Caprese Chicken Skillet

This Italian dinner recipe combines authentic flavors with modern cooking techniques. Ready in 30 minutes, serves 4 people. Serve over a bed of zucchini noodles, whole grain pasta, or alongside roasted asparagus and quinoa for a complete nutritious meal.

Cuisine: Italian Type: Dinner Time: 30 min Servings: 4 Calories: 456 per serving
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Nutrition Information

Each serving contains approximately 456 calories and 52.0g of protein. Macronutrients include 8.0g carbohydrates and 24.0g fats per serving.

Per Serving

Calories
456
Protein
52.0g
Carbohydrates
8.0g
Fats
24.0g

Total

Calories
1824
Protein
208.0g
Carbohydrates
32.0g
Fats
96.0g

Ingredients

This recipe requires 10 ingredients. All ingredients are commonly available at grocery stores.

  • 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
    Organic, air-chilled, pounded to even thickness; cut into bite-sized pieces for children
  • 2.0 cups Fresh Cherry Tomatoes
    Organic, firm but ripe, rinsed and halved
  • 8.0 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
    Small pearls (bocconcini) or ball diced, drained, lower sodium if available
  • 2.0 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
    Cold-pressed, high quality for sautéing
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil
    Fresh leaves only, washed and thinly sliced (chiffonade)
  • 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar
    Aged, high quality (no added sugar/thickener)
  • 3.0 clove Garlic
    Fresh, peeled and finely minced
  • 1.0 tsp Dried Oregano
    Whole dried leaves, crushed between fingers
  • 0.5 tsp Sea Salt
    Fine grain, adjust to taste (low sodium option)
  • 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
    Freshly cracked

Instructions

Follow these 4 steps to prepare this dish. Each step includes detailed instructions for best results.

1. Mise en Place & Preparation

  1. Gather equipment: large cast-iron skillet, cutting board, chef's knife, meat mallet, and measuring tools.
  2. Wash 2 cups Fresh Cherry Tomatoes (300g) and 0.5 cup Fresh Basil (15g) under cool running water.
  3. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and mince 3 cloves Garlic (15g).
  4. Stack basil leaves, roll tightly, and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade).
  5. Drain 8 oz Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (225g) from liquid.
  6. Pat 1.5 lb Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (680g) dry with paper towels and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet.
  7. In a small bowl, combine 1 tsp Dried Oregano (1g), 0.5 tsp Sea Salt (3g), and 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (1g).
  8. Season the chicken breasts thoroughly on both sides with the spice mixture.
  9. Measure 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar (60ml) and set aside all prepared ingredients.

2. Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (30ml) in the large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken breasts to the hot skillet carefully. Cook undisturbed to create a golden sear.
  3. Flip the chicken and cook on the second side until browned and internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  4. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate and set aside.

3. Prepare Balsamic Tomato Sauce

  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant.
  2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and 0.25 cup Balsamic Vinegar (60ml), scraping up any browned bits from the pan bottom.
  3. Simmer the sauce, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes soften and liquid reduces slightly.

4. Melt Cheese & Finish

  1. Return the chicken and any resting juices to the skillet, nestling pieces into the tomato sauce.
  2. Top each chicken piece evenly with the drained fresh mozzarella.
  3. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  4. Remove from heat and garnish generously with the fresh basil ribbons immediately before serving.

Plating

  1. Select a wide, shallow pasta bowl or a large warm dinner plate to frame the rustic Italian colors effectively.
  2. If serving with a side, place a neat mound of zucchini noodles or whole grain pasta in the center of the plate, twisting it slightly for height.
  3. Position a piece of chicken breast slightly off-center atop the base, ensuring the melted mozzarella and seared edges are clearly visible.
  4. Spoon the warm blistered cherry tomatoes and pan juices generously over the chicken, allowing some tomatoes to tumble naturally onto the plate.
  5. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar reduction in a confident zig-zag motion across the chicken and the negative space of the plate for visual contrast.
  6. Scatter the fresh basil chiffonade loosely over the top immediately before serving to provide a vibrant green pop against the red tomatoes and white cheese.
  7. Wipe the rim of the plate with a clean, damp cloth to remove any stray drops of balsamic or oil, ensuring a clean, restaurant-quality finish.

Family Beverage

Sparkling water infused with fresh strawberry slices and basil leaves, or chilled unsweetened hibiscus tea.

Alcohol Beverage

A crisp Pinot Grigio, chilled Sauvignon Blanc, or a light Chianti Classico.

Serving Suggestions

Serve over a bed of zucchini noodles, whole grain pasta, or alongside roasted asparagus and quinoa for a complete nutritious meal.

Notes

Use a cast-iron skillet for even heat distribution. Fresh basil leaves added right before serving preserve the volatile oils and aroma. For a lower sodium option, ensure the pesto is prepared with minimal salt. Leftovers store well and can be sliced cold over mixed greens for lunch.

Storage

Allow the cooked chicken and vegetables to cool completely to room temperature, but do not leave out for more than 2 hours. Transfer the leftovers into clean, airtight glass or plastic containers. Store in the coldest part of the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. If serving with pasta or zucchini noodles, store the base separately from the chicken mixture to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Transfer the cooled chicken and tomato mixture into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that the texture of fresh mozzarella may change slightly upon freezing. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, then add fresh basil just before serving to refresh the flavors.

Dietary Information

Allergen information: This recipe contains or may contain the following allergens: milk, dairy, treenuts, nightshade, sulfites. Always check ingredient labels if you have severe allergies.

Dietary considerations: Consult the nutrition information above for detailed macronutrient breakdown. This recipe can be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences.

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