How do I grill Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

To grill Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken, start by brushing the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. During the last minute, add slices of fresh mozzarella, avocado, and halved cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken to warm them slightly. Remove from the grill and drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving for best flavor.

What’s the easiest way to make balsamic glaze for Caprese chicken?

Making a simple balsamic glaze at home requires just two ingredients: balsamic vinegar and a sweetener like honey or brown sugar. Pour one cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan and add two tablespoons of your chosen sweetener. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by half and thickens to a syrupy consistency. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Allow it to cool before drizzling over your avocado Caprese skillet chicken.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, it’s important to fully thaw them before cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost function on your microwave. Once thawed, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the seasonings stick. Cooking from frozen can result in uneven texture and longer cooking times, so properly thawed chicken is recommended for best results in this recipe.

What type of cheese works best for Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken?

Fresh mozzarella is the ideal cheese for this recipe because of its mild flavor and creamy texture that pairs well with avocado and tomatoes. You can use either mozzarella balls (bocconcini) or sliced fresh mozzarella. Avoid shredded mozzarella as it doesn’t melt as evenly and lacks the fresh flavor profile typical of Caprese dishes. For a slightly different taste, fresh burrata cheese also works wonderfully if you prefer an extra creamy finish.

Can I prepare Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

While the avocado and fresh tomatoes are best added just before serving to maintain their texture and flavor, you can prepare the chicken ahead. Cook the chicken fully and store it separately. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or oven, then top with fresh avocado slices, tomatoes, mozzarella, and balsamic glaze. This method keeps the avocado fresh and prevents it from browning, ensuring a tasty and appealing meal.

Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken Recipe with Fresh Basil

Name: Avocado Caprese Skillet Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: – 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10-11 oz each, butterflied and halved); – 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; – 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; – 1/2 teaspoon salt; – 1/4 teaspoon pepper; – 2 tablespoons olive oil; – 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (cut into 8 slices); – 4 slices of firm ripe avocado (from about 1 avocado); – 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (sliced); – 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze; – 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Description

🍗 Caprese Chicken with Creamy Avocado offers a delicious and nutritious meal with fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors.
🌿 This recipe is quick to prepare, combining tender chicken breast with mozzarella, avocado, tomatoes, and fresh basil for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10-11 oz each, butterflied and halved)

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon pepper

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– 6 ounces fresh mozzarella (cut into 8 slices)

– 4 slices of firm ripe avocado (from about 1 avocado)

– 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes (sliced)

– 3 tablespoons balsamic glaze

– 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions

1-Getting Started with Prep Work: First, take your 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each about 10-11 ounces, and butterfly them before halving for even cooking. This helps them cook faster and stay juicy. Mix up the seasoning blend with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, then rub it all over the chicken pieces for that flavorful base. For more ideas on seasoning chicken, check out our roasted red pepper spinach stuffed chicken recipe that offers similar tips.

2-Cooking the Chicken to Perfection: Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4-6 minutes per side until it’s nearly done and golden brown. This step builds a nice sear that locks in the juices, making every bite tender and full of taste. Once that’s ready, top each piece with the 6 ounces of fresh mozzarella sliced into 8 pieces, along with 4 slices of firm ripe avocado and slices from your 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes.

3-Final cooking step: Now, cover the skillet and let it cook for another 1-2 minutes. This melts the cheese just right and brings the internal temperature up to 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. The whole process takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes, which is ideal for busy schedules. Once off the heat, drizzle on 3 tablespoons of balsamic glaze and sprinkle 1/3 cup of chopped fresh basil for that final fresh kick.

Notes

🧄 Use fresh garlic powder and good-quality Italian seasoning for the best flavor.
🥑 Choose firm yet ripe avocados to keep slices intact.
🍶 Make your own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar with a bit of sweetener for a richer taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half with toppings
Calories: 401 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 35 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Caprese Chicken, Avocado Chicken, Fresh Basil, Balsamic Glaze