Name: Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade); 6 oz fresh mozzarella (about 12 slices); 3 thick tomato slices or a handful of cherry tomatoes; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar glaze; Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish; Optional: 8 oz spaghetti, tossed in pesto for serving

Jump to Recipe

Let’s be real—there’s something downright magical about mozzarella. Add some thick tomato slices, a spoonful of basil pesto, and boom, you’ve got yourself the holy grail of flavor: Caprese.

But we’re not stopping at salad today. Nope. We’re turning that goodness into a warm, cheesy, baked Caprese chicken skillet that tastes like a summer trip to Italy—without the airfare or passport stamp.

This easy caprese chicken recipe is a one-pan wonder, perfect for when you’re short on time but still want to bring that “I totally have my life together” vibe to the dinner table. It’s cozy, fresh, and seriously satisfying.

Whether you’re a busy parent juggling homework and dishes, a college student avoiding yet another ramen dinner, or just someone craving a good ol’ Italian-inspired chicken dish, this one’s for you.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish
Make It Yours: Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet Variations
Ingredients List: Fresh, Simple, and Delicious
Step-by-Step Directions
Pro Tips for Chicken Skillet Success
What to Serve With Caprese Chicken
Related Recipes You’ll Love
Final Thoughts: You’re One Skillet Away from Dinner Glory

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Dish

Here’s the thing you need to know: This is not your average baked chicken. It’s juicy, flavor-loaded, and positively dripping with mozzarella.

Here’s why it works:

One pan from stovetop to oven = fewer dishes (can I get an amen?)
Pesto adds instant flavor without extra effort
Customizable with whatever veggies you’ve got in the fridge
Family-friendly and kid-approved (hello, melty cheese!)

Make It Yours: Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet Variations

Okay, so you’ve got the basic recipe down. But let’s say you wanna change it up a little. No problem—we’re all about flexibility here.

Try These Swaps:

Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Juicier and more forgiving—just add 5–7 minutes to the cook time.
Zucchini or roasted red peppers: If you’re out of tomatoes (or just not a fan), these are excellent stand-ins.
Provolone or shredded mozzarella: If you’ve got a cheese drawer situation going on, go ahead and mix it up.
Go low-carb: Skip the pasta and serve over cauliflower mash or roasted veggies.

Meal prep tip: Make a double batch and enjoy leftovers as wraps or salads the next day. Need ideas? Here’s what to do with leftover chicken after a Caprese dinner.

You can whip this up faster than it takes to binge a single episode of your favorite show. Perfect for fast weeknight meals!

Ingredients List: Fresh, Simple, and Delicious

Flat lay of ingredients for baked caprese chicken skillet with cherry tomatoes, basil, mozzarella, and raw chicken breasts.

You probably have half of this stuff in your fridge already. Here’s what you’ll need for this skillet chicken with mozzarella and tomatoes:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or go wild and make your own)
6 oz fresh mozzarella (about 12 slices)
3 thick tomato slices (or a handful of cherry tomatoes)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar glaze
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Optional: 8 oz spaghetti, tossed in pesto for serving

Ingredient tip: Try it with our homemade Italian bread recipe to soak up that extra pesto-y sauce.

Step-by-Step Directions

Ready to cook? Let’s do this.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

We’re going stove-to-oven here, so grab a large oven-safe skillet—cast iron works like a charm.

2. Prep the chicken.

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly. Pat dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning if you’re feeling fancy.

3. Sear it up.

Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in your skillet. Add chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just to get a little golden crust. No need to cook it through—it’ll finish in the oven.

4. Add the toppings.

Remove the skillet from heat. Spread a generous spoonful of basil pesto on each chicken breast. Lay on your tomato slices, then top with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella per piece.

5. Bake until bubbly.

Pop the skillet into your preheated oven. Bake for 20–22 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165°F. The cheese should be melted and starting to brown.

6. Meanwhile, cook your spaghetti.

If you’re serving with pasta, now’s the time. Boil it, drain it, and toss it with a little leftover pesto and olive oil.

7. Finish it up.

Take the skillet out of the oven, drizzle balsamic glaze over everything, and scatter some fresh basil on top. Cue the oohs and aahs.

8. Serve and devour.

Plate each chicken breast over the spaghetti (or next to your side dish of choice). Spoon over any of that glorious sauce from the pan.

Serving suggestion: Pair with a light salad or our summer chicken skillet pairings like lime chicken with corn and poblano salad for a balanced meal.

Pro Tips for Chicken Skillet Success

Don’t skip the sear—it adds great texture and locks in flavor.
Use fresh mozzarella over shredded—melts beautifully and gives that signature Caprese stretch.
Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking before slicing or serving.

Bonus: Try a drizzle of chili oil or red pepper flakes if you want to spice things up.

What to Serve With Caprese Chicken

This chicken holds its own, but let’s face it—we’re always thinking about sides.

Great Pairings:

Pesto spaghetti
Garlic butter roasted potatoes
Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Serve with fresh-baked Italian bread to mop up the sauce
Or keep it light with steamed veggies

Want something similar but a little sweeter? Check out our sweet and savory chicken dinners lineup.

Caprese chicken skillet recipe with ingredients and final plated dish in a Pinterest-style layout.

Plated baked Caprese chicken with pesto spaghetti and roasted tomatoes, Pinterest vertical image.

Let’s keep the chicken train going, shall we? Try these next:

Garlic butter chicken pasta skillet — Cheesy, buttery, and totally irresistible
More baked chicken breast recipes — Expand your dinner arsenal

Final Thoughts: You’re One Skillet Away from Dinner Glory

That’s it—a cheesy, tomato-y, basil-loaded skillet of joy. This baked caprese chicken skillet is proof that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to make something that tastes like a hug.

It’s hearty enough for winter, fresh enough for summer, and easy enough for Tuesdays when you just can’t. And hey, if your cheese melts off a little funny or your tomatoes don’t slice like the ones on Instagram, it’s okay. You cooked. You cared. That’s the win.

Now go forth and make something delicious. And don’t forget the balsamic.

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Baked Caprese Chicken Skillet Recipe

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