<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Caprese-Chicken-5-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“Four images display Caprese Chicken cooked with tomatoes, mozzarella, and fresh basil in a skillet. The center features text: “30 Minute Caprese Chicken Erren’s Kitchen. - 1”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Caprese-Chicken-6-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A skillet with melted mozzarella Caprese Chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and basil in sauce, above a close-up of the dish drizzled with balsamic glaze. Text reads: “30 Minute Caprese Chicken Erren’s Kitchen.”. - 2”>

A close-up of Caprese Chicken topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and cherry tomatoes in sauce. Text reads “30 Minute Caprese Chicken” and “Erren’s Kitchen.”. - 3 A hand holds a fork with a piece of Caprese Chicken, layered with melted cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes, over a plate of more Caprese Chicken. Text reads “30 Minute Caprese Chicken, Erren's Kitchen.”. - 4

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Caprese-Chicken-7-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A close-up of Caprese Chicken topped with melted cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze. Text above reads: “30 Minute Caprese Chicken - Erren’s Kitchen.” Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner. - 5”>

A plate of Caprese Chicken spaghetti topped with grilled chicken breast, melted cheese, tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, garnished with fresh basil. - 6 A close-up of Caprese Chicken parmesan topped with melted cheese, balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and roasted cherry tomatoes, with a fork in the background on a white plate. - 7 Caprese Chicken breasts topped with melted cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves in a skillet, garnished with chopped herbs. - 8 A hand holds a spatula lifting a piece of Caprese Chicken breast topped with melted cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes from a pan, with more chicken and tomatoes visible below. - 9

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Caprese-Chicken-6-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A skillet with melted mozzarella Caprese Chicken breasts, cherry tomatoes, and basil in sauce, above a close-up of the dish drizzled with balsamic glaze. Text reads: “30 Minute Caprese Chicken Erren’s Kitchen.”. - 10”>

A close-up of Caprese Chicken: a cheesy baked chicken breast topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, served with roasted cherry tomatoes in a pan. - 11

Ready in just 30 minutes, this one skillet cheesy balsamic Caprese Chicken is bursting with caprese flavors — saucy, melty, and weeknight-ready.

in this article:

  • Know Before You Scroll
  • Caprese-Inspired and Weeknight-Ready
  • Ingredient Notes
  • Step By Step Instructions
  • More To Try
  • Caprese Chicken
  • Erren’s Top Tips
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions
  • FAQs

Know Before You Scroll

30 Minute Caprese Chicken - 12

Flavor Profile

Juicy, golden-seared chicken smothered in a rich, garlicky tomato-basil sauce with melty mozzarella. Think caprese meets cozy skillet dinner — sweet, tangy, cheesy, and just the right amount of fancy.

Difficulty Level

Easy-to-Intermediate. Nothing wild, just a few layers of flavor and a little multitasking on the stovetop.

What You’ll Need

Boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, tomato pesto, balsamic glaze, chicken stock (or water), shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh basil.

Equipment

Large skillet, tongs or spatula, cutting board, knife, paper towels, measuring spoons, meat thermometer (optional but helpful).

Time-Saving Tips

Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets or even rotisserie chicken to skip the searing step. Also, pre-minced garlic and store-bought tomato pesto = weeknight magic.

Ingredient Swaps

No tomato pesto? A few tablespoons of sun-dried tomato spread or even regular basil pesto with a spoonful of tomato paste works in a pinch!

A hand holds a spatula lifting a piece of Caprese Chicken breast topped with melted cheese and roasted cherry tomatoes from a pan, with more chicken and tomatoes visible below. - 13

Caprese-Inspired and Weeknight-Ready

This cheesy balsamic chicken skillet was born out of a craving — something saucy, melty, a little sweet and tangy, and still easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. I tried it a few different ways at first: one version had a balsamic marinade but it was too intense and overpowered the chicken. Another version used canned tomatoes but the sauce felt too heavy. But then — magic. Fresh cherry tomatoes, tomato pesto for richness, a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and that melty mozzarella moment sealed the deal. It’s like a caprese chicken meets cozy skillet dinner, and it checks all the boxes.

Caprese Chicken breasts topped with melted cheese, sliced cherry tomatoes, tomato sauce, and fresh basil leaves in a skillet, garnished with chopped herbs. - 14

Ingredient Notes

Several raw chicken breasts on a plate sit among fresh basil, garlic, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, oil, a jar of sauce, pepper, salt, broth, and soy sauce—perfect for crafting a flavorful Caprese Chicken on a white surface. - 15

Chicken

Best Choice

Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are on the thicker side so you can butterfly them for even cooking.

Substitutions

Thin-sliced cutlets work great if you want to skip butterflying. Boneless chicken thighs also work — just adjust the cook time.

Pesto

Best Choice

Homemade Red Pesto or good-quality store-bought (made with sun-dried tomato) adds richness and depth.

Substitutions

Regular basil pesto plus a spoonful of sundried tomato paste, or tomato spread.

Tomatoes

Best Choice

Look for bright, firm cherry or grape tomatoes — they burst beautifully in the pan.

Substitutions

Diced Roma tomatoes or canned fire-roasted tomatoes (drained) can work if needed.

Cheese

Best Choice

Fresh mozzarella torn into pieces for melty goodness.

Substitutions

Pre-shredded mozzarella for convenience or for a different flavor profile, Provolone, fontina, or even Monterey Jack can pork too.

Garlic & Basil

Best Choice

Fresh garlic cloves and basil will offer the best flavor.

Substitutions

Dried basil and pre-minced garlic in a jar or even garlic powder if you’re really in a rush.

