Best 4 Caprese Chicken And Orzo Skillet Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in a symphony of flavors with our tantalizing Caprese Chicken and Orzo Skillet, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the vibrant flavors of fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and succulent chicken. This one-pan dish is a delightful fusion of Italian and Mediterranean influences, offering a captivating balance of textures and a burst of colors. Accompanying this main course are two equally enticing side dishes: a refreshing Caprese Salad and a flavorful Pesto Pasta Salad. These accompaniments perfectly complement the Caprese Chicken and Orzo, creating a harmonious meal that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to ensure a delightful and memorable dining experience.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

CAPRESE CHICKEN SKILLET



Caprese Chicken Skillet image

This caprese chicken cooked in a skillet and topped a honey balsamic reduction and fresh basil is the perfect way to use fresh summer tomatoes.

Provided by Gina

Categories     Dinner     Lunch

Time 35m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (divided)
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon honey (divided)
4 small boneless (skinless chicken breasts (24 oz))
1¼ teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper (divided)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided)
1 small red onion (diced (about 1 cup))
4 cloves garlic (minced (about 4 teaspoons))
4 cups sliced tomatoes: halved cherry or grape tomatoes ((2 pints) or ½- inch- diced peak season plum or other garden tomatoes)
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
4 ounces part- skim mozzarella pearls ((scant 1 cup) or 4 ounces block- style part- skim mozzarella cheese cut into bite-sized cubes)
¼ cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves (thinly sliced)

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of the honey. Gently simmer over medium- low heat, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced by a little more than half, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove from the heat and set aside.
  • While the balsamic reduces, arrange the chicken on a cutting board and stretch a large sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Lightly pound the chicken breasts into an even ½- inch thickness. Discard the plastic, then sprinkle the chicken with ¾ teaspoon of the salt and ¼ teaspoon of the pepper, seasoning both sides.
  • In a large, heavy- bottomed skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil over medium- high heat. Once the oil is hot but not smoking, add the chicken breasts top- sides down, being careful of oil that may splatter. Let cook undisturbed for 4 minutes, or until lightly browned.
  • Flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165 degrees F at the thickest part when tested with an instant- read thermometer, and when sliced, the juices should run clear.
  • If it needs additional time, flip again and continue cooking for a few minutes on each side, until done. The total cooking time will vary depending upon the size of your chicken. Remove to a plate and cover to keep warm.
  • Without wiping out the pan, reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, swirl to coat the pan, then add the red onion and let cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes, scraping the browned bits off the bottom of the pan as it cooks.
  • Add the garlic and let cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
  • Add the tomatoes, thyme, and remaining 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat back to medium high and cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes.
  • Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the tomatoes, and scatter the mozzarella throughout.
  • Cover the pan and remove from the heat. Let stand for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the mozzarella to become soft and melty.
  • Uncover, drizzle the balsamic reduction over the top, and sprinkle with the fresh basil. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 piece chicken, 1/4 veggies and cheese, Calories 419 kcal, Carbohydrate 21 g, Protein 47.5 g, Fat 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 5 g, Cholesterol 141 mg, Sodium 585 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 7 g

CHICKEN AND ORZO SKILLET



Chicken and Orzo Skillet image

Here's a perfect one-skillet supper that's colorful, healthy, filling and definitely special! Our taste testers loved the blend of spices, the touch of heat and the sophisticated flavor. -Kellie Mulleavy, Lambertville, Michigan

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch strips
2 teaspoons salt-free garlic seasoning blend
1 small onion, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
3/4 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Sprinkle chicken with garlic seasoning blend. In a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet, saute chicken and onion in oil until chicken is no longer pink, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Stir in the tomatoes, spinach, broth, orzo, Italian seasoning and, if desired, pepper flakes. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Cover and simmer until orzo is tender and liquid is absorbed, 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 339 calories, Fat 7g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 384mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 5g fiber), Protein 32g protein. Diabetic exchanges

