This Pioneer Woman Caprese Chicken is a cheesy and flavor-packed recipe, which uses jarred pesto and fresh mozzarella. It’s part of our favorite healthy recipes, offering a straightforward dinner ready in about 25 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Caprese Chicken Ingredients
Marinated Tomatoes
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. prepared pesto
- 1 Tbsp. balsamic reduction, plus more for serving
- Kosher salt and black pepper
Chicken
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 2 Tbsp. salted butter
- 6 chicken cutlets (1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs.)
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 6 large basil leaves, plus more for serving
- 6 slices fresh mozzarella
- Sliced ciabatta bread, toasted, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Caprese Chicken
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to broil so it’s ready when you need to melt the cheese.
- Marinate the tomatoes: In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, pesto, and balsamic reduction. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken cutlets: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Top with basil and cheese: Place a large basil leaf and a slice of fresh mozzarella on each chicken cutlet.
- Melt the mozzarella: Transfer the skillet to the oven and broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Assemble and serve: Remove from oven, spoon marinated tomatoes over the chicken (without fully covering it), drizzle with more balsamic reduction, and top with extra basil. Serve with toasted ciabatta bread.
Recipe Tips
- Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes! This recipe is designed for ease and works great with jarred pesto. - What kind of pan should I use?
A cast-iron or oven-safe skillet works best. If unavailable, transfer the chicken to a baking dish before broiling. - Best tomatoes for Caprese chicken?
Cherry tomatoes are ideal, but any ripe tomato will work. Just chop larger ones into small chunks. - How to know when chicken is done?
Chicken cutlets are done when golden brown and no longer pink in the center — about 3 minutes per side. - How to avoid soggy chicken?
Don’t over-sauce or drown the chicken in tomato mixture; spoon it lightly on top for texture balance.
What To Serve With Caprese Chicken
This dish pairs well with light, fresh sides or hearty carbs:
- Angel hair pasta with olive oil and garlic
- Toasted ciabatta or French bread
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
How To Store Caprese Chicken
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Freeze:
Freezing is not recommended due to the fresh mozzarella and tomato topping, which may become watery when thawed.
Caprese Chicken Nutrition Facts
Estimated per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of mozzarella?
Yes, but fresh mozzarella gives the best melt and classic Caprese flavor. Sliced provolone or burrata can also work.
How do I make this without a broiler?
If you don’t have a broiler, cover the skillet with a lid after adding the cheese and cook on the stovetop until the cheese melts.
Why is my chicken dry?
You may have overcooked it. Chicken cutlets cook quickly—only about 3 minutes per side.
Can I prep the tomato mixture ahead of time?
Yes! The marinated tomatoes can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge.
What’s the best bread to serve with this?
Toasted ciabatta is perfect, but any crusty bread will work for soaking up the juices.
