Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: One-Pan Chicken Caprese! It’s this gorgeous, vibrant dish that’s super simple to throw together, and the flavors just sing. Picture juicy chicken breasts seared to perfection, then topped with sweet cherry tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, all finished off with fresh basil. It’s like a little taste of Italy right in my kitchen! I remember the first time I made this for my family; they were all raving about it, and it quickly became a staple in our home. The best part? It’s ready in about 35 minutes! Trust me, you’re going to love this one.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful One-Pan Chicken Caprese. Trust me, these fresh ingredients make all the difference!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls, preferably bocconcini for that creaminess
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn for that aromatic touch
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, to sauté and add richness
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for that lovely flavor kick
- Salt to taste, because seasoning is key!
- Pepper to taste, to bring out all those flavors
Make sure to grab the freshest ingredients you can find! They really elevate the dish and make your kitchen smell divine.
How to Prepare One-Pan Chicken Caprese
Ready to create this mouthwatering One-Pan Chicken Caprese? Let’s dive into the steps! First, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot when we’re ready to bake. This helps ensure that everything cooks evenly and deliciously.
Preheat and Sear the Chicken
Once your oven is preheated, grab a large oven-safe skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sear them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully browned. This step locks in all that juicy goodness!
Add Garlic and Tomatoes
Now it’s time to elevate those flavors! Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—don’t let it burn! Next, toss in those halved cherry tomatoes, letting them mingle with the chicken and garlic for a couple of minutes. This will create a delightful base for your dish.
Bake and Add Toppings
Transfer your skillet to the oven and bake everything for about 15 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)—just peek in there and make sure it’s cooked through. When the time’s up, pull it out and sprinkle those creamy mozzarella balls and torn basil leaves on top. Pop it back in the oven for another 5 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Wow, the smell is incredible! Serve it up right away, and enjoy a dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 35 minutes!
- One-pan cooking means minimal cleanup, so you can enjoy more time with family.
- Fresh ingredients create vibrant flavors that transport you to Italy.
- Healthy and satisfying, packed with protein and low in carbs.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with little effort.
Tips for Success
To ensure your One-Pan Chicken Caprese turns out absolutely perfect, here are my top tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella will really elevate the dish. If you can find burrata, go for it; the creaminess is divine! When searing the chicken, don’t rush; let it develop a nice golden crust for maximum flavor. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you might need to adjust the cooking time a bit—just keep an eye on that internal temperature! Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go; it’s all about balancing those flavors!
Nutritional Information
Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values for One-Pan Chicken Caprese per serving (1 chicken breast with toppings): about 320 calories, 15g of fat, 40g of protein, and 6g of carbohydrates. Remember, these are just estimates and can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements. Enjoy your healthy meal!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect One-Pan Chicken Caprese? I’ve got you covered!
Can I use other types of chicken? Sure! Chicken thighs work wonderfully, too, just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What if I don’t have fresh basil? No worries! You can use dried basil, but fresh really makes this dish pop.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prep it earlier in the day and bake it just before serving.
Is this dish gluten-free? Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great choice for everyone.
What can I serve with this dish? A crisp side salad or some crusty bread would complement it beautifully!
Serving Suggestions
To truly elevate your One-Pan Chicken Caprese experience, I recommend serving it alongside a light, crisp side salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. It adds a refreshing contrast! And if you have some crusty bread on hand, it’s perfect for soaking up all those delicious juices from the chicken and tomatoes. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your One-Pan Chicken Caprese, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking the chicken. Enjoy those delicious flavors again!
For more delicious recipes, check out this healthy cheesecake recipe or this caprese salad recipe!
Print
One-Pan Chicken Caprese: 5 Reasons You’ll Adore This Dish
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan chicken dish featuring fresh basil, mozzarella, and tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes to the skillet.
- Transfer skillet to the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven, add mozzarella and basil on top.
- Return to oven for 5 more minutes until cheese is melted.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for best flavor.
- Can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: One-Pan Chicken Caprese, Chicken, Caprese, Italian Dish