This Ground Chicken Caprese Skillet is your new weeknight dinner hero.
It’s a one-pan dish packed with lean protein, juicy cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and bright basil—all tied together with a tangy balsamic glaze.
Inspired by the classic Caprese salad but heartier and hot from the oven, this dish is comforting, fast, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One skillet, no mess – Perfect for busy weeknights.
Fresh meets hearty – Caprese flavors in a satisfying protein-packed meal.
Oven-finished for extra flavor – Melty cheese and blistered tomatoes = magic.
Balanced and light – Uses lean ground chicken and plenty of vegetables.
30-minute dinner – From stovetop to table in no time.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Ground chicken – A lean and versatile base for soaking up savory flavors.
Diced onion & garlic – Build a flavorful foundation.
Tomato sauce or marinara – Choose your favorite for a saucy finish.
Cherry tomatoes – Add color, moisture, and sweetness when blistered.
Mozzarella pearls – Melty and mild, scattered over the top.
Balsamic vinegar & glaze – For tang and depth, both stirred in and drizzled on.
Dried herbs + fresh basil – A combo of earthy and bright to enhance every bite.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet – So it can go directly from stove to oven.
Don’t skip the balsamic glaze – It elevates the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness.
Use whole milk mozzarella – For the best melty texture.
Preheat the oven fully – A hot oven gives you that perfect cheese melt and blistered tomato finish.
Fresh basil goes on last – So it doesn’t wilt in the oven heat.
How to Make Ground Chicken Caprese Skillet
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 500°F so it’s hot and ready when you’re done with the stovetop portion.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onions and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the ground chicken to the skillet.
Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink and fully cooked through.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 4: Season and Add Sauce
Stir in kosher salt, oregano, basil, and parsley.
Pour in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, mixing everything to coat the chicken well.
Step 5: Top with Tomatoes and Cheese
Scatter halved cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls over the top of the chicken mixture.
Don’t stir—let them sit on top for the oven finish.
Step 6: Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 7–8 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tomatoes are lightly blistered.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven.
Top with freshly chopped basil, grated parmesan cheese, and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Serve hot and enjoy!
What to Serve It With
Crusty bread – Perfect for scooping or mopping up the sauce.
Garlic butter pasta – A simple side to stretch the meal.
Zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice – For a low-carb option.
Side salad – A fresh arugula or spinach salad pairs beautifully.
Mashed potatoes or polenta – Creamy comfort sides that soak up all the sauce.
Variations / Substitutions
Swap ground chicken for turkey – Just as lean and flavorful.
Use shredded mozzarella instead of pearls – Works just as well.
Add spinach or kale – Stir in before baking for added greens.
Top with red pepper flakes – For a hint of heat.
Make it keto – Skip balsamic glaze and serve with cauliflower mash.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat – Warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
Freeze – Best without the fresh garnish. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Make ahead – Cook the chicken base, then add cheese and tomatoes right before baking.
Use leftovers in wraps or bowls – Delicious repurposed meal ideas!
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Yes, but it will be richer. Adjust seasoning to balance the flavor.
Is this dish spicy?
Not at all—unless you add chili flakes for heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, skip the cheese or use plant-based alternatives.
What’s the best type of skillet to use?
A cast iron or stainless steel oven-safe skillet works great.
Can I use canned diced tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
You can, but cherry tomatoes give a fresher flavor and better texture.
Do I have to bake it at the end?
It’s recommended for melting cheese and blistering the tomatoes, but you can finish it on the stovetop if needed.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! Most kids love the cheesy tomato combination.
Final Thoughts
This Ground Chicken Caprese Skillet has become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen.
It’s quick, hearty, and feels like something special thanks to the melty cheese and tangy glaze.
Plus, it’s one-pan and cleanup is a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is a winner—fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor.
