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A skillet filled with Caprese Chicken Thighs, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. A wooden spatula lifts one chicken thigh, highlighting its cheesy, juicy goodness. A yellow napkin and basil plant are visible in the background.

One-Pan Caprese Skillet Chicken Thighs

Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil divided
  • 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1½ Tbsp Italian seasoning divided
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup chicken stock
  • ½ pint cherry tomatoes cut in half or quartered depending on size
  • 8 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese sliced 1/4” thick
  • Several springs of fresh basil

Instructions

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F.
  • Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
  • Next, combine the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes in a small prep bowl. Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Sprinkle chicken with one tablespoon of Italian seasoning/red pepper flake mixture. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Toss to evenly coat.
  • Place the chicken thighs in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust.
  • Remove from heat and add the butter, chicken stock, and cherry tomatoes to the pan. Top each chicken thigh with a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese and sprinkle with remaining Italian seasoning/red pepper flake mixture. Season to taste with additional salt, black pepper, and red pepper, if using.
  • Next, transfer the skillet into your pre-heated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until your chicken is cooked through (165 degrees Fahrenheit) and the mozzarella is melted.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes.
  • To serve, spoon pan sauce over chicken and top with fresh basil sprigs.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose quality ingredients - fresh mozzarella and ripe cherry tomatoes make a world of difference.
  • Don’t skip the searing step. Searing the chicken not only enhances flavor but also gives the dish a professional, polished look.
  • If you love a little spice, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes. Conversely, you can skip them altogether for a milder version.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees perfectly cooked thighs without overdoing it.
  • Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat.
Servings: 6