Description
This Zucchini Chicken Caprese is a flavorful one-pan meal ready in 30 minutes, combining tender bite-sized chicken, sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes, and melted mozzarella balls. It's a perfect low-carb dinner bursting with Italian flavors and a hint of balsamic sweetness.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 medium zucchini diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large tomato diced
- 1/3 cup onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
Dairy
- 7 oz mozzarella balls
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 and season with paprika, half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove 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, sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sauté Zucchini: Add the diced zucchini to the pan and cook for around 5 minutes until it begins to soften.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasoning: Stir in the diced tomato along with the remaining half of the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the tomatoes to soften and release their juices.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Mozzarella: Gently distribute the mozzarella balls evenly over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Melt Cheese: Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 3-5 minutes until the mozzarella balls melt and become gooey.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pan from heat. Drizzle balsamic vinegar over the dish and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot directly from the pan and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lower fat version, use part-skim mozzarella balls instead of full fat.
- You can substitute fresh oregano or basil for the Italian seasoning for a different herbal note.
- If fresh mozzarella balls are unavailable, shredded mozzarella can be used but add it towards the end to melt.
- Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or a simple green salad to keep the meal low-carb.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
