Name: Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved; 10 large basil leaves, finely chopped; 8 oz fresh buffalo mozzarella, sliced in 1/2 inch thick slices; balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 44 reviews

If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and super easy on a weeknight, you’re going to love this Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe. Picture juicy chicken breasts topped with melty mozzarella, sweet cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic — all cooked in one skillet. It’s like a little Italian getaway right in your kitchen, and trust me, once you try it, it might just become your go-to dinner.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Bold Flavors: Minimal ingredients come together to create a dish bursting with fresh, vibrant Italian flavors.
One Skillet, Less Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan keeps the process straightforward and the kitchen happy.
Perfectly Balanced Texture: Juicy chicken paired with creamy mozzarella and tender tomatoes keeps every bite interesting.
Quick Weeknight Winner: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s a delicious solution when you need dinner fast but still want to wow.

Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella, easy Italian chicken dinner, flavorful chicken skillet recipe, quick weeknight chicken meal, one-pan chicken mozzarella - The image shows a silver pan on a white marbled surface with four cooked chicken pieces, each topped with a round slice of melted white cheese. The chicken is surrounded by a colorful mix of small red and yellow cherry tomatoes, some cooked and some whole, with bits of green herbs mixed in. Around the pan, there is a cluster of fresh red cherry tomatoes on a white marbled surface at the top right, a small clear glass bowl filled with dark sauce, a white plate at the bottom right, and a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves at the bottom left. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe shines because each ingredient plays a vital role — from juicy chicken breasts absorbing the garlic and olive oil to fresh cherry tomatoes softening into a sweet sauce, and slices of creamy mozzarella melting on top. When shopping, choose ripe tomatoes and fresh basil for that authentic Caprese vibe. Buffalo mozzarella is my go-to for its richness, but fresh mozzarella works great too.

Chicken breasts: Use boneless and skinless for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps get that beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic creates an aromatic base and lifts all the flavors.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness softens into a lovely sauce without being watery.
Basil leaves: Brightens the dish with herbal freshness—chop finely so it’s evenly distributed.
Buffalo mozzarella: Creamy, mild, and melts beautifully, making each bite decadent.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness at the end that ties all the flavors together.
Salt & pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance everything else.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how flexible the Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe is depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge. Sometimes, I sneak in extra veggies or swap out the balsamic vinegar for a glaze to dial up the sweetness. Feel free to make it your own—it’s hard to go wrong here.

Variation: Adding a handful of baby spinach or arugula at the end gives it a nice peppery twist and boosts the greens.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free twist, try topping with sliced avocado instead of cheese—it’s creamy and fresh.
Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes when adding the garlic for an extra flavor punch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry, then generously salt and pepper both sides. This is key for flavor. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken breasts in the pan, cover, and let them cook undisturbed for about 10 minutes. You want a nice golden crust before flipping. Once flipped, keep cooking until the chicken is no longer pink inside or reaches 165°F internally. Don’t rush—this slow cook under a lid locks in moisture and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Create the Tomato Basil Sauce

Remove the chicken from the pan and tent it with foil to keep warm. Add your remaining olive oil to the pan and toss in the minced garlic. Stir quickly and cook just about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Scrape up any tasty brown bits left behind from the chicken—they’re pure gold for flavor. Then add halved cherry tomatoes, stirring occasionally until the skins start to soften and wrinkle, roughly 5 minutes. This softens the tomatoes into a juicy sauce. Toss in the chopped basil at the end and stir through.

Step 3: Bring It All Together and Melt the Mozzarella

Slide the chicken breasts back into the skillet nestling them into the tomato basil sauce. Layer 2 thick slices of buffalo mozzarella on each chicken breast, then cover the pan again. Let it simmer gently for 1-2 minutes until the mozzarella melts and becomes all soft and indulgent. Just before serving, drizzle with a splash of balsamic vinegar or a luscious balsamic glaze. Grab some crusty bread and get ready to dive in!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Pat Chicken Dry First: This helps get a better sear and prevents steaming.
Don’t Rush the Melting: A quick gentle simmer under the lid is the secret to gooey, not rubbery, cheese.
Use a Wide Skillet: Gives the chicken enough space to cook evenly and keeps the tomato sauce from overflowing.
Cover While Cooking: Helps trap moisture for juicy chicken and tender tomatoes.

How to Serve Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves for extra aroma and a drizzle of good quality balsamic glaze—it adds a gorgeous sheen and sweet tang that perfectly balances the creaminess of the mozzarella.

Side Dishes

Go for a simple green salad dressed with lemon juice or a roasted vegetable medley for some color and crunch. For carb lovers, garlic bread or creamy risotto alongside make the perfect pairing to soak up all those delicious juices.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I sometimes plate each chicken breast individually topped with mozzarella and tomato sauce, then sprinkle torn basil and balsamic glaze artfully around the edge. Serving in small cast-iron skillets adds a rustic touch that always wows guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep wonderfully for up to 4 days. Just make sure the chicken is fully covered by the tomato basil sauce to stay moist.

Freezing

While I prefer fresh, I’ve frozen leftover chicken breasts without the mozzarella—it freezes well in sauce, but cheese can get a bit watery after thawing. To freeze, place chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving out the cheese for adding fresh after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture; the cheese stays lovely and the chicken juicy. A microwave works in a pinch, but I recommend short bursts to avoid rubbery mozzarella.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid drying out the meat. Pat them dry after thawing for the best sear.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is done?

An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here—look for an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, cutting into the thickest part should show no pink juices.
Can I substitute mozzarella with another type of cheese?

Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella is traditional and melts beautifully, but slices of provolone or fontina can work if you want a different flavor profile. Just avoid cheeses that don’t melt well.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cooking the chicken covered in the skillet helps trap moisture. Also, avoid flipping it too often—let it develop a nice crust before turning. Resting it covered after cooking keeps juices locked in.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Caprese Skillet with Mozzarella Recipe is one of those dishes that never fails to bring a smile to the table. It feels fancy but comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, it’s a recipe that shines every time—with juicy chicken, melty cheese, fresh veggies, and that gorgeous balsamic hint. Give it a try; I guarantee this one will become a regular in your dinner rotation.