Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Print Version)
Tender chicken with zucchini, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella in a flavorful Italian-inspired skillet.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
03 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
→ Oils & Condiments
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
→ Herbs & Seasonings
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
09 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
# Directions:
01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, pressing the seasoning into the meat to ensure adherence.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Add zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender-crisp. Remove from heat and set aside with chicken.
05 - Add cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
06 - Return chicken and zucchini to the skillet, nestling the chicken among the vegetables. Arrange everything in an even layer.
07 - Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from heat. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with torn fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one skillet, which means less cleanup and more flavor building in the pan.
- The balsamic glaze drizzle at the end makes it look like you tried way harder than you actually did.
02 -
- Do not rush the chicken sear or you will miss out on the fond that flavors everything else.
- Covering the skillet to melt cheese is crucial because trapped steam does the job quickly without overcooking the chicken.
03 -
- Marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in olive oil, garlic, and herbs transforms good into unforgettable.
- Letting the skillet rest uncovered for two minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute properly.