[Summer Recipes] Easy Pan-Fried Caprese Chicken Breasts: From Frozen to Fabulous
Dinner prep can be a breeze with this delicious and convenient recipe for Caprese Chicken Breasts. The best part? You can cook the chicken straight from frozen, skipping the thawing step entirely. This recipe delivers a flavorful meal in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 individually frozen boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 8 ounces each)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 beefsteak tomato, cut into four 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 8 ounces mozzarella, cut into four 1/4-inch-thick slices
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet: Start by adding the olive oil to a large nonstick skillet. Heat it over medium heat until it's shimmering but not smoking.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the frozen chicken breasts gently in the skillet. Cook them covered until the bottoms turn a beautiful golden brown, which should take about 10 minutes.
3. Flip and Season: Carefully flip the chicken breasts. Season them with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Layer each piece with a slice of tomato and then a slice of mozzarella. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper over the mozzarella.
4. Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet again and continue to cook until the mozzarella melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This will take about another 10 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, top the chicken with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately for a delightful meal that combines the classic flavors of a Caprese salad with the heartiness of a chicken dinner.
This recipe is a wonderful way to bring together the freshness of tomato, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the aromatic basil in a quick and easy dinner. It’s a simple, elegant dish that’s sure to impress without the hassle of thawing or extensive prep work. Enjoy your Caprese Chicken Breasts straight from the skillet, full of flavor and ready in no time!