This Easy Caprese Chicken recipe has juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and a balsamic vinegar drizzle. Ready in under 30 minutes and made entirely in a skillet, it’s a fresh and tasty weeknight dinner that is sure to impress.

One popular summer salad is a classic caprese salad (or insalata caprese), which is a fresh salad made of tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil, and extra virgin olive oil. Sometimes you’ll also find this as an appetizer at fancy restaurants.

Yet with the addition of juicy chicken and a balsamic drizzle, you have a quick and easy dinner recipe that is just as fresh and so comforting.

As well, it’s a great use of those summer tomatoes which will soon be in abundance.

This Caprese Chicken recipe (or caprese chicken) is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, and a surefire hit at your dinner table.

It’s a simple, yet flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Yet this Italian dinner is also great for special occasions, just like our Marry Me Chicken recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Fast: This juicy and flavorful Caprese Chicken recipe comes together in just 30 minutes.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you might already have on hand. Chicken breasts, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil are budget-friendly staples that can easily transform this dish into a gourmet meal.
Minimal Prep and Clean-Up: With only 15 minutes of prep time and a single skillet used, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights.
Impressive yet Effortless: This dish looks and tastes like it came straight out of a fancy restaurant, but it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy the Caprese Chicken as a cold sandwich the next day, slice it up for a protein-packed salad, or reheat it for a quick and satisfying lunch.

Total Time: 30 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients and Notes

Name: Easy Caprese Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and sliced in half; 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 Fresh Tomato, sliced; 6 oz Fresh Mozzarella cheese ball, sliced; Fresh basil leaves

Here are the simple ingredients to make this chicken caprese skillet recipe. As always, the fill recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Chicken breasts: The skinless boneless chicken breasts (butterfly cut or thin cutlets) serve as the protein base for this dish. They are perfect for this recipe because they absorb the flavorful spices and pair well with the creamy Mozzarella and juicy tomatoes.
Olive oil: Olive oil is not only used for cooking the chicken but also adds richness to the dish. It also helps the chicken achieve a golden brown sear. If needed, you can substitute it with other cooking oils like vegetable oil, avocado oil or grapeseed oil.
Balsamic vinegar: This provides a tangy and slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken and creamy Mozzarella. Its acidity cuts through all that richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken. Homemade balsamic glaze, balsamic reduction, red wine vinegar Italian salad dressing, or apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a different acidic note.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a savory flavor to the spice blend. It also adds depth to the chicken’s seasoning. If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, minced fresh garlic can be used as a substitute.
Onion powder: Onion powder adds a subtle and sweet onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. If it’s unavailable, finely minced fresh onions or even onion flakes can be used instead.
Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs, including oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, brings a classic Italian flair to this easy chicken recipe. It also ensures a well-rounded and aromatic chicken seasoning. Use a combination of dried herbs such as oregano and basil if you don’t have this seasoning.
Salt and pepper: These standard seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Adjust them according to your taste. I used kosher salt for this recipe but you can use sea salt or Himalayan salt. Use freshly ground black pepper for a robust kick.
Tomatoes: Tomato slices provide a juicy and refreshing element to this caprese recipe. They also add a burst of sweetness and acidity, complementing the chicken. I used tomatoes on the vine but you can use Roma tomatoes or grape tomatoes. If tomatoes are out of season, sun-dried tomatoes or juicy cherry tomatoes can be used as alternatives.
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese melts beautifully over each piece of chicken, creating a creamy layer. It adds a mild, milky flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
Fresh basil leaves: Basil offers bright, herbaceousness to this recipe and enhances the overall freshness of this dish. It’s an important element in Caprese recipes. If fresh basil is unavailable, you can use dried basil or substitute it with fresh parsley for a different herbal touch.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to get creative and add your own favorite ingredients to this chicken caprese recipe!

Add Ins: Some popular options include sliced avocado,fresh herbs (such as parsley or oregano), a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, as well as store-bought pesto.

If you prefer, you can substitute the boneless skinless chicken breasts and use chicken thighs for a slightly different texture.

Alternative Cheese: If slices fresh mozzarella is not available, regular Mozzarella, shredded mozzarella, sliced mozzarella, mozzarella pearls, parmesan cheese, or even slices of provolone can be used.

How To Make Caprese Chicken

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to create a spice blend.
Pat the thin chicken cutlets dry with paper towels and then season both sides of each chicken piece with the prepared spice blend. Press the spices onto the surface of the chicken so that they stick.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for approximately 4-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Please use a meat thermometer to ensure your golden brown chicken reaches the correct temperature.
Once the chicken cutlets reach the desired temperature, place the fresh mozzarella slices on top of them. Arrange your thick slices of ripe tomatoes on top of the cheese.

Reduce the heat to medium heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the creamy mozzarella cheese melts.
Remove the lid and carefully transfer the Caprese Chicken from the cast iron skillet to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top for added flavor.
Serve easy chicken caprese with a side of green beans, roasted vegetables, a light salad, or a bed of cooked quinoa. Enjoy this delicious and visually appealing dish!

Alternative Cooking Methods

Baked: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and then place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake them for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Air-fried: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Season the chicken breasts, then place them in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

Grilled: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and then cook the chicken until it reaches 165 degrees.

What to Serve with Caprese Chicken

This recipe for chicken caprese is very filling and delicious on its own. Yet perhaps you’d like to serve it with a side dish. Here are some suggestions:

Crusty French bread
Air Fryer Garlic Bread
Arugula Salad
Roasted Vegetables
Crispy Oven Rosemary Balsamic Potatoes

Other Ways to Serve Caprese Chicken

Feel free to serve the Caprese Chicken over a salad or cooked pasta, such as penne or angel hair.

You can also shred the cooked chicken and then toss it in a bowl with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, basil pesto, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Another option would be to spread some pesto on a tortilla, then top it with shredded chicken, mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and fresh basil

Storage Instructions

Leftover Caprese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a microwave, air fryer or oven until they are warmed through.

If you have leftovers, they make an excellent chicken caprese salad!

More Chicken Recipes

SEE ALL CHICKEN

Chicken meals are a staple in so many homes, including ours. Here are some of our favorite chicken recipes that we love. Discover some to add to your weekly menu!

Marry Me Chicken

Easy Baked Chicken Meatballs

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Baked Panko Chicken Recipe

Easy Doritos Chicken Casserole Recipe

Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos

Easy Caprese Chicken

Yield: 4 chicken pieces

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Craving a quick & easy weeknight meal? Look no further than this juicy Caprese Chicken! Pan-fried chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & basil in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, and sliced in half
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 Fresh Tomato, sliced
6 oz Fresh Mozzarella cheese ball, sliced
Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix them well to create a spice blend.
Pat the skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels and then season both sides of each chicken piece with the prepared spice blend. Press the spices onto the surface of the chicken so that they stick.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for approximately 4-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. Please use a meat thermometer to ensure your golden brown chicken reaches the correct temperature.
Once the chicken cutlets reach the desired temperature, place the fresh mozzarella slices on top of them. Arrange your thick slices of ripe tomatoes on top of the cheese. Reduce the heat to medium heat, cover the skillet with a lid, and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the creamy mozzarella cheese melts.
Remove the lid and carefully transfer the Caprese Chicken from the cast iron skillet to serving plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the top for added flavor.
Serve the Caprese Chicken with a side of green beans, roasted vegetables, a light salad, or a bed of cooked quinoa. Enjoy this delicious and visually appealing dish!

Notes