One Pan Caprese Chicken for Two

One Pan Caprese Chicken takes inspiration from Italian cuisine, featuring juicy marinated chicken breasts paired with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella cheese and basil leaves. It’s a wholesome dish that’s perfect for serving two people.

a picture of finished chicken caprese in a skillet

Chicken caprese is a tasty twist to the classic salad, combining fresh summer flavors in one pan. It’s perfect for a quick dinner for one or two people, and you won’t need a lot of time to make it.

Why you will love this recipe

  • Easy! This recipe is simple to make and perfect for two, but can easily be adjusted for more or less.
  • Healthy! It’s made with simple fresh ingredients.
a picture of the ingredients needed to make chicken caprese for two

Here’s what you will need

This is a brief summary of the ingredients needed to make this chicken recipe and a convenient shopping list from my Instacart affiliate link. For a printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions, scroll down to the recipe card section.

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Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Cherry or grape tomatoes
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil
  • Lemon juice
  • Balsamic vinegar
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder

How to make chicken caprese

Prepare: Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, cut the basil into strips. Mix balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and garlic powder to make the marinade and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees f.

a picture of two raw chicken breasts in a bowl with mariinade pouring into it

STEP 1: Place the chicken breasts into a ceramic or glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken breast and refrigerate for at least one hour.

a picture of chicken breasts cooking in a cast iron skillet

STEP 2: Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. While the pan is heating up, pat the chicken breasts with a paper towel to remove some of the moisture. Once the skillets hot, place the chicken breasts into the skillet. Cook until they are golden brown on each side (about 2 to 3 minutes on each side).

a picture of two browned chicken breasts in a skillet with cherry tomatoes surrounding them

STEP 3: Add the cherry tomatoes; cover the pan and place it in the oven for 10 minutes.

STEP 4: Remove the pan from the oven top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and place the pan back into the oven for 5 to 10 minutes longer or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees and the cheese has melted. Remove from the oven and add the fresh basil.

What to serve it with

Serve caprese chicken beasts with a chopped salad, kale salad or cucumber salad with a side of pasta for a complete dinner.

How to store and use leftovers

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to four days. They can be reheated in either the oven or microwave.

Recipe variations

Balsamic Glaze – Elevate the flavor by drizzling a balsamic reduction (balsamic glaze) to your caprese chicken just before serving.

Pesto- Instead of marinating the chicken, try spreading a layer of basil pesto over each seared chicken breast before placing it in the oven.

Vegetarian – Replace the meat with a plant-based ingredient such as roasted portobello mushrooms, eggplant slices or tofu in place of chicken breasts.

an overhead view of chicken caprese on a plate with a fok and pasta

Tips

  • For an even sear on the chicken, pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, make sure the pan is hot and let it cook undisturbed for at least 2 minutes before flipping.
  • Add the fresh basil at the end of the cooking cycle for the freshest basil flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use canned tomateos instead of fresh tomatoes to make this recipe?

Yes, canned tomateos will work. However, fresh tomatoes will have a more vibrant flavor than canned tomatoes.

Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil to make chicken caprese?

Yes, you can substitute dried basil with fresh basil to make this recipe. You can use about 1/2 or a bit more of dried basil. Keep in mind that dried basil is more intense and won’t have the same flavor as fresh.

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Cooking for Two Tips

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a picture of finished chicken caprese in a skillet

Caprese Chicken for Two

an easy versatile dinner that is packed with flavor
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Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian American
Keyword: chicken caprese
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 people
Calories: 1132kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 3/4 pound boneless chicken breasts
  • 20 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 3 ounces mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Slice 20 cherry tomatoes in half, chop 1/4 cup fresh basil, into strips and preheat the oven to 350 degrees f.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet. While the oil is heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Once the oil is hot, place them into the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on each side (about 2 to 3 minutes on each side).
  • Add the cherry tomatoes, cover the pan and place it into the oven for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the pan from the oven, and top each piece of chicken with slice of cheese and back into the oven until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through to 165 degrees f. Add the fresh basil and serve.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to four days. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1chicken breast | Calories: 1132kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 94g | Fat: 72g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 34g | Trans Fat: 0.4g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 1662mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2836IU | Vitamin C: 79mg | Calcium: 527mg | Iron: 6mg
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