Pesto Chicken Caprese Skillet

$For the Pesto Chicken Caprese Skillet, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup fresh basil pesto - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, torn, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a delightful one-pan meal. The chicken gives you protein, while the pesto adds a rich, herby flavor. The cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, and the mozzarella gives a creamy texture. Each bite is a burst of flavor, making this dish a crowd-pleaser. If you want to make it even more special, you can choose high-quality pesto. You can make it from scratch or buy it fresh from a store. The choice of tomatoes matters too. Look for ripe, juicy cherry tomatoes for the best taste. This list keeps things simple. You can find these items at most grocery stores. Using fresh ingredients helps the dish shine. Remember, quality matters in cooking. Enjoy the process of gathering your ingredients! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Seasoning the chicken First, take the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides. Use enough to coat well for flavor. - Cooking in the skillet Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. - Keeping the chicken warm Once the chicken is cooked, move it to a plate. Cover it loosely with foil. This keeps it warm while you cook the other ingredients. - Cooking time and technique In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want them to soften up nicely. - Tips for releasing juices To help the tomatoes release their juices, gently press on them with a spatula. This will add great flavor to the dish. - Adding pesto to the chicken Lower the heat to low. Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon fresh basil pesto over each breast. Make sure they are well coated. - Melting the mozzarella Scatter fresh mozzarella balls on top of the chicken. Cover the skillet with a lid. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes. The cheese should melt and become bubbly. - Garnishing with basil Before serving, tear fresh basil leaves. Sprinkle them on top for a burst of color and flavor. This adds an aromatic touch to your dish. To achieve the right chicken texture, start with even-sized chicken breasts. This helps them cook evenly. Season the chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers, then add the chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and reach 165°F (75°C) inside. To ensure the mozzarella melts perfectly, add it when the chicken is almost done. Cover the skillet with a lid after adding the mozzarella. This traps the heat and helps the cheese melt evenly. Cook until it is bubbly and gooey. For serving ideas, you can place the skillet right on the table. This makes for a fun and casual meal. If you prefer, transfer the chicken and sauce to a large serving plate. Drizzle extra pesto on top for added color and flavor. Serve with crusty garlic bread for a nice touch. Adding extra garnishes can elevate your dish. Use torn fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper for a hint of heat. To enhance the flavor, try adding spices like garlic powder or Italian seasoning. These can complement the pesto well. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish too. For pairing recommendations, a light salad works well with this meal. You could also serve it with roasted veggies or a simple pasta side. These options balance the richness of the pesto and cheese. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh basil and quality mozzarella for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and make it more vibrant. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. You can pound them gently between two sheets of plastic wrap if necessary. Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad, enhancing the overall dining experience. {{image_4}} You can easily change the proteins in this dish. Shrimp works well with the pesto flavor. If you prefer a plant-based option, tofu is a great choice. Both will bring a unique twist to the recipe. Cheese is another area where you can play around. If you want a sharper taste, try a nice aged cheddar. For a creamier texture, go for burrata instead of mozzarella. Each cheese will shift the flavor profile a bit. If you want a hands-off approach, you can bake this dish. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken in a baking dish, cover it with pesto and mozzarella, and bake for about 25 minutes. The cheese will melt beautifully. Grilling is another fun option, especially in summer. Simply marinate the chicken in pesto. Grill it for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Add the cherry tomatoes on the grill for a smoky flavor. You’ll love the fresh taste! For gluten-free needs, this dish is naturally safe. Just ensure your pesto does not contain gluten. Most are gluten-free, but always check labels. If you are watching carbs, you can skip the mozzarella or use less. Serve the chicken with a side of steamed veggies instead of bread. This keeps it light but still very tasty. To keep your Pesto Chicken Caprese Skillet fresh, place leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents strong odors from mixing. Make sure to eat them within three days for the best taste. When reheating, use the stove for the best texture. Warm over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth. This keeps the chicken moist. If using a microwave, cover the dish with a damp paper towel. This helps avoid dryness during reheating. If you want to freeze your skillet meal, portion it into single servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date. For best flavor, eat within three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the taste fresh and ready for a quick meal. Making this dish is quick and easy. The prep time is about 10 minutes. Cooking takes around 15 minutes. So, you will need about 25 minutes in total to make it. This means you can have a tasty meal on the table in no time. Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. It saves time and is very convenient. However, it may not have the same fresh taste as homemade. If you have fresh basil, try making your own. Homemade pesto is easy and only takes a few minutes. This dish is great with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - Garlic bread - Simple green salad - Roasted vegetables - Quinoa or rice These sides will add color and flavor to your meal. They will also help balance the rich flavors of the chicken and pesto. In this blog post, we explored how to make a tasty Pesto Chicken Caprese Skillet. We covered ingredient lists, cooking steps, and useful tips to enhance your dish. Remember, you can swap ingredients or adjust cooking methods to fit your needs. Proper storage and reheating will keep your leftovers delicious. Try different sides to complement the meal. With these steps, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy your cooking journey and share your meal with others!$

Pesto Chicken Caprese Skillet

A delicious skillet dish featuring chicken breasts topped with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh basil pesto
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves, torn

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
While the oil heats, generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil to keep warm.
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Reduce the heat to low, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the fresh basil pesto generously over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring they are well coated.
Scatter the fresh mozzarella balls over the chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow to cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.
Before serving, garnish with torn fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Notes

For an attractive presentation, serve the skillet directly on the table, or transfer the chicken and sauce to a large serving plate. Drizzle with extra pesto for color and flavor, and pair with crusty toasted garlic bread for a delightful meal.

Keyword caprese, chicken, pesto, skillet