Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy chicken, zucchini, tomatoes and mozzarella in a vibrant Italian-inspired skillet ready in 40 minutes.

# 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

# How to Make It:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, 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 - Return the skillet to medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Add zucchini slices to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender and beginning to develop light golden spots.
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 it among the vegetables. Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella. Cover with a lid and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
07 - Remove from heat. Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle generously with torn fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying dinner
  • The combination of warm melted mozzarella and cool fresh basil hits every comfort food craving while feeling light and fresh
02 -
  • Don't crowd the pan when searing chicken or it will steam instead of getting that golden crust we're after
  • Let the chicken rest for a couple minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute instead of running out onto your plate
03 -
  • If you have 30 minutes, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking for even more flavor
  • Buy your mozzarella from the specialty cheese section instead of the regular dairy aisle for better melting

Go Back