Ground Chicken Caprese is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad, transformed into a hearty, protein-packed meal. This skillet dish combines the beloved flavors of fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic basil with savory ground chicken for a quick and satisfying dinner option. The melted cheese and slightly blistered tomatoes create a beautiful presentation that’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights
• One-pan meal means less cleanup and more family time
• Combines classic Italian flavors in a protein-rich, satisfying dish
• Naturally lower in carbs while still delivering big on taste
• Adaptable for various dietary preferences with simple substitutions

Ingredients

• Ground Chicken: Provides a lighter alternative to beef while still offering plenty of protein. Choose ground chicken thigh for more flavor or breast for leaner option.
• Onion: Adds a sweet aromatic base to build flavors. Yellow onions work best, but white or red onions can be substituted.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic provides essential flavor. Use pre-minced if you’re short on time, though fresh will give the best flavor profile.
• Tomato Sauce/Marinara: Creates the base for the sauce. Choose a high-quality sauce as it significantly impacts the final flavor.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Adds depth and slight sweetness to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Dried Herbs: The combination of oregano, basil, and parsley infuses Italian flavors throughout the dish.
• Mozzarella Pearls: These small mozzarella balls melt beautifully and distribute cheesy goodness throughout the dish.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provide bursts of fresh flavor and color. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best taste.
• Garnishes: Fresh basil, balsamic glaze, and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish with vibrant flavor and visual appeal.

Variations

Vegetarian Version

Replace the ground chicken with plant-based ground meat substitute or a mixture of chopped mushrooms and crumbled tofu seasoned with Italian herbs. The meaty texture of mushrooms, particularly portobello or cremini, makes an excellent substitute while maintaining the dish’s satisfying quality.

Spicy Chicken Caprese

Add a kick to this dish by incorporating 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the onions and garlic. You can also use spicy marinara sauce instead of regular tomato sauce for an extra layer of heat throughout the dish.

Mediterranean Chicken Caprese

Expand the Mediterranean flavors by adding chopped kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese along with the mozzarella. This variation adds briny notes and additional texture that complements the existing flavors beautifully.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Preheat your oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure quick melting and slight blistering of the tomatoes. In a large, oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for just one minute longer – be careful not to burn it as this will create bitterness.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Add ground chicken to the skillet with the aromatics. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, ensuring there are no large chunks. Cook thoroughly until no pink remains, approximately 5-7 minutes. If you notice excess liquid in the pan, drain it off to prevent a soggy final dish.

Step 3: Season and Add Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, season with salt, dried oregano, basil, and parsley, stirring to distribute the herbs evenly. Pour in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, combining everything well to create a flavorful base. Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Scatter the mozzarella pearls and halved cherry tomatoes across the top of the chicken mixture. The distribution doesn’t need to be perfect – a random pattern creates a more rustic, appealing look. Place the entire skillet in the preheated oven for 7-8 minutes, just until the cheese melts and the tomatoes begin to blister.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove the hot skillet from the oven carefully using oven mitts. Finish the dish by sprinkling fresh chopped basil over the top, adding a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese, and drizzling with balsamic glaze for a professional touch and added flavor dimension.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a cast iron or other oven-safe skillet to seamlessly transition from stovetop to oven without changing pans
• For juicier results, use ground chicken thigh meat instead of breast meat which can sometimes become dry
• Don’t overcook the garlic – add it just before the onions are done to prevent burning
• Pat the mozzarella pearls dry with paper towels before adding them to prevent excess moisture in the dish
• Allow the skillet to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven to let the cheese set slightly
• For extra flavor, add a tablespoon of Italian seasoning to the chicken while cooking

How to Serve

This Ground Chicken Caprese makes a complete meal on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty Italian bread for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve over zucchini noodles or alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette.

For a more substantial meal, consider serving with a side of garlic roasted potatoes or over a bed of cooked pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic. Garnish each portion with additional fresh basil and a light drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving for an authentic Italian touch.

Make Ahead

This dish is best prepared fresh, but several components can be prepped ahead of time to streamline the cooking process:

• Dice the onions, chop the garlic, and halve the cherry tomatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• The ground chicken mixture (before adding cheese and tomatoes) can be cooked up to a day ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, reheat in an oven-safe skillet, then add the cheese and tomatoes before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Use the same amount and follow the cooking instructions as written. Turkey thigh meat will provide more moisture and flavor than breast meat.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, omit the mozzarella pearls and Parmesan cheese. You can substitute with a dairy-free mozzarella alternative or add more vegetables like sautéed zucchini or spinach for additional texture and nutrition.

What can I use instead of balsamic glaze?

If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until it reduces by half and becomes syrupy. Alternatively, a drizzle of honey mixed with a few drops of regular balsamic vinegar can provide a similar sweet-tangy finish.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze this dish, though the texture of the tomatoes and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Conclusion

Ground Chicken Caprese brings together the beloved flavors of Italy in a quick, protein-rich dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. With its melted mozzarella, burst cherry tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this one-pan wonder delivers impressive flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a healthier dinner option or simply want to enjoy the classic Caprese combination in a new way, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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