CHICKEN CAPRESE



Chicken Caprese image

Originating in Capri, Caprese mimics the colors of the Italian flag in salad form using the now-classic combination of mozzarella, tomato and basil. Here, that trinity transforms everyday chicken cutlets into something special. Thanks to the proliferation of hothouse tomatoes (which are better enjoyed cooked than raw), this dish can be enjoyed year-round. Cocktail tomatoes, slightly larger than a golf ball and often sold on the vine, are perfect for this, but any size will work. Simple to assemble, this dish forms its own delicious pan sauce as the liquid from the cheese and tomatoes mingles with the caramelized juices from the browned chicken.

Provided by Susan Spungen

Categories     dinner, quick, one pot, poultry, main course

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 ounces each)
Kosher salt and black pepper
8 ounces mozzarella, cut into 1/4-inch slices
6 ounces cocktail or other tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices
1 1/2 cups loosely packed fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
Pesto, store-bought or homemade, for serving

Steps:

  • Pat chicken dry. Cut a lengthwise pocket into the thick side of each breast without cutting all the way through to the other side. Season breasts inside and out using 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
  • Stuff each breast with a quarter of the mozzarella, 2 to 3 tomato slices (depending on size) and 4 to 5 basil leaves. Enclose the filling as much as possible by pulling the chicken over the filling. (The chicken can be prepared to this point, covered and refrigerated up to 24 hours.)
  • Heat olive oil in a large 12-inch nonstick pan over medium heat. Sauté garlic, stirring, until golden, about 4 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out garlic and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the oil in the pan.
  • Increase heat to medium-high and sauté chicken until golden on the bottom, about 6 minutes. If the breasts darken too quickly, lower heat. Flip and cook for 5 minutes, then cover and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, or until chicken is cooked through and filling is hot.
  • Using a spatula, carefully transfer chicken to a platter or four plates. Pour pan juices over the chicken. Garnish with pesto, reserved garlic and remaining basil leaves.

CHICKEN ORZO SKILLET



Chicken Orzo Skillet image

As a busy homemaker with a home-based business, I try to make quick dinners that are healthy for my husband and two young children. I combined two recipes to come up with this family favorite. -Kathleen Farrell, Rochester, New York

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
3 teaspoons olive oil, divided
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) stewed tomatoes, cut up
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 package (16 ounces) frozen broccoli florets, thawed

Steps:

  • Cook orzo according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken in 2 teaspoons oil for 6-7 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove and keep warm. , In the same skillet, cook garlic in remaining oil for 1 minute or until tender. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, Italian seasoning and salt. Bring to a boil. Stir in broccoli and chicken; heat through. Drain orzo; stir into chicken mixture.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342 calories, Fat 5g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 589mg sodium, Carbohydrate 49g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients prepped and measured out. This will help ensure that your cooking goes smoothly and quickly.
  • Use a large skillet: This will give you plenty of room to cook the chicken and vegetables without overcrowding the pan.
  • Season the chicken generously: Don't be afraid to use plenty of salt and pepper to season the chicken. This will help to bring out the flavor of the chicken and make it more delicious.
  • Cook the chicken until it is cooked through: This is important to ensure that the chicken is safe to eat. You can check if the chicken is cooked through by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add the orzo to the skillet: Once the chicken is cooked through, add the orzo to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook the orzo according to the package directions.
  • Add the vegetables: Once the orzo is cooked, add the vegetables to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook the vegetables until they are tender-crisp.
  • Stir in the pesto: Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the pesto. This will help to add flavor and richness to the dish.
  • Serve immediately: This dish is best served immediately after it is made. You can garnish it with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Conclusion:

Caprese chicken and orzo skillet is an easy and delicious one-pan meal that is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The chicken is tender and juicy, the vegetables are flavorful and tender-crisp, and the orzo is cooked to perfection. The pesto adds a delicious burst of flavor to the dish. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Related Topics