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Top view of a fresh Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil on a dark plate.
StovetopComplexity

Chicken Caprese

This Chicken Caprese delivers 54g protein and 653 calories per serving, making it a calorie-dense option for serious lifters. Quick prep on the stovetop yields 4 servings, ideal for a single dinner or splitting across two training days. The high protein-to-carb ratio supports muscle recovery without excess volume.

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Ingredients

4 servings
  • Olive oil(60g)

    Regular (not extra-virgin) olive oil for high-heat cooking. EVOO for dressings.

  • Vinegar, Balsamic(60g)
  • Garlic(120g)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon Freshly Cracked Black Pepper, Plus More For Serving
  • Italian seasoning(5g)
  • Chicken Breast, Boneless Skinless(680g)
  • Tomato
  • Basil Pesto, Prepared(60g)
  • Cheese, Mozzarella, Fresh(227g)

    Part-skim mozzarella. Pre-shredded bags are convenient for meal prep.

  • Honey(30g)

Instructions

  1. 1In a large bowl, mix together ¼ cup of the olive oil, the balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Transfer ¼ cup of the marinade to a medium bowl. Add the chicken to the large bowl with marinade and toss to coat. Add the tomatoes to the medium bowl and toss to coat with marinade. Marinate the chicken and the tomatoes refrigerated for at least 30 minutes or up to 1 hour.
  2. 2Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is glistening, add the chicken to the pan and cook until golden brown, 3-4 minutes per side.
  3. 3Reduce the heat to low, then spread the tops of the chicken with pesto. Top each cutlet with 2 slices of the mozzarella, then cover and cook until the mozzarella melts and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer.
  4. 4Divide the chicken between 4 plates, top with the marinated tomatoes and drizzle with the honey. Serve with any remaining pesto on the side if desired.

Nutrition — Per Serving

653

calories

54g

protein

38g

fat

Carbohydrates
22g
Saturated fat
12.0g
Sodium
452 mg
Dietary fiber
1.1g

4 servings per batch · ~311g each

Macro data sourced from USDA FoodData Central

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Common questions

How much protein does Chicken Caprese have per serving?

Each serving contains 54g of protein with 653 calories, delivering a high protein-to-calorie ratio at 38g fat and 22g carbs. This macro split prioritizes protein density while keeping carbohydrate intake minimal.

How long does Chicken Caprese take to prep?

This recipe qualifies as quick prep and batches 4 servings on the stovetop, making it efficient for weeknight dinners or prepping multiple meals in one cooking session.

Is Chicken Caprese good for muscle gain?

At 54g protein per serving, Chicken Caprese supports muscle-building phases where hitting daily protein targets matters most. The higher fat content provides satiety and hormone support without excess calories.

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