One-Pan Caprese Chicken and Rice Skillet: Your New Favorite Easy Italian Dinner
Discover the ultimate weeknight meal with this incredible One-Pan Caprese Chicken and Rice Skillet. It brings together tender, juicy chicken, luscious melty mozzarella, and all the vibrant, fresh, and tangy flavors you adore from a classic Caprese salad, all cooked in a single pan. This dish is the perfect blend of cozy comfort and satisfying richness, offering a bold, herby twist that makes it truly stand out. It’s designed for busy weeknights but impressive enough to serve guests, making Italian-inspired dining effortless and delicious.
Craving more easy Italian-inspired dinners? You’ll love my Italian Grinder Pasta Salad for a fresh take or my hearty Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Sandwiches for a hands-off approach!
Why This One-Pan Caprese Chicken and Rice Recipe Will Become a Staple
This recipe isn’t just another dinner; it’s a celebration of convenience and flavor. We’ve taken everything magical about a Caprese salad—sweet sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, creamy mozzarella, and a hint of rich balsamic—and transformed it into a comforting, substantial chicken-and-rice skillet. What makes it truly exceptional is the seamless one-pan preparation, which means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
This dish offers the ideal balance: it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it a dream for hectic weeknights, yet its sophisticated flavors and appealing presentation ensure it’s perfectly suited for entertaining. Imagine serving a flavorful meal that looks like it took hours, but only required minimal effort. It’s a healthy, wholesome option that doesn’t compromise on taste, packed with protein and fresh ingredients. Plus, it’s easily adaptable to your family’s preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Elevate your meal further by pairing this delightful skillet with a crisp side salad, like my Easy Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, or for a fun appetizer, these Easy Pizza Cups.
🔍 Quick Look: One-Pan Caprese Chicken and Rice Essentials
This Caprese Chicken and Rice recipe is a brilliant comfort food interpretation of the beloved classic Caprese. Far beyond a simple salad, you’ll savor tender, perfectly cooked chicken, fluffy, flavorful rice, and generously melted mozzarella cheese, all infused with the aromatic essence of basil pesto and the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar for that unmistakably authentic Italian character.
- ⏰ Ready In: Just 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a speedy dinner.
- đź›’ Key Ingredients: Boneless chicken, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil pesto form the heart of this dish.
- 🍽️ Servings: Generously serves 4, ideal for a family meal or meal prepping.
- 👩‍🍳 Difficulty: Very Easy – suitable for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead Friendly: Keeps beautifully for 3–4 days in the fridge, making leftovers a joy.
For additional side dish inspiration, this recipe goes perfectly alongside any selection from my Quick Potluck Salad Collection.
Watch How to Make It: Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Simple, Wholesome Ingredients for a Spectacular Meal
You’ll be delighted by how effortlessly this dish comes together with just a handful of straightforward ingredients. There’s no need for anything obscure or expensive—just quality chicken, your favorite rice, and a few essential Italian pantry staples. Much like my popular Tomato Parmesan Orzo with Chicken and Spinach, this recipe demonstrates how basic components can be transformed into something truly special and satisfying. Focusing on fresh, high-quality ingredients ensures the best possible flavor outcome, allowing each element to shine through in every bite.
Key Ingredients for Caprese Chicken and Rice
Let’s dive into the core components that make this Caprese Chicken and Rice dish so delicious:
- Protein: Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: For optimal flavor and quick, even cooking, cut your chicken breasts into uniform cubes. This helps ensure every piece cooks through perfectly and stays tender. If you prefer a richer flavor and even juicier results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Just be sure to pat your chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Rice: Long-Grain White Rice: This variety is ideal for absorbing the delicious flavors of the sauce without becoming overly sticky. Always remember to rinse your rice thoroughly under cold water before cooking. This crucial step removes excess starch, preventing the rice from clumping together and ensuring a beautifully fluffy texture in the finished dish.
- Cheese: Shredded Mozzarella: For a quick and effortless melt, pre-shredded mozzarella is your best friend. It disperses evenly and creates that irresistible gooey top. If you want to add an extra layer of gourmet texture and creaminess, consider stirring in fresh mozzarella pearls just before serving. They soften beautifully in the residual heat and add a delightful chew.
