This Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken recipe offers a healthy and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. You can prepare this flavorful skillet dish in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice among healthy chicken skillet recipes for busy evenings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work well.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are a good substitute.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Use small mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or cubed fresh mozzarella.
- Balsamic Glaze: You can make your own by reducing balsamic vinegar or use a store-bought glaze.
- Fresh Basil: Dried basil can be used, but fresh is highly recommended for flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella, small balls or cubed
- 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Seasoning:
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500
- Tools Needed: Large skillet, cutting board, sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Slice each breast horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture generously over both sides of the chicken cutlets.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté the Tomatoes
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the same skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften and burst. This releases their delicious juices.
5. Assemble the Dish
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the tomatoes. Arrange the fresh mozzarella pieces over the chicken and tomatoes. Drizzle the balsamic glaze generously over everything.
6. Finish and Serve
Cover the skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until the mozzarella is slightly melted and gooey. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped basil, and serve immediately. This truly makes for one of the best healthy chicken skillet recipes.
Variation Ideas
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last minute of cooking the tomatoes for extra greens.
- Stir in some cooked quinoa or farro with the tomatoes for a heartier meal.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Swap out cherry tomatoes for roasted red peppers in a pinch.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Balsamic Glazed Caprese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before seasoning and cooking. Patting it dry is even more important with thawed chicken.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
Roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or a side of whole wheat pasta are great choices.
Can you prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients (slice chicken, halve tomatoes) in advance, but it’s best cooked fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
No, balsamic glaze is a reduced, thicker, and sweeter version of balsamic vinegar. You can buy it or reduce regular balsamic vinegar yourself.
How can you tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this with a meat thermometer.
Can you make this dish without a skillet?
While a skillet is ideal, you could bake the chicken and then combine it with sautéed tomatoes and mozzarella in a baking dish, finishing in the oven.