21 Day Fix Crock Pot or Instant Pot Caprese Chicken

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: 21 Day Fix Caprese Chicken

As a busy professional, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, client meetings, and trying to maintain a semblance of a social life, the last thing I want to do when I get home is spend hours in the kitchen. That's why I've become obsessed with recipes that are both quick and nutritious – and this 21 Day Fix Caprese Chicken fits the bill perfectly. I've adapted it to work flawlessly in both my slow cooker (for those lazy Sundays) and my Instant Pot (for those crazy weeknights), making it a versatile staple in my meal rotation.

What I love most about this dish is its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, the preparation is minimal, and the flavor? Oh, the flavor! The juicy chicken is infused with the bright, tangy notes of balsamic vinegar, the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, and the fragrant aroma of basil. Topped with creamy mozzarella, it's a symphony of textures and tastes. It's also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. The possibilities are endless!

Why this recipe works for busy women:

• Minimal prep time: Chopping some vegetables and tossing everything into the pot is the most time-consuming part. After that, you can let the appliance do the work!
• Set-it-and-forget-it cooking: The slow cooker and Instant Pot are your best friends when it comes to time-saving cooking. Throw everything in, set the timer, and go about your day.
• Healthy and delicious: This recipe is packed with protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free pleasure. It's also incredibly flavorful, so you won't feel like you're compromising on taste for health.
• Versatile side dishes: Pair this chicken with your favorite sides – brown rice, quinoa, pasta, or even zoodles – for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Make-ahead potential: You can easily prep the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, making weeknight cooking a breeze. Simply transfer everything to the pot in the morning, set it, and come home to a ready-made dinner.

This Caprese Chicken isn’t just a meal; it’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating and a busy lifestyle don't have to be mutually exclusive. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into the lifestyle of a modern woman who values both her health and her time. So, ditch the takeout menus and give this recipe a try. I promise, you won't regret it!

Tips for Success:

• Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor. Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes will make a significant difference.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook it until it's just cooked through but still juicy.
• Adjust seasonings to your taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes to your liking.
• Get creative with sides: Experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect combination.

With its effortless preparation and incredible taste, this 21 Day Fix Caprese Chicken will quickly become a regular on your dinner rotation. It’s the kind of recipe that will make you feel like you’ve conquered the weeknight dinner struggle, even when life feels utterly overwhelming.

Step-by-step

• For the slow cooker: Spray your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add sliced onions and garlic to the bowl and then cover with chicken breasts. Add chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, crushed red pepper (if using), salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add basil and top with grated mozzarella cheese. Turn slow cooker on high and cover until the cheese has melted. Serve with brown rice, quinoa, whole grain or gf pasta, or zoodles!
• For the Instant Pot: Spray your Pressure Cooker with cooking oil spray and hit the saute function. Saute your onions until they begin to caramelize. Turn off saute and add in garlic and chicken, then top chopped tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, crushed red pepper (if using), salt and pepper. Cover and set to manual for 15 minutes. After cook time, carefully switch to quick release and open the top of your pressure cooker when all the steam has released. Switch to saute and add in the mozzarella cheese and basil. Cook on saute until the cheese melts (2-3 minutes). Serve with brown rice, quinoa, whole grain or gf pasta, or zoodles!