- Basil Pesto: This vibrant green sauce is a powerhouse of flavor, infusing the dish with its signature bold, herby, and garlicky notes. While store-bought pesto works wonderfully for convenience, homemade pesto will undoubtedly elevate the flavor profile even further if you have the time and ingredients.
- Balsamic Vinegar: A drizzle of good-quality balsamic vinegar is essential. It provides a crucial depth of flavor, adding a pleasant tang and a subtle sweetness that cuts through the richness of the cheese and pesto. The quality of your balsamic can significantly impact the overall taste, so opt for a reputable brand.
Supporting Ingredients for a Flavorful Base
These additional ingredients build the aromatic foundation and savory depth of our Caprese Chicken and Rice:
- Olive Oil: The starting point for sautéing the chicken and aromatics, providing a rich, fruity base.
- Minced Garlic: Aromatic and indispensable for classic Italian flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the other ingredients.
- Dried Basil: Complements the fresh basil notes of the pesto, adding consistent herbal flavor throughout.
- Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes provide a burst of sweet and tangy acidity, as well as moisture to the dish.
- Chicken Broth: The liquid base for cooking the rice, infusing it with savory chicken flavor.
A complete ingredient list with precise measurements can be found in the detailed recipe card below.
Creative Substitutions & Flavorful Additions
This Caprese Chicken and Rice recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy customization to suit your taste or what you have on hand:
- Rice Variations: Feel free to swap long-grain white rice with brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Keep in mind that brown rice will require an increased cooking time and potentially a bit more liquid. Alternatively, orzo pasta can be used for a different texture, transforming it into a Caprese Chicken Orzo skillet.
- Cheese Alternatives: While mozzarella is traditional, experiment with other melting cheeses. Provolone offers a milder, slightly sharper flavor, while freshly grated Parmesan cheese can provide a salty, umami kick.
- Vegetable Boosters: Easily sneak in more vegetables. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the dish during the last few minutes of cooking, adding a healthy green touch. Sliced zucchini can be sautéed with the chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes (either oil-packed or rehydrated) will add an intense burst of sweet, concentrated tomato flavor. Need more creative ways to add veggies? Check out my Hidden Veggie Chocolate Muffins for a surprising treat!
- Herb Enhancements: If you don’t have pesto, a mix of dried oregano and extra dried basil, along with a splash of olive oil, can still deliver a lovely Mediterranean aroma. Fresh parsley or oregano could also be a nice garnish.
For a comprehensive list of all suggested substitutions and additions for this recipe, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of the page.
My Pro Tips
Expert Recipe Tips for Perfect Results
Achieving a restaurant-quality Caprese Chicken and Rice is easy with these simple tricks:
- Frequent Rice Stirring: To ensure your rice cooks evenly and prevents it from sticking to the bottom of the pan, stir it frequently during the simmering process, especially once covered. This also helps distribute the flavors consistently.
- Cover for Tender Rice: After the initial uncovered simmer, covering the skillet traps steam, allowing the rice to fully absorb the liquid and become perfectly tender and fluffy. Resist the urge to peek too often!
- Strategic Cheese Addition: For that ideal gooey, melty top, add the shredded mozzarella right at the very end, just after the rice is cooked. Cover the pan for a minute or two with the heat off to allow the cheese to melt smoothly without clumping or burning.
- Amplify Basil Flavor: If you love a strong basil presence, stir in an additional tablespoon of fresh basil pesto or sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the dish immediately after cooking and before serving. This boosts the vibrant, fresh herbaceous notes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When browning the chicken, ensure you’re using a large enough skillet so the chicken pieces have space. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of searing it, preventing that delicious golden crust.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your sauce before adding the rice and adjust salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar as needed. The flavors will meld as it cooks, but a good starting point is key.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Make Caprese Chicken and Rice
Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering one-pan meal:
- Sear the Chicken: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large, sturdy skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the cubed chicken breast. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside; it will return later.
