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Easy Creamy Caprese Chicken Bowl Recipe

Easy Creamy Caprese Chicken Bowl Recipe - featured image

A quick and easy creamy Caprese chicken bowl combining juicy chicken breasts with a luscious cream cheese sauce, fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and melty mozzarella, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
  • 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 oz (113g) fresh mozzarella balls or sliced fresh mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
  • Cooked rice or cauliflower rice for serving (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should read 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside to rest.
  3. Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
  4. Add softened cream cheese and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and season with a pinch of black pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. If it looks too thick, add a splash more cream or water to loosen it up.
  5. Slice the rested chicken breasts into thick strips or bite-sized pieces and return them to the skillet, coating them gently in the creamy sauce. Let everything warm through for a minute or two.
  6. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and torn basil leaves over the creamy chicken in the skillet. Cover briefly—just until the mozzarella starts to melt (about 1-2 minutes).
  7. Spoon the creamy Caprese chicken over cooked rice or cauliflower rice if using. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and, if you like, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken. Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Sauté garlic gently to prevent bitterness. Rest chicken after cooking to keep it juicy. Fresh basil and tomatoes are key for authentic flavor. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with vegan alternatives. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb base.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caprese chicken, creamy chicken bowl, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, Italian chicken, creamy sauce, mozzarella, basil, cherry tomatoes