Caprese Chicken Skillet with Lemon Basil

Ingredients

• 2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 lemon lemon zest
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste(optional)
• 1/2 cup mozzarella
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Mince garlic and halve the cherry tomatoes; tear basil.

2. 2

   Cook (20 minutes): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (or until it reaches 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate.

3. 3

   In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds, then stir in tomatoes (and tomato paste if using). Cook 8–10 minutes, stirring, until tomatoes soften and release juices.

4. 4

   Finish: Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over. Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken, cover for 1–2 minutes until mozzarella melts. Turn off heat and stir in lemon juice and basil. Serve immediately.