- Sauté Aromatics: To the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the dried basil and minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 20 seconds, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced tomatoes (undrained), basil pesto, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan—these add extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Cook the Rice: Stir in the rinsed white rice and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and continue to cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
- Melt the Cheese and Serve: Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and rice. Cover the skillet again for a minute or two to allow the cheese to melt into a wonderfully gooey layer. Garnish with fresh basil if desired, then serve immediately. This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or my mozzarella stuffed mini meatloafs!
Refer to the comprehensive recipe card below for complete details on making this delicious one-pan meal.
Recipe FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Absolutely! Brown rice is a fantastic, healthier alternative. You will, however, need to adjust the cooking time significantly (often 20-25 minutes longer) and add extra chicken broth or water, usually about 1/2 to 1 cup more, as brown rice requires more liquid and time to become tender. Keep an eye on the liquid levels and add more if the pan looks dry before the rice is fully cooked.
Yes, definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier than chicken breasts. The cooking time might adjust slightly; chicken thighs may require a minute or two longer to cook through initially, but they are very forgiving. Be sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
No pesto? No problem! You can skip it entirely, though the flavor profile will be different. To approximate the herby notes, you can increase the amount of dried basil to 1 teaspoon, and consider adding a pinch of dried oregano and a tiny squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Alternatively, finely chop fresh basil leaves and mix them with a tablespoon of olive oil to create a quick, fresh basil “sauce” to stir in at the end.
Yes, this recipe can be easily adapted for a vegetarian diet! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein and texture, you can include ingredients like canned cannellini beans (rinsed and drained), chickpeas, or even cubed firm tofu sautéed until golden before adding the liquid.
To avoid soggy rice, it’s crucial not to add too much liquid. Stick to the recipe’s specified amount of broth for long-grain white rice. Ensure your skillet has a tight-fitting lid to trap steam, which cooks the rice efficiently. Also, avoid lifting the lid too frequently, as this releases steam and prolongs cooking, potentially leading to mushy rice. Cook until just tender, then remove from heat.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions
This Caprese Chicken and Rice is not only delicious fresh, but it also makes for excellent leftovers with proper storage and reheating techniques:
- Fridge Storage: Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prepping healthy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, this dish freezes well. Divide cooled Caprese chicken and rice into individual, freezer-safe portions in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
- Reheating Tips: When reheating, whether from the fridge or thawed from the freezer, the rice may dry out slightly. To restore its moisture and tender texture, add a splash of chicken broth (or water) to the container or pan. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. This ensures the rice remains fluffy and the chicken stays juicy.
👉 If you’re a fan of convenient, freezer-friendly dinners, be sure to check out my comprehensive list of 20 Easy Freezer Meals for more time-saving inspiration!
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One-Pan Caprese Chicken and Rice Skillet
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IngredientsÂ
- 2 tbs olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 14 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tbs basil pesto
- 1 tbs balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice, rinsed thoroughly
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
InstructionsÂ
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Once hot and shimmering, add the cubed chicken breast. Season well with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set it aside.2 tbs olive oil, 1 lb chicken breast cubed, Salt and pepper to taste
- To the same skillet, add the dried basil and minced garlic. Stir constantly for about 20 seconds until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it.1/2 tsp dried basil, 3 tsp minced garlic
- Pour in the chicken broth, add the undrained diced tomatoes, basil pesto, and balsamic vinegar. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavor. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.14 oz diced tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1 tbs basil pesto, 1 tbs balsamic vinegar
- Stir in the rinsed white rice and return the cooked chicken to the pan. Bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- Once the rice is tender, turn off the heat. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again for 1-2 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a luscious, gooey layer. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired, and serve immediately.1 cup mozzarella cheese
Video
Notes
- Substitutions: For rice, try brown rice (note longer cook time & more liquid) or orzo pasta. Cheese can be swapped with provolone or Parmesan. Add spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra vegetables.
- Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the rice moist and prevent it from drying out. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Pro Tip: For an even stronger basil flavor, stir in an extra tablespoon of fresh basil pesto or sprinkle fresh chopped basil after the dish has cooked and the cheese has melted.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.