Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken takes the irresistible flavors of a juicy summer Caprese salad and turns them into a gloriously easy, one-pan dinner. Imagine tender, golden-seared chicken nestled among sun-kissed peaches, tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, all finished with a balsamic glaze—you’ll be amazed by how effortlessly this dish transforms simple ingredients into a dazzling centerpiece!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken looks and tastes gourmet, but comes together with just one pan and under 40 minutes.
- Dreamy Sweet-Savory Combo: Juicy peaches mingle with vibrant tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and savory chicken for layers of flavors you won’t forget.
- Fresh, Colorful Ingredients: Every bite bursts with the colors and flavors of summer, making this dish as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Family-Friendly & Versatile: This recipe can be dressed up for guests or served as a quick weeknight dinner—and it’s easy to customize to your tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every component of Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken is thoughtfully chosen—each ingredient shines but also works in harmony, delivering flavor, color, and a little bit of wow. Don’t skip or substitute unless you must; these ingredients are simple, but each one has a special role to play!
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into cutlets for quick, even cooking and juicy results.
- Salt and pepper: The basic seasoning that amplifies every fresh flavor in the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds rich, golden flavor to both the searing and sautéing steps.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Classic for Mediterranean dishes, it brings out the best in the chicken and fruit.
- Peaches: Choose ripe, firm peaches for that signature burst of sweetness and summery aroma.
- Tomatoes: Use juicy, ripe tomatoes, sliced thickly for bright bites in every mouthful.
- Fresh mozzarella: Sliced and melted, it adds creamy decadence and that irresistible Caprese accent.
- Balsamic glaze: Drizzle just before serving for a sweet-tangy pop that ties everything together.
- Fresh basil: Bright, aromatic, and essential for the full Caprese experience—don’t leave it out!
Variations
The beauty of Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken is how easily you can tweak it—swap in seasonal produce, lighten it up, or make it your own for any occasion. Treat this recipe as your canvas and let your tastebuds lead the way.
- Use nectarines or plums: No ripe peaches on hand? Try nectarines or plums for a similar sweet-tart twist.
- Try heirloom tomatoes: A mix of colorful heirloom varieties can add gorgeous color and even more fresh flavor.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower steaks for a plant-based spin.
- Spice it up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or sliced fresh chili for a gentle kick of heat.
How to Make Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and slicing them horizontally to create 4 thin cutlets—this ensures juicy, evenly cooked results. A simple sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need, so both the chicken and the fresh toppings can really shine.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a swirl of butter and olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then lay in your chicken cutlets without crowding. Sear for 3–5 minutes per side until they develop a lovely golden crust and reach 165°F inside, then set aside on a warm plate while you move on.
Step 3: Sauté the Peaches
In the same pan, melt your remaining tablespoon of butter and toss in the sliced peaches. Let them brown lightly for about 2 minutes, turning occasionally—this step intensifies their sweetness and adds a juicy caramelized note.
Step 4: Assemble the Skillet
Remove the skillet from the heat and arrange your chicken cutlets and tomato wedges among the warm peaches. Nestle slices of mozzarella on top of each piece of chicken for that dreamy, melty Caprese layer.
Step 5: Broil and Finish
Slip the skillet under the broiler for 1–2 minutes—just long enough for the mozzarella to melt and bubble with tiny golden spots. Finish with generous drizzles of balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of fresh basil, and you’re ready to serve your Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken straight from the pan!
Pro Tips for Making Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken
- Get Peaches Just Ripe: Choose peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure—they’ll caramelize beautifully without falling apart.
- Broil Watchfulness: Don’t walk away when broiling! Mozzarella melts and browns fast, so keep an eye out for those perfect golden bubbles.
- Sear, Don’t Steam: Make sure your chicken cutlets have space in the skillet while searing to guarantee that crave-worthy golden crust.
- Tear, Don’t Chop Basil: For the freshest flavor and prettiest finish, tear your basil by hand right before sprinkling it over the dish.
How to Serve Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken
Garnishes
This is the moment to pile on those vibrant final touches! A cascade of torn basil or microgreens and an extra swirl of balsamic glaze add a pop of color and flavor—don’t forget a fresh crack of black pepper or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving for extra sparkle.
Side Dishes
Keep things light and summery by pairing Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken with a crisp green salad, crusty warm bread, or simple buttered noodles. It’s also wonderful with lemony couscous or a chilled quinoa salad if you’re feeding a hungry group!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping dinner party, bring the skillet right to the table so everyone can serve themselves—just scatter extra basil over the top. Or, arrange individual portions over arugula and finish with edible flowers for a bistro-style look that screams summer on a plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken keeps beautifully for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Store the chicken, peaches, and mozzarella together in an airtight container, and hold the fresh basil and glaze until you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
Not all ingredients freeze equally well here—the chicken itself can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the peaches and mozzarella might lose texture when thawed. For best results, freeze only the cooked chicken and add fresh toppings when reheating.
Reheating
For juicy, melty results, reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over low to medium heat, adding just a splash of water if needed. Give it a fresh hit of basil and balsamic glaze right before serving—the flavors will perk right back up!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen peach slices in Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken if fresh aren’t available. Let them thaw and pat dry before adding to the pan—they may be slightly softer, but will still provide lovely sweetness.
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What if I don’t have a broiler or oven-safe skillet?
If your skillet can’t go under a broiler, you can cover it with a lid for a couple of minutes on the stovetop until the mozzarella melts. You won’t get as much browning, but all the deliciousness will still be there!
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Which balsamic glaze should I use?
Store-bought balsamic glaze works great for Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken, but you can also make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar until thick and syrupy. Either way, a drizzle is all it takes to elevate the dish.
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Can I make Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh for peak mozzarella melt and juicy fruit, you can sear the chicken and peaches a day ahead. Assemble and broil just before serving, then finish with basil and glaze for the freshest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to savor summer on a plate, Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken is the answer. Bursting with color, flavor, and pure joy, it’s a recipe destined to become a favorite at your table—I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with every bite!
PrintSkillet Caprese Peach Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sauté, Broil
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Skillet Caprese Peach Chicken recipe combines the savory flavors of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella with the sweetness of ripe peaches, all topped off with a balsamic glaze for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 medium)
- Salt and pepper for seasoning
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
For the Caprese Topping:
- 3 medium peaches, pitted, and sliced into 1-inch wedges
- 2 medium tomatoes, cored and sliced into 1-inch wedges
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into slices
- Balsamic glaze for drizzling
- 1/4 cup firmly-packed fresh minced basil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt and pepper, and cut each breast in half. Sear in a skillet until cooked through. Set aside.
- Sear the Peaches: Sauté peaches in butter until lightly browned. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Dish: Arrange chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella in the skillet. Broil until cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and fresh basil. Serve hot.
Notes
- Make sure to use ripe peaches for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze to your taste preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg