Juicy chicken breasts are topped with fresh mozzarella and cherry tomatoes, then garnished with fragrant basil for a perfect weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet gourmet way to elevate dinner!

Close up of a two cooked chicken breasts in a skillet topped with melted mozzarella and cooked cherry tomatoes and garnished with chopped basil

Sometimes you just need a fresh idea to break up the usual dinner routine, and that’s exactly what this caprese chicken skillet has done for us in our household. We love this recipe for its simplicity – just a few ingredients, minimal prep, and a quick cook time – but it’s the bold flavors that keep us coming back.

One simple thing that makes this recipe a standout is how the cherry tomatoes when cooked, release their juices to create a light, flavorful sauce that naturally coats the chicken and mozzarella. What seems like a simple addition actually transforms the dish, bringing extra moisture and a burst of fresh, tangy flavor.

It’s become one of our go-to meals when we want something easy yet full of flavor. You can eat it by itself with a simple side dish, or green salad, and the next day you can place the leftovers in a bun or two slices of bread for a hearty sandwich for lunch.

It would even be awesome as a panini! Just spread some pesto on one side of two slices of bread, place the chicken inside with some of the tomatoes, cover it with the other slice of bread, butter the outside, and toast it on a skillet for 3-4 minutes per side or until the cheese is nice and melty. My mouth is watering just typing that!

Why We Think You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare – ready in just 25 minutes. If you’re craving a fuss-free meal, this dish comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Balanced flavors. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and the freshness of basil. The optional pesto or balsamic glaze elevates the dish even further.
Perfect for any occasion. Versatile enough to serve when entertaining or when you want something a little more special without the extra work. It strikes a perfect balance between casual and elegant.
Family-friendly meal that feels gourmet. While it’s packed with gourmet flavors, it’s still approachable and enjoyable for the whole family. Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, savory goodness.
Few ingredients but big on flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe delivers bold flavors without requiring advanced cooking skills. Perfect for anyone looking to whip up something impressive with little effort.

Ingredient Overview

Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below

Chicken Breasts. The heart of the meal, chicken breasts are lean, tender, and quick to cook. Pounding them to an even thickness helps them to cook evenly and remain juicy throughout. Their mild flavor makes them the perfect canvas to soak up the bold flavors of the other ingredients. Since they’re a lean source of protein, they are healthy too.
Fresh Mozzarella. Creamy, soft, and slightly tangy, fresh mozzarella melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a layer of richness to every bite. Its mild flavor plays well with the other ingredients without overpowering them.
Cherry Tomatoes. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a slight tang that pairs perfectly with the richness of the mozzarella. Halving the tomatoes allows them to release their juices as they cook, adding a light, natural sauce that ties everything together.
Basil. Fresh basil is the star herb here, delivering a fragrant pop of flavor. It adds a fresh, vibrant touch that brings the whole dish to life.
Pesto or Balsamic Glaze (Optional). While optional, either the pesto or balsamic glaze drizzled over the top adds a depth of flavor that complements the tomatoes and mozzarella, creating a perfectly balanced meal. I recommend that you not skip this part!

Storage

Refrigerator. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing. Place the chicken, along with the melted cheese and tomatoes, in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can use a skillet over low heat or the microwave to warm the chicken through and remelt the cheese.
Freezer. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken without the tomatoes and basil for up to 2 months. Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave. Add fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil after reheating.
Reheating Tips. For the best results, reheat the chicken on the stovetop in a skillet over low heat to maintain the texture of the mozzarella. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking. If needed, add fresh basil and a drizzle of pesto or balsamic glaze after reheating to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Yes. Chicken thighs are a great substitute if you prefer a more flavorful and slightly fattier cut. Keep in mind that thighs take a bit longer to cook than breasts, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Thighs can add extra juiciness to the dish, but the overall flavors will still shine through.

