Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Grilled Chicken Caprese—a vibrant fusion of juicy, perfectly-grilled chicken breasts topped with melty mozzarella, sweet ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and a luscious drizzle of balsamic glaze. This dish captures the essence of summer on a plate, balancing savory, creamy, and tangy notes in every forkful. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that’s as colorful as it is delicious. Once you try it, Grilled Chicken Caprese will quickly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, you can create layers of flavor and texture that bring the Italian-inspired spirit of Grilled Chicken Caprese to life. Each element adds its own magic—from smooth mozzarella to aromatic basil—making this dish a feast for your senses.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces to ensure quick, even cooking and a juicy result.
- Olive oil: A drizzle keeps the chicken moist and brings out the best in the seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth that perfectly complements the lightness of the tomatoes and cheese.
- Italian seasoning: This classic blend ties together all the Mediterranean flavors for that signature kick.
- Salt and black pepper: Key for highlighting all the fresh flavors—season generously but taste as you go.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the hot chicken, creating gooey, creamy perfection.
- Tomatoes: Choose large, ripe tomatoes (bonus points for heirlooms) for sweetness and color.
- Fresh basil leaves: Layer on as much as your heart desires for an aromatic, peppery lift.
- Balsamic glaze: A sweet-tangy drizzle ties everything together for the ultimate finishing touch.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Chicken
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill is heating, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them soak in all the seasonings. Drizzle olive oil over both sides, then sprinkle each breast evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate for up to 30 minutes for even bigger flavor—it’s worth the wait!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill each side for about 6 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the juices run clear. Try not to move the chicken around too much, as this helps develop those beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices for extra tenderness.
Step 3: Add the Mozzarella
In the final minute of grilling, gently place a slice of fresh mozzarella cheese onto each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to let the cheese melt into a deliciously gooey layer—just watch closely so it doesn’t overcook. The cheese should be soft with a little stretch, blanketing the chicken.
Step 4: Rest and Top
Carefully remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes on a platter. This quick pause locks in the juices. Now, crown each piece with a few slices of ripe tomato and scatter plenty of fresh basil leaves over the top. The basil’s aroma is pure magic at this stage!
Step 5: Drizzle and Serve
Right before serving, give each chicken Caprese a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze—the sweet, tangy syrup not only tastes incredible but adds a lovely finish to the presentation. Serve immediately and get ready for smiles all around the table!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese
Garnishes
A flourish of fresh basil leaves really makes Grilled Chicken Caprese pop, both visually and flavor-wise. You can also scatter a pinch of flaky sea salt or a grind of black pepper on top for a final restaurant-worthy touch. For an extra burst of color, try adding microgreens or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts.
Side Dishes
This dish shines with simple, summery sides. Serve it alongside grilled asparagus, garlicky green beans, or a classic Italian pasta salad. For a lighter meal, a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the Caprese. Crusty bread is always a good idea—it’s perfect for swooping up any extra balsamic glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Grilled Chicken Caprese into sliders by slicing the chicken and serving it on mini buns with tomato and basil. Or slice the grilled chicken, fan it out over a bed of mixed greens, and use the mozzarella and tomatoes as salad toppings for a deconstructed Caprese experience. For parties, skewer bite-sized pieces of chicken, mozzarella, and tomato for tasty Caprese kebabs.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings (especially the basil) separate if possible to maintain their freshness and vibrant color. When storing, cool the chicken completely before refrigerating to lock in moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked, un-topped chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. For best results, freeze the chicken without cheese or tomato, adding those fresh after reheating. While the texture of mozzarella and tomatoes may change if frozen, the chicken itself thaws beautifully.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a covered skillet or in the oven at 325°F until heated through. If you’ve already topped it with mozzarella, cover loosely with foil to prevent the cheese from drying out. Add fresh tomatoes and basil just before serving to restore that vibrant, just-made flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic alternative in Grilled Chicken Caprese. Adjust the cooking time as thighs are typically thinner—they may cook a bit faster than breasts.
What’s the best way to make balsamic glaze at home?
You can easily make your own balsamic glaze by simmering 1 cup balsamic vinegar with 2 tablespoons honey or brown sugar in a saucepan over low heat until thickened and syrupy, about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool slightly before drizzling over your Grilled Chicken Caprese.
How do I get perfect grill marks?
To achieve picture-perfect grill marks, place the chicken on clean, well-oiled grill grates and avoid moving it around too soon. After placing it down, let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before rotating it 90 degrees for crosshatch marks.
Can I prepare Grilled Chicken Caprese on a grill pan?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works beautifully if outdoor grilling isn’t an option. Preheat the pan well and follow the same steps, just be mindful that cooking times can vary slightly based on the pan and stovetop heat.
Is Grilled Chicken Caprese gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought balsamic glaze to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives if you have concerns.
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Caprese is the dish that always delivers—simple, mouthwatering, and endlessly inviting. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own. Gather your favorite ingredients, fire up the grill, and turn an ordinary meal into a celebration of summer flavors. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of summer with this Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, grilled to perfection, topped with gooey mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Caprese Toppings:
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat the grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Grill chicken: Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Add toppings: Place mozzarella on each breast during the last minute of grilling to melt.
- Rest and serve: Remove chicken from the grill, let rest, then top with tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for added flavor before grilling.
- Opt for heirloom tomatoes for a colorful touch.
- Stovetop grill pan can be used as an alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
