Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet (Printable)

Tender chicken breasts with zucchini, tomatoes, and melted mozzarella in a balsamic basil glaze.

# What You 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

# Directions:

01 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried Italian herbs, pressing the seasoning into the meat to adhere.
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 cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
03 - In the same skillet, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
04 - Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just tender and beginning to develop golden spots.
05 - Add halved cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
06 - Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet among the vegetables, arranging them in a single layer.
07 - Top each chicken breast with sliced mozzarella. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Remove from heat. Drizzle generously with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with torn fresh basil leaves, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is literally just wiping the skillet
  • The combination of warm melted cheese and bright fresh basil hits different
02 -
  • Crowding the pan will lower the temperature and prevent proper searing
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices redistribute
03 -
  • Let the balsamic glaze come to room temperature before drizzling for easier handling
  • Buy mozzarella from the specialty cheese section rather than the dairy aisle

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