A one‑pan delight featuring juicy chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and a honey‑balsamic reduction—this low‑carb, high‑protein dish is perfect for dinner and doubles as a fabulous salad next day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple and satisfying: From skillet to table in about 35 minutes.
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Macronutrient-friendly: With approximately 47.5 g protein, 21 g carbs, and only 419 calories (WW 8 pts), it supports low‑carb and protein‑rich eating.
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One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup and fantastic flavor development all in one skillet.
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Versatile leftovers: Works beautifully as a salad topper with some crisp greens.
Bright and fresh: The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy cheese, and tangy reduction is irresistible.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 24 oz)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
1 small red onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups sliced tomatoes (cherry, grape, or diced plum)
¼ tsp dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
4 oz part-skim mozzarella pearls or diced mozzarella
½ cup balsamic vinegar + 1 Tbsp honey (for glaze)
Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
Prepare the Balsamic Glaze:
Combine ½ cup balsamic vinegar and 1 Tbsp honey in a small saucepan. Simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes. Set aside.
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Cook the Chicken:
Pound chicken to an even thickness (about ½″). Season with salt and pepper.
Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 4 min per side until golden and cooked to 165°F internal. Remove and keep warm.
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Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add remaining oil. Sauté onion until softened (3 min), then garlic (30 sec). Stir in tomatoes, thyme, remaining 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Cook until tomatoes begin to soften (~2 min).
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Melt the Cheese:
Return chicken to skillet, nestle into tomatoes, top with mozzarella, and cover off heat until cheese softens (~1–2 min).
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Finish & Garnish:
Drizzle dish with the balsamic glaze. Sprinkle fresh basil on top.
Servings and timing
Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~35 minutes
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Variations
Cheese swap: Use fresh mozzarella slices or pearls; part-skim options lower fat.
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Extra veggies: Fold in spinach or serve over spaghetti or zucchini noodles for more volume.
Protein tweak: Substitute chicken thighs for more juiciness—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Herbal twist: Use oregano, thyme, or rosemary in place of dried herbs.
Simplified glaze: Use store-bought balsamic glaze, reducing honey as desired.
Storage/reheating
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat on stovetop or in a low oven; add a splash of broth if sauce is dry.
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Repurpose: Chop chicken for salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls the next day.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes—thaw fully and pat dry in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and glaze?
Balsamic glaze is pre-reduced and sweeter. If using glaze, reduce or omit honey in the recipe.
3. Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely—cook ahead and reheat gently. The dish tastes great over veggies or greens as a salad.
4. Can I skip the onions?
Yes, omit if desired—extra garlic and tomatoes still provide robust flavor.
5. Is this gluten-free?
Yes—naturally gluten-free, just ensure vinegar and cheese contain no additives.
6. How do I get creamy melted cheese?
Cover the skillet off heat for 1–2 minutes so the cheese melts gently.
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7. Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes with garlic or drizzle garlic-chili oil over the finished dish.
8. What side dishes pair well?
Serve over steamed veggies, cauliflower rice, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
10. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Pound to even thickness, sear properly, and remove when it reaches 165°F internal.
Conclusion
This Low‑Carb, High‑Protein Caprese Chicken Skillet brings together nutrition and flavor in a single, delicious dish. With juicy chicken, bright tomato and basil, creamy cheese, and a glossy honey‑balsamic glaze, it’s perfect for dinner tonight and flavorful enough to elevate salads tomorrow. Enjoy every cheesy, zesty bite!
Low‑Carb High‑Protein Caprese Chicken Skillet
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Low‑Carb Caprese Chicken Skillet is a one‑pot wonder that’s high in protein and bursting with flavor—topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sweet-and-savory honey‑balsamic reduction. Perfect for a healthy dinner or make‑ahead salad option!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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4 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced or thickly diced
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2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
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Honey Balsamic Reduction:
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2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
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1 tsp honey
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Instructions
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Sear the Chicken:
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium‑high heat.
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Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temp ~165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
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Make the Veg & Garlic Base:
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In the same skillet, add garlic and cook ~30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add halved cherry tomatoes; sauté 2–3 minutes until they soften and start to blister.
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Assemble with Cheese:
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Return chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the tomatoes.
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Top each breast with sliced mozzarella.
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Cover skillet and let the cheese melt (~2–3 minutes).
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Mix the Balsamic Reduction:
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In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and honey.
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Drizzle this over the cheesy chicken just before serving.
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Finish & Serve:
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Sprinkle chopped basil on top.
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Serve hot from the skillet.
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For leftovers, slice leftover chicken and toss with greens for a Caprese‑style salad.
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Notes
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Adjust honey amount for a sweeter or more savory balance.
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Use high-quality balsamic for best flavor.
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Great for meal prep—store chicken and tomatoes together and add fresh basil when serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian‑Inspired