If you’ve been daydreaming about big summer flavors but want to keep things easy and protein-packed, my Ground Chicken Caprese is about to become your new weeknight sensation. Think classic caprese salad vibes—ripe cherry tomatoes, gooey mozzarella, and fragrant basil—swirled right into juicy ground chicken, all in one skillet. Dinner on the table in just 15 minutes, but still wildly craveable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speedy & Satisfying: This dish comes together in an astonishing 15 minutes—yes, really!—making it a weeknight wonder.
- All the Caprese Flavor You Love: You get creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a basil-balsamic personality in every single bite.
- Family-Friendly Appeal: Even pickier eaters find something they love here, so it’s fantastic for sharing around your table.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal mess—everything is cooked in one skillet and even finished in the oven for melty, golden perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Ground Chicken Caprese recipe proves that a handful of simple, real ingredients can deliver bold, fresh flavors. Each component is chosen to add something essential, from creaminess to tang and those irresistible summery vibes!
- Olive oil: Extra-virgin works best for depth and a lovely glossy finish as you sauté your onion and garlic.
- Diced onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and forms a flavorful base for the ground chicken.
- Chopped garlic: Key for that warm, savory aroma that infuses each bite.
- Ground chicken: The star of the show—lean and tender, it soaks up all those caprese flavors beautifully.
- Kosher salt: Brings the entire dish into balance and enhances every fresh note.
- Dried oregano, basil, and parsley: This trio gives a lovely Italian backbone and extra herbal dimension.
- Tomato sauce or marinara: A rich, tangy base that feels almost saucy enough to twirl pasta through—go with marinara for a little extra punch!
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a tablespoon makes the flavors pop, adding depth and that signature sweet-tart note.
- Mozzarella pearls: They melt into creamy puddles throughout—use a good-quality brand if you can.
- Cherry tomatoes: Once blistered, these little guys become jammy, tangy flavor bombs.
- Fresh basil, balsamic glaze, and grated Parmesan: These are your finishing touches—don’t skip them; they’re the difference between good and off-the-charts great!
Variations
One of my favorite things about Ground Chicken Caprese is how endlessly customizable it can be. Whether you’re catering to dietary needs or simply using what’s on hand, don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Turkey or Plant-Based Protein: Swap the ground chicken for lean ground turkey or your favorite plant-based ground for a twist that works for everyone.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, spinach, or even some bell pepper for more color and veggie power.
- Spicy Upgrade: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper or use a spicy marinara to give your caprese skillet a gentle kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try torn burrata (so creamy!) or shredded provolone for fun, melty variety.
How to Make Ground Chicken Caprese
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Stir in the diced onion and let it soften for about 5 minutes—this brings out its natural sweetness and forms a rich foundation. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for just a minute more, stirring so it doesn’t burn, and let that classic Italian aroma fill your kitchen!
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken
Add the ground chicken to your skillet, using your spoon or spatula to break it into crumbles as it browns. Keep cooking until there’s no pink left—then, if there’s any extra drippings, just drain them away for a cleaner, lighter final dish. This is where the magic starts to happen!
Step 3: Season & Simmer
Sprinkle your cooked chicken with salt, oregano, basil, and parsley—then pour in the tomato (or marinara) sauce and that splash of balsamic vinegar. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is luxuriously coated in the savory, herby sauce.
Step 4: Add the Caprese Toppings & Bake
Scatter the mozzarella pearls and halved cherry tomatoes across the top of your skillet. Don’t worry about perfection here—just make sure there’s cheese and tomato in every scoop! Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 7–8 minutes, until the cheese melts into pillowy clouds and the tomatoes blister and burst.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve
When your Ground Chicken Caprese comes bubbling hot out of the oven, it’s time for a shower of fresh chopped basil, a generous sprinkle of Parmesan, and the prettiest drizzle of balsamic glaze. Bring the skillet straight to the table for maximum wow factor!
Pro Tips for Making Ground Chicken Caprese
- The Power of Preheat: Let your oven hit 500°F before sliding the skillet in—this super-hot blast transforms the cheese and tomatoes in just minutes.
