Ground Chicken Caprese Basil

This Ground Chicken Caprese is my weeknight savior when I crave something fresh but filling. The ground chicken becomes so juicy with the burst from tomatoes and the aroma of basil. And the melty mozzarella is that little bit of indulgence that brings everyone back for seconds.

I discovered this recipe on a whim when my garden basil was out of control and now it is the most requested dish at family get-togethers. Bright clean flavors and melted cheese always win everyone over.

Ingredients

• Lean ground chicken: about one pound easy to cook and carries all the flavors choose the freshest you can find
• Fresh basil leaves: chopped one cup nothing replaces that lively kick look for vivid green leaves
• Ripe tomatoes: diced two medium or one large juicy and sweet tomatoes are key try Roma or vine ripened
• Garlic cloves: minced three for bold flavor choose firm plump garlic heads
• Fresh mozzarella cheese: shredded about eight ounces gives that classic creamy melt try to buy a block and shred it yourself
• Extra virgin olive oil: two tablespoons for richness look for cold pressed with a grassy aroma
• Salt and pepper: use to taste these simple seasonings let everything else shine use fine sea salt and fresh cracked pepper
• Balsamic vinegar: optional for serving just a drizzle adds brightness and ties everything together look for aged balsamic

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fresh Ingredients:

Wash the basil thoroughly and pat dry then chop it coarsely for maximum aroma. Dice ripe tomatoes into small pieces for even cooking and mince garlic as fine as you can to avoid chunks in the final dish.

Sauté the Garlic:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and stir constantly for about thirty seconds just until it is fragrant. Be careful not to let it brown as this can make it bitter.

Brown the Chicken:

Increase the heat slightly and add the ground chicken to the skillet breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook for five to seven minutes stirring often until there is no pink left and the meat begins to brown all over giving a richer flavor.

Add Tomatoes and Basil:

Stir in the diced tomatoes and fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper while stirring gently to combine everything. Let it cook for another two to three minutes just until the tomatoes have softened and started to release their juices without losing their shape.

Melt Mozzarella and Finish:

Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet contents. Cover with a tight fitting lid and let it sit for about two minutes so the cheese melts fully into gooey ribbons.

Plate and Serve:

Spoon the cheesy chicken mixture into bowls or onto plates. Finish with a light drizzle of balsamic vinegar if you want a tangy edge. Serve immediately while still warm and melty.

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My favorite part of making this is always the burst of basil when I chop it. There is nothing like that aroma wafting through the kitchen. One summer my little nephew helped with the basil and every handful of leaves made him giggle from the scent alone.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to reheat I recommend gently warming on the stovetop over low heat to help the cheese remelt and the flavors blend back together. Avoid microwaving on high as the cheese can become rubbery.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find ground chicken ground turkey is an easy swap and works perfectly. For a vegetarian version try crumbled firm tofu or white beans. Any mild melting cheese like provolone or fontina can stand in for mozzarella but keep fresh mozzarella for the best Caprese effect. Cherry tomatoes can be used if tomatoes are out of season for a pop of sweetness.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this as a main dish alongside crusty bread for dipping into the sauce. It is also wonderful over small pasta like orzo or even as a topping for a big green salad when you want a lighter meal. For gatherings I love serving it with simple roasted vegetables to keep the meal colorful and balanced.

Caprese in Context

Caprese is a classic Italian flavor combination inspired by the island of Capri using tomatoes mozzarella and basil in everything from salads to sandwiches. This skillet style riff takes those famous flavors and gives them weeknight ease with ground chicken for speed and substance. It feels like summer in every bite and brings a hint of Mediterranean sunshine to the dinner table any time of year.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Lean ground chicken is preferred for its tenderness and mild flavor, absorbing the essence of basil and tomatoes beautifully.

→ Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Fresh basil offers the brightest flavor, but if unavailable, use one-third the amount of dried basil as a substitute.

→ How do I prevent the mozzarella from becoming stringy?

Add mozzarella at the end on low heat, covering briefly only until melted for a silky, smooth finish.

→ Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain the texture and freshness of ingredients.

→ Are there serving suggestions for this skillet?

Serve over toasted bread, alongside a leafy salad, or paired with nutty grains for a complete meal experience.