Greek Chicken Meatballs with Lemon Orzo Recipe

Comforting, juicy, unbelievably quick, and bursting with the classic flavors of Italy—this Ground Chicken Caprese has everything you love about a traditional Caprese salad, transformed into a weeknight-friendly skillet dinner that’s fresh, cheesy, and impossible to resist!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ground Chicken Caprese is carefully chosen for BIG flavor with minimal effort. You’ll find they’re all simple, but each one—herbs, fresh tomatoes, and cheese—plays a delicious role in this skillet’s taste, color, and incredible melted texture.

• Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the onions until tender and golden.
• Diced onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth for the savory base.
• Chopped garlic: Gives a fragrant, classic Italian punch—use fresh for the best aroma.
• Ground chicken: The star of the dish—lean, hearty, and soaks up all those lovely seasonings.
• Kosher salt, dried oregano, dried basil, dried parsley: A blend that packs every bite with that herby Italian flavor we crave.
• Tomato sauce (or marinara): Keeps things saucy and tangy, tying all the flavors together perfectly.
• Balsamic vinegar: A little bit goes a long way for brightness, depth, and just a hint of sweetness.
• Mozzarella pearls: Tiny pockets of creamy, gooey cheese that melt beautifully into the skillet.
• Cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with juicy flavor and gorgeous color as they roast.
• Fresh chopped basil, balsamic glaze, grated parmesan cheese: The ultimate trio for finishing with color, aroma, and that touch of restaurant-style flair.

Variations

The best part about Ground Chicken Caprese is how effortlessly customizable it is! You can swap, add, or experiment based on what’s in your pantry or what strikes your taste buds that day—have some fun with it.

• Make it Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of Calabrian chili paste for a spicy Italian kick.
• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, ground pork, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
• Cheese Options: Use shredded mozzarella, creamy burrata, or sliced fresh mozzarella if that’s what you have.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in baby spinach, diced zucchini, or roasted peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Make it Gluten-Free or Dairy-Free: Choose appropriate sauces and plant-based cheese substitutes to fit your needs.

How to Make Ground Chicken Caprese

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions. Sauté for about five minutes—take your time here, letting them soften and turn just a little golden at the edges. Stir in the garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant, about one minute, for that mouthwatering aroma.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken right into the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks so you get lovely bite-sized crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and the chicken is cooked through—if there’s any excess liquid, carefully drain it away so your skillet isn’t watery.

Step 3: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in your salt and dried herbs—oregano, basil, and parsley—letting the warmth of the pan wake up their flavors. Pour in the tomato sauce and balsamic vinegar, stirring everything together so the chicken gets coated in that gorgeously tangy, herby sauce.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Tomatoes

Scatter the mozzarella pearls and halved cherry tomatoes all over the surface of the skillet. Don’t stir—just let them rest on top, nestled into the saucy chicken. This sets the stage for melty cheese pockets and roasted tomatoes in every scoop.

Step 5: Bake to Finish

Slide the entire skillet into your preheated 500°F oven for 7 to 8 minutes. The mozzarella will melt into oozy puddles and the cherry tomatoes will burst and blister—truly irresistible! Watch for bubbling cheese and lightly caramelized tomatoes for the ultimate finish.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish strong: toss on plenty of fresh chopped basil, grate parmesan cheese all over, and give a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze. Your Ground Chicken Caprese is ready to wow everyone at the table!

How to Serve Ground Chicken Caprese

Garnishes

For a showstopper finishing touch, scatter plenty of bright, fragrant chopped fresh basil, a snowfall of grated parmesan cheese, and zig-zag that deliciously thick balsamic glaze right over the top. They each play up the signature Caprese flavors and truly make your Ground Chicken Caprese pop—don’t skip them!

Side Dishes

This dish is super versatile. Pair it with a crisp arugula salad, garlicky roasted green beans, or crusty Italian bread for soaking up every last bit of that saucy, cheesy skillet. A side of lemony orzo or simple buttered pasta also complements beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Ground Chicken Caprese family-style right out of the skillet for a warm, rustic look, or plate individual servings over creamy polenta or toasted baguette. For parties, spoon it into endive leaves or mini cups for a unique appetizer—who says Caprese can’t be the star of the spread?

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them into an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully—so it’s perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead lunch.

Freezing

If you want to freeze Ground Chicken Caprese, cool it completely first, then freeze in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For best texture, you might want to freeze the chicken and sauce without the cheese or tomatoes, then add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave until hot, or place leftovers in a skillet, cover, and warm gently over medium heat. If things look a little dry, add a splash of tomato sauce to revive the textures and keep everything juicy and melty.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a skillet dinner that fuses comfort, speed, and those iconic Italian flavors, this Ground Chicken Caprese will win you over from the very first bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels special but is easy enough for real life—so go ahead, treat yourself tonight!

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