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Easy One-Pan Caprese Chicken Recipe with Pesto and Fresh Mozzarella

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A quick and easy one-pan Caprese chicken dish featuring basil pesto, fresh mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper per breast)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) fresh mozzarella balls, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm until shimmering but not smoking, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Carefully lay the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook without moving for about 5-6 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and cook the other side for 4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Push chicken slightly to the side, add minced garlic to the empty space, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Spoon pesto evenly over each chicken breast.
  6. Place sliced fresh mozzarella on each breast, then scatter halved cherry tomatoes around the pan. Cover with a lid or foil and cook for 4-5 minutes until cheese melts and tomatoes soften.
  7. Check doneness: chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally or be firm to the touch; mozzarella should be gooey and slightly browned.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and drizzle with balsamic glaze if using. Let rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming the chicken. Use room temperature chicken for even cooking. Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. If mozzarella isn’t melting well, briefly broil the pan to get a bubbly finish. Marinating chicken in pesto for 15 minutes can enhance flavor but is optional. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent rubbery cheese; reheat gently in a skillet or oven.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, one-pan recipe, pesto chicken, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, easy dinner, weeknight meal, Italian chicken

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-one-pan-caprese-chicken-recipe-with-pesto-and-fresh-mozzarella/