Description
This flavorful Balsamic Caprese Chicken Skillet features tender chicken breasts cooked in a garlic butter sauce with juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy buffalo mozzarella. Finished with a zing of balsamic vinegar, this quick and easy one-pan meal delivers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh flavors, ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Main Ingredients
- 4 medium to large chicken breasts
- 4 tbsp grass fed butter or ghee (divided)
- 3 large cloves of garlic (crushed)
- 1.5 lbs cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp good quality balsamic vinegar (divided)
- 6 oz buffalo mozzarella cheese (cut into 1/4 inch thick slices)
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to less than 1 inch thickness to ensure even cooking and tenderness, then set aside.
- Sauté Garlic Butter: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and the crushed garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant and the butter turns golden.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan, then add cherry tomatoes. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes until tomatoes soften and can be pressed to form a thick sauce. Stir in 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and salt to taste.
- Return Chicken to Pan: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet with the tomato sauce and cover. Cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Melt Cheese: Layer mozzarella slices over the chicken and cover again. Simmer for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining balsamic vinegar over the dish, sprinkle with fresh chopped basil, and serve warm. This pairs beautifully with a fresh salad, crusty bread, or pasta.
Notes
- Use grass fed butter or ghee for richer flavor and better nutrients.
- Buffalo mozzarella gives a creamier texture compared to regular mozzarella and complements the balsamic vinegar well.
- Pounding chicken evenly ensures quick and uniform cooking.
- Adjust salt according to your preference as balsamic vinegar adds some tanginess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to preserve cheese texture.
