Chicken Caprese Skillet Dinner

This Ground Chicken Caprese transforms classic Italian salad flavors into a hearty, protein-packed dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. The combination of juicy ground chicken, fresh tomatoes, and melty mozzarella creates a comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights but impressive enough for company.

I discovered this recipe when trying to use up an abundance of garden tomatoes and basil last summer. My cheese loving teenagers now request it weekly, and I love that it feels like a complete meal without requiring multiple side dishes.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken provides a leaner alternative to beef while absorbing all the Italian flavors beautifully
• Onion and garlic create an aromatic base that infuses the entire dish
• Tomato sauce adds moisture and ties the Mediterranean flavors together
• Mozzarella pearls melt perfectly and distribute cheesy goodness throughout every bite
• Cherry tomatoes burst in the oven releasing sweet juicy flavor
• Fresh basil brightens the entire dish with its distinctive aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients

Dice onion into small uniform pieces for even cooking. Halve cherry tomatoes and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients to have everything ready.

Create The Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they become translucent. Add chopped garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Brown The Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no pink remains, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess liquid that accumulates to prevent a soggy final dish.

Season And Sauce

Season chicken with salt, dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley. Pour in tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, stirring to coat the chicken completely. Let the mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.

Add The Caprese Elements

Sprinkle mozzarella pearls evenly across the top of the chicken mixture. Distribute halved cherry tomatoes throughout, gently pressing them into the surface.

Oven Finishing

Transfer the skillet to your preheated 500°F oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully as the high heat will quickly melt the cheese and blister the tomatoes without drying out the chicken.

Garnish And Serve

Remove from oven and immediately scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. The residual heat will release the basil oils and aroma. Serve straight from the skillet for a rustic presentation or portion onto plates.

Bookmark

The balsamic vinegar is my secret ingredient in this recipe. Even though it isn't traditionally found in Caprese salad, it adds a subtle sweetness and depth that balances the acidity of the tomatoes. My Italian grandmother would probably disapprove of this addition, but sometimes breaking tradition leads to delicious discoveries.

Make Ahead Options

This dish reheats exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prepping. Cook the recipe through completely, then portion into microwave safe containers. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent the chicken from drying out. For best results, add a fresh sprinkle of torn basil after reheating.

Customization Ideas

This recipe welcomes creative variations while maintaining its Caprese inspiration. Try using ground turkey as a substitute for chicken for an even leaner option. For extra vegetable content, add diced zucchini or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. Those following a lower carb lifestyle can serve this over zucchini noodles instead of pasta. The versatility makes it adaptable to many dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

While delicious on its own, this Ground Chicken Caprese pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Serve over cooked pasta for a complete Italian inspired meal. A side of garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to complement the rich flavors of the main dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Yes, ground turkey makes an excellent substitute for ground chicken in this dish. The flavor profile is similar, though turkey can sometimes be slightly leaner. You may want to add an extra drizzle of olive oil if using very lean ground turkey to maintain moisture.

→ How can I make this dish lower in carbs?

To reduce carbs, use a sugar-free marinara sauce and increase the amount of vegetables. You could add diced zucchini or bell peppers when sautéing the onions. Serve with a side salad instead of pasta or bread for a complete low-carb meal.

→ Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken mixture up to the point before adding cheese and tomatoes, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat the mixture, add the toppings, and bake as directed. This makes dinner prep much faster on busy evenings.

→ What can I serve with Ground Chicken Caprese?

This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, crusty bread, or a simple green salad. For a lighter option, serve over zucchini noodles or with roasted vegetables. A side of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Ground chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shows no pink color. Since you'll be baking it after the initial cooking, it's okay if it's just barely cooked through after browning, as it will continue cooking in the oven.

→ Can I use regular mozzarella instead of pearls?

Absolutely! If you don't have mozzarella pearls, you can dice fresh mozzarella into small cubes or use shredded mozzarella instead. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will be just as delicious.