Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Print View)

A vibrant one-pan meal featuring juicy chicken, tender zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and melted mozzarella finished with fresh basil and balsamic glaze.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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

# How to Make:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs, pressing seasoning into 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 cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
03 - Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
04 - Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender and beginning to develop golden edges.
05 - Stir in cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
06 - Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces among the vegetables. Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella. Cover skillet with lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from heat. Drizzle with balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern. Sprinkle torn fresh basil leaves over the top. Serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The balsamic glaze creates this incredible sweet and tangy finish that makes everything taste restaurant quality
  • Clean up is literally one pan, which means more time for wine and less time at the sink
02 -
  • Do not crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of getting that gorgeous golden crust
  • Let the mozzarella melt naturally with the lid on, covering too tightly will make the cheese rubbery
03 -
  • Buy balsamic glaze instead of making it, the store-bought version is consistently good
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute

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