Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender pan-seared chicken breasts served alongside a fresh Caprese-style salad featuring ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. This italian-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs kosher salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While chicken rests, arrange 2 sliced ripe tomatoes and 6 oz sliced fresh mozzarella cheese on a serving plate, alternating slices.
  4. Step 4: Tuck 10 fresh basil leaves between tomato and mozzarella slices. Drizzle 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 2 tbsp balsamic glaze over the salad.
  5. Step 5: Slice chicken breasts and serve alongside the Caprese-inspired salad immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep kosher salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Caprese-Inspired Tomato and Mozzarella Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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