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This hearty Ground Chicken Caprese transforms the classic Italian salad into a satisfying one-pan meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of juicy ground chicken, melted mozzarella pearls, and blistered cherry tomatoes creates a protein-packed dinner that's both comforting and fresh.
I first made this dish when I was craving caprese flavors but needed something more substantial for dinner. My family immediately requested it be added to our regular rotation, and it's become our go-to when we want something that feels a bit special but doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Delivers lean protein while absorbing all the Italian flavors beautifully
- Mozzarella pearls: Melt into perfect little pockets of creamy goodness throughout the dish
- Cherry tomatoes: Burst in the oven creating sweet concentrated flavor bombs
- Balsamic vinegar: Adds that distinctive tangy sweetness that makes caprese sing
- Dried herbs: Infuse the meat with classic Italian flavors while fresh basil brightens everything at the end
- Tomato sauce: Creates the perfect saucy base without overwhelming the delicate flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add diced onions and cook for a full 5 minutes until they become translucent and just begin to turn golden at the edges. This slow cooking process releases the natural sweetness in the onions. Add garlic and cook for exactly one minute more until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter, so watch it carefully.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Add ground chicken to the skillet with the aromatics, using a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces as it cooks. Keep stirring and breaking until the chicken is completely cooked through with no pink remaining, about 8 minutes. If excess liquid accumulates, drain it off to prevent a soggy final dish. The chicken should have some golden brown spots for the best flavor.
- Season and Sauce:
- Sprinkle the cooked chicken with salt, dried oregano, basil and parsley, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly. Pour the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar over the seasoned chicken, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add the Caprese Topping:
- Scatter the mozzarella pearls and halved cherry tomatoes evenly across the top of the seasoned chicken mixture. Don't stir them in they should create a beautiful topping layer that will become gorgeously melted and blistered in the oven.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Place the skillet into your preheated 500°F oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. The high heat will quickly melt the cheese into irresistible pools of creaminess and blister the tomatoes just enough to intensify their flavor while maintaining some structure. The dish is ready when the cheese is completely melted with some golden spots appearing.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and immediately garnish with fresh chopped basil, a light sprinkle of grated parmesan, and artistic drizzles of balsamic glaze. The heat from the dish will release the aromatic oils in the fresh basil, enhancing the entire dish.
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The balsamic vinegar is truly the secret ingredient here. I discovered its importance when I once made the recipe without it, and the dish lacked that distinctive caprese brightness. Just that tablespoon transforms the entire flavor profile, creating the perfect balance of savory and tangy notes that makes this dish special.
Make Ahead Options
This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for busy weeknight planning. Prepare the recipe through the sauce step, then refrigerate for up to two days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken mixture on the stovetop until bubbling, then add the cheese and tomatoes before transferring to the oven. This approach gives you all the benefits of a freshly made meal with half the effort on serving day.
Perfect Pairings
While this dish is substantial enough to stand alone, a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice makes the perfect accompaniment. For a heartier meal, serve over cooked orzo pasta which catches all the delicious sauce, or alongside garlic bread for sopping up every last bit of flavor. A light, crisp Italian white wine like Pinot Grigio complements the fresh flavors without overwhelming them.
Seasonal Adaptations
During peak summer tomato season, substitute garden-fresh tomatoes cut into chunks for an even more vibrant dish. In winter, when fresh tomatoes lack flavor, consider using high-quality canned fire-roasted tomatoes, drained well, as an alternative to out-of-season cherry tomatoes. The smokiness adds a wonderful depth that works perfectly with the other ingredients.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I substitute ground chicken with another meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or pork. Adjust the seasonings to complement the chosen meat.
- → What can I use instead of mozzarella pearls?
If mozzarella pearls are unavailable, you can use sliced fresh mozzarella or shredded mozzarella as a substitute.
- → How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Replace ground chicken with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based meat alternatives. Adjust seasonings as desired.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ground chicken mixture ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the cheese and tomatoes just before baking for optimal flavor and texture.
- → What other garnishes go well with this dish?
Along with parmesan cheese and balsamic glaze, you can add freshly cracked black pepper, red chili flakes, or even toasted pine nuts for added flavor and texture.