Balsamic Glaze

Best Choice

Look for a thick, syrupy balsamic glaze — it adds that sweet tangy finish.

Substitutions

You can simmer balsamic vinegar with a little honey or sugar to make your own.

Where to Find

Typically near the vinegars or with salad dressings in the grocery store.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Prepare the chicken

Let’s kick things off by butterflying two boneless, skinless chicken breasts — slice them horizontally almost all the way through, then open them up like a book. Once butterflied, cut each piece in half to make four thinner cutlets. Or, if that feels like too much work, just grab four pre-sliced thin cutlets instead. Pat them dry with paper towels, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper — don’t be shy here, this is where the flavor really starts to build.

Four raw chicken breasts are arranged side by side on a white plate, sprinkled with coarse salt and black pepper—perfect for preparing Skillet Caprese Chicken. The background is white and clean. - 16

2

Sear the Chicken

Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the chicken in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. You’re looking for that golden, crisped-up outside and fully cooked inside — about 165°F on a meat thermometer. Once it’s done, slide the chicken out of the pan and onto a plate. Keep it warm — it’s coming back soon!

Four seasoned and cooked Caprese Chicken breasts are shown in a gray frying pan with a black handle, viewed from above on a white background. - 17

3

Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes

Lower the heat to medium and toss in three minced garlic cloves. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds — your kitchen should smell amazing right now. Add 1½ cups of halved cherry tomatoes straight into that garlicky oil. Let them cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re soft, juicy, and starting to blister.

A grey skillet with sautéed garlic bits and halved cherry tomatoes arranged in a ring on the pan’s surface, perfect for starting Skillet Caprese Chicken, viewed from above on a white background. - 18

4

Make the Sauce

Time to build the flavor! Stir in ⅓ cup of tomato pesto, 4 teaspoons of balsamic glaze, and 4 tablespoons of chicken stock or water. Let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens just a bit. Give it a taste — if it’s too thick, splash in a little water. Too tangy? Add another drizzle of balsamic glaze. Adjust the salt if needed.

A skillet of Caprese Chicken with cherry tomatoes in a thick, reddish-brown sauce, some tomatoes whole and some halved, on a white background. - 19

5

Add Chicken & Melt Cheese

Now nestle that seared chicken back into the skillet and spoon some of that beautiful sauce right over the top. Sprinkle on 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet, and let it sit for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese melts into that dreamy, saucy goodness. Wanna go the extra mile? Pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to get that golden cheese top.

Four cooked Caprese Chicken breasts with a glossy sauce and cherry tomatoes in a white skillet, viewed from above on a white background. - 20

6

Garnish & Serve

And finally — fresh basil on top and an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze because we love a good finish. Serve this up hot with pasta, rice, or a chunk of crusty bread to soak up all that sauce. This one’s a keeper.

A close-up of Caprese Chicken parmesan topped with melted cheese, balsamic glaze, fresh basil, and roasted cherry tomatoes, with a fork in the background on a white plate. - 21

More To Try

  • Creamy Tuscan Chicken
  • Red Tomato Pesto
  • Classic Chicken Parmesan
A close-up of Caprese Chicken: a cheesy baked chicken breast topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, served with roasted cherry tomatoes in a pan. - 22

Ingredients

  • ▢ 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (butterflied (or 4 thin cutlets))
  • ▢ Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ▢ 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • ▢ 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ▢ ⅓ cup sundried tomato pesto (store-bought or homemade)
  • ▢ 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze (plus extra for serving)
  • ▢ 4 tablespoons chicken stock (or water)
  • ▢ 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (also known as buffalo or wet Mozzarella) (torn or shredded mozzarella)
  • ▢ Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Season the Chicken:
  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Sear the Chicken:
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:
  • Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.
Make the Sauce:
  • Stir in tomato pesto, balsamic glaze, and chicken stock. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Taste and adjust: add more glaze for sweetness or a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, or add salt if needed.
Add Chicken & Melt Cheese:
  • Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then cover for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • (Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.)
Garnish & Serve:
  • Top with fresh basil and a generous drizzle of extra balsamic glaze.
  • Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread!

Tips

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Can I use store-bought tomato pesto?

Yes! Store-bought tomato pesto works perfectly and saves time. Look for one that lists sun-dried tomatoes or roasted tomatoes in the first few ingredients for the best flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes — as long as your pesto and balsamic glaze are gluten-free (check the labels), this whole meal is naturally gluten-free. Serve it with GF pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes.

A plate of Caprese Chicken spaghetti topped with grilled chicken breast, melted cheese, tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, garnished with fresh basil. - 23 A close-up of Caprese Chicken: a cheesy baked chicken breast topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze, served with roasted cherry tomatoes in a pan. - 24

Caprese Chicken

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts butterflied (or 4 thin cutlets)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1½ cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • ⅓ cup sundried tomato pesto store-bought or homemade
  • 4 teaspoons balsamic glaze plus extra for serving
  • 4 tablespoons chicken stock or water
  • 1 cup Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (also known as buffalo or wet Mozzarella) torn or shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Season the Chicken:

  • Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Sear the Chicken:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes:

  • Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  • Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened and slightly blistered.

Make the Sauce:

  • Stir in tomato pesto, balsamic glaze, and chicken stock. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
  • Taste and adjust: add more glaze for sweetness or a splash of water if the sauce is too thick, or add salt if needed.

Add Chicken & Melt Cheese:

  • Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over the top.
  • Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, then cover for 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted.
  • (Optional: broil for 1–2 minutes for a golden cheese top.)

Garnish & Serve:

  • Top with fresh basil and a generous drizzle of extra balsamic glaze.
  • Serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread!

Video

Notes

Erren’s Top Tips

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!