Juicy pan-seared chicken topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil pesto, and a sweet balsamic drizzle – that’s Chicken Caprese in all its glory. The first time I made this for a weeknight dinner, I couldn’t believe something so simple could taste this restaurant-quality good.
It’s become one of my go-to dinner recipes when I need something fast but impressive, and it pairs beautifully with sides like my Easy Broccoli Salad or even hearty mains like Italian Pot Roast or Best Peri Peri Chicken for a full Italian feast.
This Italian chicken caprese takes just 20 minutes from start to finish, and you probably have most of the ingredients already. The aroma of basil pesto hitting the hot skillet is enough to make everyone come running to the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese
This chicken caprese with pesto and mozzarella checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick enough for busy nights but impressive enough for company.
The pan seared chicken caprese method gives you a beautiful golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. And because everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze.
Plus, it’s naturally low carb chicken caprese if you’re watching your carbs, and the fresh ingredients make it feel light and summery even on a regular Tuesday night.
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Chicken Caprese Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this grilled chicken caprese recipe (or stovetop version).
See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantitie
For the Chicken:
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts : The base of this recipe. Cutting them thinner helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Kosher salt: Seasons the chicken and brings out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a little warmth and depth.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Creates a nice sear and prevents sticking. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon for the pan.
For the Toppings:
- Basil pesto (homemade or store-bought): This is what gives the dish that fresh, herby flavor. A little goes a long way.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese : Look for slices that are about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
- Tomato : Adds freshness and a pop of color. Use a ripe tomato for the best flavor.
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction : The sweet, tangy finish that ties everything together. You can buy this or make your own.
- Fresh basil leaves : Leave 4 whole for topping and slice the rest into ribbons. Fresh basil is key to getting those classic caprese flavors.
How To Make Chicken Caprese
This quick chicken caprese comes together in just a few simple steps.
Prep the chicken: If your chicken breasts are large and thick, cut them horizontally through the middle to make thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly. If you have a kitchen mallet, give them a gentle pound to flatten them out a bit.
Season: Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Dry chicken sears better and gets that nice golden color.
Heat the pan: Set your indoor griddle or skillet over high heat and let it get nice and hot. Drizzle about 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil across the bottom and swirl it around to coat.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken to the hot pan and let it cook without moving it for 3 to 5 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when it releases easily from the pan and has a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when it’s fully cooked.
Add toppings: During the last couple of minutes of cooking, spread a small amount of basil pesto on top of each piece of chicken, then lay a slice of fresh mozzarella on top. The residual heat will start melting the cheese.
Finish: Remove the chicken from the heat and top each piece with whole fresh basil leaves and tomato slices while it’s still hot.
Serve: Drizzle the balsamic reduction or balsamic glaze over everything, sprinkle with the sliced basil ribbons, and serve right away while the mozzarella is still melty.
Substitutions and Variations
Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs take a bit longer.
Cheese: If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, regular mozzarella or even provolone works well. Burrata would be amazing if you’re feeling fancy.
Pesto: No pesto? Use a drizzle of olive oil and some minced garlic instead, or try sun-dried tomato pesto for a different twist.
Balsamic: If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make a quick version by simmering 2 cups of balsamic vinegar until it reduces to about ½ cup (this takes about 20 to 25 minutes). Let it cool for 10 minutes and it’ll thicken up nicely.
Grilled version: Want to make grilled chicken caprese? Oil your grill grates and preheat a gas grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 3 to 5 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally, then follow the rest of the recipe.
Equipment For Chicken Caprese
You don’t need much to make this Italian Chicken Caprese:
- Indoor griddle or skillet: A large skillet works perfectly. Cast iron is great if you have it.
- Knife and cutting board: For slicing the chicken, tomatoes, and basil.
- Meat mallet (optional): Helpful for flattening thicker chicken breasts.
- Instant-read thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of knowing when your chicken is perfectly cooked.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken caprese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The tomatoes might release some liquid, but the chicken will still taste great.
Reheating: Warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave. I like to add a fresh drizzle of balsamic glaze after reheating to brighten it up.
Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing this dish because the fresh mozzarella and tomatoes don’t hold up well in the freezer.
Serving Suggestions
This mozzarella topped Chicken Caprese is delicious with so many sides:
Pasta or grains: Serve it over angel hair pasta, orzo, or quinoa to soak up all those flavorful juices. The balsamic glaze creates a light sauce that’s perfect with pasta.
Salads: A simple cucumber salad or Mediterranean-style bean salad keeps things fresh and light. The crisp vegetables are a nice contrast to the warm, melty chicken.
Bread: Crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra pesto and balsamic.
Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, sautéed green beans, or a simple caprese salad on the side makes it a complete summer chicken dinner.
Expert Tips
Don’t skip the pounding: Flattening your chicken to an even thickness means it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Thick spots can dry out while thin spots overcook.
Use an instant-read thermometer: This is the easiest way to avoid overcooked, dry chicken. Pull it off the heat right when it hits 165°F.
Let the pan get hot: A hot pan gives you that beautiful golden crust. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of sear.
Fresh is best: Fresh mozzarella and fresh basil really make a difference in this recipe. The flavor is so much brighter than using dried herbs or pre-shredded cheese.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
Last Tuesday, my 7-year-old William wandered into the kitchen right as I was drizzling the balsamic reduction over the chicken. “Mom, what’s that smell? It smells like pizza but better,” he said, eyes wide. I’d just pulled the pan off the heat, and the fresh basil tomato chicken was still sizzling.
“Want to try a bite?” I asked, cutting a small piece for him.
He took one bite and immediately said, “Can we have this every Tuesday forever?”
I laughed because he’s usually my pickiest eater, but something about the melted mozzarella and sweet balsamic won him over completely. Later that night, he even asked if he could help make it next time. That’s when I knew this healthy chicken caprese was a real keeper.
FAQ
What is in Chicken Caprese?
Chicken caprese is made with seasoned chicken breast topped with basil pesto, fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, fresh basil, and balsamic glaze. It’s inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad but served warm with chicken as the base.
What does caprese actually mean?
Chicken Caprese means “from Capri” in Italian, referring to the Italian island of Capri where this flavor combination originated. Traditional caprese salad features fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, which are the colors of the Italian flag.
What to serve caprese chicken with?
Caprese chicken pairs beautifully with pasta, orzo, rice, quinoa, crusty bread, roasted vegetables, cucumber salad, green beans, or a simple side salad. It’s versatile enough to go with almost any Italian or Mediterranean side dish.
What is in a Chicken Caprese?
A traditional Chicken Caprese combines fresh mozzarella cheese, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves, usually dressed with olive oil, salt, and sometimes balsamic vinegar. This chicken version uses those same classic ingredients as a topping.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Caprese
Chicken Caprese
Juicy Chicken Caprese topped with melty mozzarella, vibrant pesto, and fresh tomatoes for a fast, comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Method
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Slice large chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets, and optionally pound them gently to an even thickness for quicker cooking.
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Blot the chicken dry, then season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper.
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Preheat a skillet or grill pan over high heat and drizzle in olive oil to lightly coat the surface.
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Place the chicken in the hot pan and cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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During the final minutes of cooking, spoon a small amount of pesto over each chicken piece and top with a slice of mozzarella.
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Remove the pan from heat and layer tomato slices and whole basil leaves over the chicken, then drizzle with balsamic glaze.
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Sprinkle with sliced basil ribbons and serve immediately while warm.
Nutrition
Notes
This chicken caprese is all about simple ingredients coming together for a cozy, satisfying meal that feels special without the fuss.
