Quick Caprese Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
396 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Quick Caprese Chicken Recipe
Description
This recipe starts by slicing chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner pieces of uniform size, helping them cook evenly and quickly. The chicken is seasoned simply with salt, black pepper, and dried oregano, then seared in olive oil over medium heat until nearly cooked through.
Just before finishing, pesto is spread over the chicken breasts, which are then topped with slices of fresh mozzarella and plum tomato. Covering the pan allows the cheese to melt gently while the tomatoes warm. Fresh basil leaves are added at the end to deliver the bright notes typical of Caprese salads.
The combination of juicy seared chicken, creamy melted mozzarella, herbal pesto, and fresh tomato make this recipe straightforward yet flavorful. It can be served with salads, pasta, or vegetables.
Leftovers store well for up to three days refrigerated. Slicing the chicken evenly and patting dry before cooking helps prevent hot oil splashes and ensures even cooking times.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano dried
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp pesto Homemade or store bought
- 8 lices mozzarella cheese
- 2 plum tomatoes
- 8 basil leaves
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally. Pat dry on both sides and season with salt, pepper and dried oregano.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 4 minutes on each side.
- Just before the chicken is fully cooked, spread the pesto on top of each chicken breast. Top with mozzarella slices and tomatoes. Cover and cook for about two minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Top with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
Notes
- Drizzle the cooked chicken breasts with balsamic glaze for extra flavor, available commercially or homemade.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated up to three days.
- Use a sharp knife to slice chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even thickness.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to reduce oil splatter when searing.
- Chicken cooking time varies by thickness; typically 4-5 minutes per side.
- You may substitute plum tomatoes with cherry tomatoes and use shredded mozzarella instead of slices.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 396 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 396kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 38g | 76% |
| Fat | 25g | 38% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 118mg | 39% |
| Sodium | 1210mg | 50% |
| Potassium | 535mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 1020IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 327mg | 33% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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