- Don’t Skimp on the Balsamic: That little drizzle of glaze at the end gives every bite that restaurant-style finish and a sweet-tangy contrast you’ll crave.
- Fresh Herbs Finish It Right: Wait until serving to add the fresh basil so it doesn’t wilt or lose its aromatic punch.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: If you don’t have one, transfer everything to a baking dish before it goes in the oven—you want those melty, bubbly edges!
How to Serve Ground Chicken Caprese
Garnishes
This dish practically begs for a flurry of bright garnishes. Scattering fresh basil over the bubbling skillet adds color, aroma, and that signature caprese flavor. Balsamic glaze brings a beautiful glossy finish and deeper flavor, while a snowy dusting of grated parmesan gives a salty, nutty edge. Feel free to toss a few extra mozzarella pearls on top if you’re a cheese lover!
Side Dishes
Ground Chicken Caprese is hearty enough to star solo but shines brightest with simple Italian sides. Scoop it over fluffy rice, herby farro, or a bowl of fresh pasta. For lighter fare, serve with garlicky sautéed greens, a crisp arugula salad, or crusty toasted bread to soak up all that sauce and cheese—nothing goes to waste!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd (or just want to impress dinner guests), spoon Ground Chicken Caprese into mini skillet pans or ramekins for personal servings—top each with extra cheese and a basil sprig. Or, tuck spoonfuls inside split ciabatta rolls, top with salad greens, and call it the caprese melt sandwich of your dreams. You can even cool leftovers and serve over leafy greens for a protein-packed lunch bowl the next day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Ground Chicken Caprese fresh, let leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days, making this dish perfect for next-day lunches or quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Ground Chicken Caprese! Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container without garnishes and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and refresh with new basil and a little extra cheese for fresh flavor.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat leftovers in a skillet with a splash of water or tomato sauce—this keeps everything moist and prevents the cheese from drying out. You can also warm individual portions in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to keep it creamy and melty.
FAQs
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Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully in this recipe and will absorb all the same caprese-inspired flavors. Just follow the directions as written and enjoy a tasty swap.
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What’s the best way to avoid tough ground chicken?
The key is not to overcook the chicken—stop once there’s no pink left and drain any excess drippings. The saucy finish also helps keep everything moist and tender.
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Do I need a cast iron or can I use a regular skillet?
A cast iron skillet gives lovely browning and goes straight from stove to oven, but any oven-safe skillet will work. If your pan isn’t oven-safe, just transfer everything to a baking dish for that final cheese-melting step.
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How do I make Ground Chicken Caprese lower carb?
Simply skip serving with bread or pasta and spoon the dish onto a bed of roasted vegetables or leafy greens for a wholesome, low-carb bowl. The “caprese” flavors pop even more against lighter backdrops!
Final Thoughts
If you try just one new skillet dinner this season, let it be Ground Chicken Caprese—it’s unbelievably quick, big on flavor, and just plain fun to share. I hope it finds a place at your table as your new favorite! Let me know how you make it your own—and enjoy every last melty, herby, summery bite.
Print
Ground Chicken Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Ground Chicken Caprese recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Caprese salad. Juicy ground chicken is flavored with herbs, cooked with tomato sauce, then topped with mozzarella pearls and cherry tomatoes before being baked to perfection. Garnish with fresh basil, balsamic glaze, and grated parmesan for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Ground Chicken Caprese:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 2 pounds ground chicken
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 8 ounces tomato sauce or marinara sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 8 ounces mozzarella pearls
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh chopped basil, balsamic glaze, and grated parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500 degrees. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet, breaking up as it cooks. Drain any drippings if needed. Season with salt, oregano, basil, and parsley. Pour in tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, stirring to combine.
- Place mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes on top of the chicken in the skillet. Bake for 7-8 minutes until cheese is melted and tomatoes are blistered.
- Garnish with fresh basil, grated parmesan, and balsamic glaze before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
