Description
This Zucchini Chicken Caprese is a one-pan, 30-minute meal packed with tender chicken, fresh zucchini, juicy tomatoes, and melted mozzarella. Perfect for a quick, low-carb dinner that’s full of flavor and easy to make.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Cheese
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 7 oz mozzarella balls
Vegetables
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium zucchini diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1/3 cup onion chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (about 1/4 cup)
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken to the pan and season with paprika, half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the pan with the onion and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until the zucchini begins to soften.
- Incorporate Tomato and Seasoning: Add the diced tomato along with the remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together to combine well.
- Add Mozzarella: Gently add the mozzarella balls to the pan, distributing them evenly among the chicken and vegetables.
- Melt the Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for a few minutes, about 3-4 minutes, until the mozzarella balls are melted and gooey.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic vinegar for a sweet and tangy twist. Serve hot straight from the pan.
Notes
- Use fresh mozzarella balls for the best melting texture and flavor.
- If balsamic vinegar is too tangy, substitute with a balsamic glaze or reduce the amount.
- For a spicier kick, add red chili flakes with the seasonings.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- This dish is low-carb and keto-friendly, making it suitable for those following these diets.
- To make it gluten-free, confirm that all seasonings and condiments used have no gluten-containing additives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
