Caprese Chicken Zucchini Skillet Recipe

Sauté chicken and zucchini with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil for a quick, flavorful Caprese-inspired skillet meal, perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless & skinless chicken breasts cut into 1" cubes
• 2 lbs zucchini cut into 1" cubes
• 9 oz fresh mozzarella cheese thinly sliced
• 7 garlic cloves minced
• 1.5 lb tomatoes sliced
• 6 oz can tomato paste low sodium
• 2 tbsp oil divided
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt divided
• Ground black pepper to taste
• Handful fresh basil thinly sliced

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm Up the Skillet
   Start by preheating a roomy skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a tablespoon of oil across the surface, giving it a gentle swirl to ensure every nook and cranny is coated. This will prevent sticking and encourage a lovely sear on our chicken.

2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken
   Toss in the chicken cubes, seasoned with a sprinkle of 1/4 teaspoon salt and a dash of black pepper. Let them sizzle away for about 5 minutes, stirring once midway through, so they brown evenly. You’re aiming for a golden crust that locks in all the juicy goodness.

3. Step 3: Make Room for the Garlic
   Nudge the chicken pieces over to one side of the skillet, keeping the vacant part directly over the heat. Add another tablespoon of oil, followed by the minced garlic, allowing it to dance in the pan for about 30 seconds. Stir constantly to prevent it from burning and becoming bitter.

4. Step 4: Create the Tomato Mixture
   Introduce the tomatoes, along with the tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, oregano, another 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a generous handful of basil. Let this vibrant concoction cook for around 5 minutes, giving it an occasional stir. You want those tomatoes to soften and meld beautifully with the other ingredients.

5. Step 5: Add the Zucchini
   Now’s the time to add the zucchini cubes into the mix. Stir everything together well, ensuring the zucchini is coated with the flavorful tomato mixture. Lower the heat slightly, cover the skillet, and let it all cook together on low-medium for about 12 minutes. This will allow the zucchini to absorb those wonderful flavors while softening to perfection.

6. Step 6: Melt the Mozzarella
   Lay the mozzarella slices lovingly across the top. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet again, and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This gentle heat will melt the cheese into a creamy layer that ties all the ingredients together.

7. Step 7: Finish and Serve
   Finally, sprinkle a bit more fresh basil and a touch of ground black pepper over the top to enhance the flavors. Serve this delightful dish piping hot, whether you choose to enjoy it solo or accompanied by some spaghetti, brown rice, or quinoa. And there you have it, a skillet meal that’s sure to impress with its colorful presentation and savory taste.

Notes

When diving into the delicious world of Caprese Chicken with Zucchini and Tomatoes Skillet, a few pitfalls can arise.

First off, don’t rush the garlic. That quick sauté is crucial for unleashing its aromatic potential. Moving too fast can leave it raw, overpowering the dish.

Zucchini can be a bit tricky too. Overcrowding the skillet leads to steaming instead of sautéing, resulting in mushy veggies. Give them some breathing room!

Mozzarella placement matters. Laying it while the dish is too hot can cause it to melt away into oblivion. Keep the heat in check and allow it to gently rest atop for that perfect gooey layer.

Lastly, seasoning is key. A pinch of salt here, a dash of pepper there, and a graceful sprinkle of fresh basil at the end make all the difference. Balance is your friend!