 5g (2%) | Protein: 18g (36%) | Fat: 15g (23%) | Saturated Fat: 7g (44%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 84mg (28%) | Sodium: 262mg (11%) | Potassium: 454mg (13%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 4g (4%) | Vitamin A: 1325IU (27%) | Vitamin C: 17mg (21%) | Calcium: 161mg (16%) | Iron: 1mg (6%)
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