Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Print Version)
A vibrant Italian-inspired skillet featuring juicy chicken, tender zucchini, and melty mozzarella finished with basil and balsamic glaze.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
→ Vegetables
02 - 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
03 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
→ Oils & Condiments
06 - 2 tbsp olive oil
07 - 2 tbsp balsamic glaze
→ Herbs & Seasonings
08 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or oregano)
09 - ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
11 - ½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn
# Steps:
01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs, pressing the seasoning into the meat to adhere.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
03 - Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender-crisp and lightly golden.
05 - Stir in cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
06 - Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Arrange sliced mozzarella over each chicken breast. Cover with lid and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from heat. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and scatter torn basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying dinner
- The combination of warm melted mozzarella with that tangy balsamic finish is absolute perfection
02 -
- Dry chicken equals better sear, so do not skip the paper towel step even if you are feeling lazy
- Let the mozzarella rest for a couple of minutes after cooking so it sets up instead of sliding right off the chicken
03 -
- A splash of white wine when cooking the vegetables adds incredible depth, just let it cook off for a minute
- Preheat your pan properly, you want to hear that sizzle immediately when the chicken hits the oil