Caprese Chicken

Caprese salad is an eternal favorite of mine. There's something purely magical about the combination of juicy tomatoes, thick slices of fresh mozzarella, beautiful basil, and sweet, tangy balsamic glaze. It's extremely simple, but so dadgum delicious that I'm constantly looking for new ways to enjoy it. (Here’s a running list of all the Caprese-inspired recipes I’ve come up with so far.) This cheesy, herby Caprese chicken is a top favorite for me. It captures all the flavors of the classic salad in a meal that's fit for dinnertime!

Adding tomatoes, cheese, jarred pesto (or this homemade pesto), and balsamic glaze is such a great way to jazz up basic chicken cutlets, especially on busy weeknights when you're looking for easy dinner ideas. Serve this 25-minute meal over angel hair pasta or with just a big hunk of this crusty ciabatta bread to sop up all of the tomato juices. Amen.

What type of pan is best for cooking Caprese chicken?

You'll need a pan that can go from stovetop to oven. A cast-iron skillet works great for this recipe! If you don't have an ovenproof pan, transfer the cooked chicken cutlets to a baking dish before adding the basil and mozzarella.

Can you use chicken breasts or thighs instead of cutlets for Caprese chicken?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. If you’re using breasts, slice or pound them into thin, even pieces before cooking. Chicken thighs are usually thin enough as-is, so they typically do not need to be pounded. Since different cuts can cook at different rates, use a meat thermometer and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

What kind of tomatoes are best for Caprese chicken?

This recipe calls for cherry tomatoes, but you can use two cups of any type of tomato you like best. If you use larger tomatoes, cut them into bite-size chunks. This recipe is especially delicious with in-season summer tomatoes, but since most grocery stores stock cherry tomatoes and basil year-round, you can really make it any time!

How do you store leftover Caprese chicken?

Store the chicken and tomatoes in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to three days, while the marinated tomatoes are best enjoyed within two days. Reheat the chicken in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven or in the microwave until warmed through, then top with the tomatoes before serving.