Caprese Chicken Skillet

This Caprese Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and delicious dish that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts. The dish is enhanced with a homemade balsamic reduction, fresh mozzarella, and sweet tomatoes, all cooked in one skillet for a quick and flavorful meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant yet easy meal to impress guests, this dish brings the taste of summer to your table any time of year.

Ingredients:

For the Balsamic Reduction:

• ½ cup plus 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, divided
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey, divided

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 small or 3 medium)
• 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 small red onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
• 4 cups sliced tomatoes: halved cherry or grape tomatoes (2 pints) or ½-inch-diced plum or other garden tomatoes
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 ounces part-skim mozzarella pearls (scant 1 cup) or 4 ounces block-style part-skim mozzarella cheese, cut into bite-sized cubes
• ¼ cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced

Instructions:

1. Make the Balsamic Reduction:

• In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey. Simmer gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and reduces by a little more than half, about 15 minutes. Once done, set aside. If you’re short on time, you can substitute with store-bought balsamic glaze.

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• While the balsamic reduces, place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and cover them with plastic wrap. Lightly pound the chicken to an even ½-inch thickness. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can slice them lengthwise instead of pounding. Season both sides of the chicken with ¾ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of pepper.

1. Cook the Chicken:

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken breasts. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes on the first side until lightly browned. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (165°F at the thickest part). If necessary, continue flipping and cooking until done. Remove the chicken from the skillet and cover to keep warm.

1. Cook the Vegetables:

• Without cleaning the skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced red onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes, stirring to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

1. Add the Tomatoes and Seasonings:

• Add the sliced tomatoes, dried thyme, remaining 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper to the skillet. Increase the heat back to medium-high and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften slightly, about 2 minutes.

1. Finish the Dish:

• Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes. Scatter the mozzarella pearls or cubes throughout the skillet. Cover the pan and remove it from the heat. Let it stand for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the mozzarella to soften and melt slightly.

1. Serve:

• Drizzle the prepared balsamic reduction over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve the dish warm.

Tips:

• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light salad. You can also serve it over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Make Ahead: The balsamic reduction can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slightly before drizzling over the finished dish.
• Customization: For a richer flavor, you can use full-fat mozzarella. If you prefer a bit more acidity, add a splash of lemon juice to the skillet before serving.
• Shortcuts: To save time, consider using pre-cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken. Simply add it to the skillet after cooking the vegetables and tomatoes.

This Caprese Chicken Skillet is a beautiful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a hearty and healthy meal. The tangy balsamic reduction, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil bring a gourmet touch to this easy-to-make dish.