Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds boneless & skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1″ cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil (divided)
Vegetables and Sauces
- 2 pounds zucchini, cut into 1″ cubes
- 7 garlic cloves, minced
- 1.5 pounds tomatoes, sliced
- 6 ounces tomato paste, low sodium
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Handful fresh basil, thinly sliced (plus more for garnish)
Dairy
- 9 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and swirl in 1 tablespoon of oil to coat the pan. Add the chicken cubes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and ground black pepper to taste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring once, until the chicken is lightly browned.
- Sauté garlic: Push the chicken to one side of the skillet, leaving an empty space over the burner. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil and minced garlic to this space. Sauté for about 30 seconds while stirring frequently until fragrant.
- Prepare tomato mixture: Add the sliced tomatoes, tomato paste, balsamic vinegar, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a handful of basil to the garlic in the skillet. Cook this tomato mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors.
- Add zucchini and cook: Stir the zucchini into the skillet combining it with the tomato and chicken mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low-medium heat for 12 minutes until the zucchini is tender but not mushy.
- Add mozzarella and simmer: Lay the thin slices of fresh mozzarella over the top of the skillet contents. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle additional fresh basil and ground black pepper over the top before serving. Serve hot on its own or alongside spaghetti, Instant Pot brown rice, or Instant Pot quinoa for a complete meal.
Notes
- Store: Refrigerate covered for up to 3 – 4 days.
- To reheat: Simmer on low heat in a skillet for 5 minutes covered. Using a non-stick skillet usually requires no additional water or oil since the zucchini releases moisture.
- This dish pairs well with grains or pasta if you desire a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Carb