While fresh mozzarella is ideal for its creaminess and mild flavor, you can substitute it with other cheeses that melt well, such as shredded mozzarella, provolone, or even fontina. These options will still provide that gooey texture, but the flavor may be slightly different. If you’re in a pinch, regular block mozzarella will also work, though it may not have the same delicate texture as fresh mozzarella.

Yes, this dish can be made ahead, but for the best results, cook the chicken and assemble everything just before serving. If you need to make it ahead, you can cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken, add the mozzarella and tomatoes, and melt the cheese as directed. The flavors will still be delicious, and it’s a great option for meal prep.

Yes. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients. Just make sure to grill the chicken until fully cooked, then follow the same steps for adding mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. You can melt the cheese either by covering the grill or transferring everything to a warm oven for a few minutes.

Overhead view of two cooked chicken breasts in a skillet topped with melted mozzarella and cooked cherry tomatoes and garnished with chopped basil

Tips

Flatten the chicken breasts. Before cooking, lay the chicken breasts out and flatten them to an even thickness using a meat tenderizer or rolling pin. This help the chicken to cook more quickly and evenly.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. When cooking the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches, if necessary, for evenly browned and juicy chicken.
Use fresh ingredients. Since this recipe relies on a few simple ingredients, the quality of those ingredients must really shine through. Fresh mozzarella, ripe cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil will make all the difference in the final dish.
Don’t skip the basil, pesto or balsamic glaze. The fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and the mildness of the chicken. If you enjoy a sweet-tangy or herbaceous flavor, don’t skip the balsamic glaze or the pesto. Each one can add a depth of flavor.
Use an instant read thermometer. To make sure that your chicken is fully cooked but still juicy, use an instant read thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165 F (74 C). This prevents undercooking or overcooking, providing tender juicy chicken every time.
Prep ahead for easy weeknight meals. If you want to save time, you can prep the chicken by flattening and seasoning it ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Related Recipes

Prep Time:10

Cook Time:15

Total Time:25

Equipment

Chef's knife

Cutting board

Instant read thermometer

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups cherry tomatoes Halved
8 ounces fresh mozzarella Sliced. Note 1.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves Chopped. Note 2.
Pesto or balsamic glaze Optional for drizzling. Note 3.

Instructions

Lay the chicken breasts out on a cutting board, cover them with plastic wrap, and use a meat tenderizer or rolling pin to flatten them to an even thickness. This helps them to cook more evenly and quickly.
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
salt and pepper, to taste
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast reads 165 F (74 C). Note 4.
2 tablespoons olive oil
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Top each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella cheese and a handful of halved cherry tomatoes.
2 cups cherry tomatoes, 8 ounces fresh mozzarella
Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese has melted.
Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and drizzle with pesto or balsamic glaze if desired. Serve immediately.
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, Pesto or balsamic glaze

Notes

For this recipe, be sure to use fresh mozzarella. There is difference between fresh and regular mozzarella. The fresh variety is softer and creamier. It also has a higher moisture content which helps the chicken to stay moist when the cheese is melting on top of it. For convenience, you can also buy pre-sliced fresh mozzarella which is perfect for this recipe.
You can use more or less depending on your preference. Dried basil can work in a pinch, but use it sparingly.
If you choose to use a balsamic glaze, make sure that it is a glaze and not straight balsamic vinegar. You can buy prepared balsamic glaze or make it yourself.
It is crucial to not overcook the chicken, but equally crucial not to undercook it! Depending on how thin the breasts are, they can take anywhere from 4-5 minutes per side. If they’re super thin, they may not need any longer than 3 minutes per side. I recommend letting the first side cook for 4 minutes, then turn them over and check them at 3 minutes to see if they’ve reached 165 F (74 C).

Nutrition

Servings: servings

Calories: 375kcal

Author: Sandra

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5 from 1 vote

2 Comments

James says:
September 27, 2024 at 7:55 am

This chicken recipe is delicious!
I really like how all the different ingredients come together.
I can’t to make it again!
1. Sandra says:
  September 29, 2024 at 6:14 am
  Awesome! Thanks for the feedback, James!