Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Print Version)

Tender chicken with zucchini, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella finished with balsamic and fresh basil in one pan.

# 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 Italian herbs, pressing the seasoning into the meat to ensure adherence.
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 - Add remaining 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 it among the vegetables. Arrange fresh mozzarella slices over each chicken breast.
07 - Cover skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until cheese is fully melted and bubbling. Remove from heat, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and sprinkle with torn basil leaves. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening
  • The combination of warm melty mozzarella with bright balsamic and fresh basil hits every single flavor craving
02 -
  • Dont skip drying the chicken first, otherwise it will steam instead of sear and youll miss out on that golden crust
  • Let the pan get properly hot before adding ingredients, or everything will simmer in its own juices instead of developing flavor
03 -
  • Add a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables for an instant depth of flavor
  • Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes after the first sear so the juices redistribute

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