Caprese Chicken Skillet

Caprese Chicken Skillet is a delightful one-pan meal that combines the classic flavors of Caprese salad with tender chicken. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering a quick and easy way to impress your family and friends. With its fresh ingredients and vibrant colors, this meal is not only delicious but also visually appealing. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal takes just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything in one skillet means less cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your meal without the hassle.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of balsamic vinegar, honey, and fresh basil brings a burst of flavor to each bite.
• Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, this dish fits perfectly into a healthy eating plan.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it over pasta or rice, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option that everyone will love.

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Tools and Preparation

To make this Caprese Chicken Skillet, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment helps ensure your cooking process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large cast iron skillet
• Small saucepan
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large cast iron skillet: Perfect for even heat distribution and browning your chicken beautifully.
• Small saucepan: Great for thickening the balsamic glaze without cluttering your workspace.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise cutting of ingredients for uniform cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Help you get the exact amounts needed for perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredients

For the Balsamic Glaze

• ½ C + 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar (separate the ½ cup and the tablespoon of vinegar)
• 2 Tbsp honey (separate in 1 tablespoon each)

For the Chicken

• 6 chicken tenders (cut into chunks)
• 1 ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp lemon seasoning
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

For the Vegetables

• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• 4 C halved cherry tomatoes
• ¼ tsp dried thyme

For Topping

• 1 C part-skim mozzarella pearls (quartered)
• ½ C tightly packed fresh basil leaves (chopped)

How to Make Caprese Chicken Skillet

Step 1: Prepare the Balsamic Glaze

1. Combine ½ cup of balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a small saucepan on medium-low heat.
2. Stir occasionally until mixture thickens.
3. Remove from heat and set aside to thicken further.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

1. Season chicken tenders on both sides with ¾ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and lemon seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot (but not smoking), add chicken chunks and cook for about 4 minutes until browned.
3. Turn over chicken chunks and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
4. Remove cooked chicken to a covered plate and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic

1. Return the skillet to medium heat; add remaining olive oil and diced onion.
2. Cook onions for about 3 minutes, scraping the bottom of the skillet as they soften.
3. Stir in minced garlic; allow it to cook for about 30 seconds.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

1. Add halved cherry tomatoes, thyme, remaining balsamic vinegar, honey, salt, pepper, and lemon seasoning to the skillet.
2. Increase heat back to medium-high; cook tomatoes until they begin softening (about 2 minutes).

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet; cover with softened tomatoes.
2. Top with quartered mozzarella pearls.

Step 7: Final Touches

1. Cover the skillet off heat; let sit for about 2 minutes so mozzarella can melt slightly.
2. Remove cover; drizzle with remaining balsamic vinegar.
3. Garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Caprese Chicken Skillet!

How to Serve Caprese Chicken Skillet

Serving Caprese Chicken Skillet is an easy and delightful experience. This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides, allowing you to create a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of fresh spinach or arugula for a light salad option.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair it with warm, crusty bread to soak up the delicious balsamic glaze.

Over Pasta

• Serve the chicken and tomato mix over your favorite pasta for a hearty meal.

As Tacos

• Use soft tortillas to create tasty Caprese chicken tacos topped with fresh basil.

With Rice

• Accompany the skillet with fluffy white or brown rice to absorb the flavors.

How to Perfect Caprese Chicken Skillet

Perfecting your Caprese Chicken Skillet ensures every bite is bursting with flavor. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes elevate the dish’s flavor significantly.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.

• Don’t Overcook Chicken: Ensure chicken is cooked just right for tenderness and juiciness.

• Let Cheese Melt: Allow the mozzarella to melt properly by covering the skillet before serving.

• Experiment with Vinegar: Try different types of balsamic vinegar for varied flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Caprese Chicken Skillet

Pairing side dishes with your Caprese Chicken Skillet can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, perfect for dipping in the savory sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Colorful veggies like bell peppers and zucchini add nutrition and flavor.
3. Caesar Salad: A crunchy salad complements the richness of the chicken skillet.
4. Quinoa Salad: A healthy grain salad adds texture and balances the meal.
5. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus brings freshness alongside the rich flavors.
6. Couscous: Fluffy couscous soaks up all the delicious juices from the skillet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Caprese Chicken Skillet, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the chicken can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and lemon seasoning for a tasty result.
• Not letting the balsamic reduction thicken: Rushing this step can result in a watery sauce. Allow the balsamic vinegar and honey to thicken over medium-low heat for better flavor.
• Overcrowding the skillet: Cooking too much chicken at once can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect golden color.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using subpar ingredients can affect taste. Opt for fresh basil and high-quality mozzarella for the best results.
• Neglecting to cover while melting cheese: Not covering the skillet can lead to unevenly melted cheese. Cover it briefly after adding mozzarella for the best texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Caprese Chicken Skillet in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Caprese Chicken Skillet

• You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container.
• It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Caprese Chicken Skillet

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm on medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making a Caprese Chicken Skillet.

What is a Caprese Chicken Skillet?

A Caprese Chicken Skillet is a one-pan meal that combines tender chicken chunks with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, all drizzled with balsamic reduction.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! While mozzarella is traditional, you can substitute it with provolone or even feta for different flavor profiles.

How do I make this recipe healthier?

Consider using skinless chicken tenders, reduce the amount of oil used, or serve it over a bed of fresh greens instead of pasta.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The Caprese Chicken Skillet stores well and can be easily reheated, making it perfect for meal prep options throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

The Caprese Chicken Skillet is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or zucchini. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Try it out and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors!