If you’re craving a vibrant dish that brings together sun-kissed flavors, Grilled Chicken Caprese is calling your name. This recipe marries juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breasts with creamy mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic glaze—all in a quick, wholesome package. It’s everything you love about classic Caprese salad, elevated and made heartier with luscious grilled chicken. Get ready for a meal that’s overflowing with color, freshness, and pure summertime joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Grilled Chicken Caprese delivers on flavor, texture, or color, and there’s a special reason for each one. Simple as the list may be, these fresh, quality items make all the difference between a good meal and a great one.
- Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and lean protein that holds all the toppings so well.
- Olive Oil: This is both a marinade and a finishing touch, adding richness and ensuring grill marks without sticking.
- Italian Seasoning: A classic blend that infuses the chicken with robust, herby flavor and a touch of aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Enhances every ingredient and draws out the natural savoriness of the chicken.
- Black Pepper: Offers a gentle heat that rounds out the marinade perfectly.
- Fresh Mozzarella: Melts just enough atop warm chicken, bringing creamy texture and a bit of indulgence.
- Tomatoes: Go for the juiciest, ripest you can find—these add freshness and a burst of sweetness to each bite.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Bright green, aromatic, and almost peppery, basil is what ties the whole Caprese theme together.
- Balsamic Glaze: A sweet, tangy drizzle that elevates the dish and adds beautiful color contrast.
- Extra Olive Oil (optional): A finishing swirl delivers gloss and a boost of flavor, especially if you love Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start things off by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures you get a nice sear and those irresistible grill marks. If your chicken breasts are uneven, gently pound them to an even thickness so they’ll cook uniformly. Rub each side with olive oil, then sprinkle on the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper—massage these in so every bite is tasty.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place your seasoned chicken breasts on the grill and let them sizzle for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You want a beautifully browned exterior with gorgeous grill marks, while the inside stays juicy. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C) inside—don’t be afraid to check with a thermometer.
Step 3: Add the Mozzarella
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, top each chicken breast generously with slices of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid to create a little cheese-melting magic. You’re aiming for the cheese to become soft and just a little melty, enveloping the chicken in creamy goodness.
Step 4: Assemble the Grilled Chicken Caprese
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Right away, layer on those fresh tomato slices and scatter the basil leaves over the top—let their fragrance wake up your senses. The combination of hot chicken and cool toppings is pure heaven.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
For the grand finale, drizzle the whole platter with a luscious balsamic glaze and, if you like, a little extra olive oil. This final touch ties everything together with a hint of sweetness and a glossy finish. Serve immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra torn basil leaves or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving. If you’d like even more visual pop, a few cracks of freshly ground black pepper over the tomatoes and cheese make everything look—and taste—even brighter.
Side Dishes
Grilled Chicken Caprese pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables like zucchini or asparagus, adding more color and flavor to the plate. You can also serve it alongside simple garlic bread, or a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon for a satisfyingly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try slicing the chicken breasts after grilling and arrange them over a large platter with overlapping layers of tomato and mozzarella, then scatter basil and drizzle with glaze. Or serve mini versions as sliders for a party appetizer—just use small chicken cutlets and pack them between toasted buns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Grilled Chicken Caprese, tuck it into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually come together beautifully overnight, making for a delicious lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
While you can freeze the grilled chicken by itself, it’s best to add the mozzarella, tomato, basil, and glaze fresh after reheating. If freezing, wrap the cooled chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout (about 10 to 12 minutes), then add fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil before serving. A gentle warm-up helps maintain juiciness and prevents the cheese from getting rubbery.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Chicken Caprese indoors?
Absolutely! A stovetop grill pan or even a regular skillet works well. Preheat your pan, follow the same steps, and you’ll get delicious results right in your kitchen.
What’s the best way to make homemade balsamic glaze?
Simply simmer balsamic vinegar on the stove until it’s reduced by half and syrupy. For added sweetness, stir in a teaspoon of honey near the end. It’s quick, simple, and so flavorful!
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can swap in provolone or a mild part-skim mozzarella if that’s what you have. However, fresh mozzarella gives that classic Caprese taste and texture.
Is Grilled Chicken Caprese good for meal prep?
Definitely! Grill a batch of chicken breasts ahead of time, then assemble with fresh toppings just before eating for easy, satisfying lunches or dinners all week.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
You can easily mix your own using equal parts dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of garlic powder. It’ll capture those herby notes perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Grilled Chicken Caprese, you’ll understand why it’s a staple in my kitchen during the warmer months—and honestly, all year long. It’s light yet satisfying, bursting with vibrant flavor, and couldn’t be simpler to make. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and let this dish steal the show at your next meal!
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Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Grilled Chicken Caprese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze over perfectly grilled chicken breasts. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
- Extra olive oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to even thickness, then rub with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the chicken: Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked. During the last 2 minutes, top each piece with mozzarella slices to melt slightly.
- Assemble: Place the chicken on a platter, top with tomato and basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Pair with grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or arugula salad.
- You can make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
