Grilled Chicken Caprese is a tasty dish that combines juicy grilled chicken, fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s colorful and packed with flavor!
This meal is perfect for summer cookouts or a cozy dinner. I love drizzling it with a bit of balsamic glaze for an extra zing. Plus, it looks fantastic on the plate! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling because they cook evenly. If you want a different option, try chicken thighs for more juiciness and flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds both moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well, too. It has a high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, make your own mix using equal parts oregano and basil, adding thyme and rosemary if you like. This brings a fresh taste to the dish.
Fresh Mozzarella: The creamy texture of fresh mozzarella is key to this recipe. If unavailable, try burrata for its rich flavor, or even a good-quality low-fat mozzarella if you want to reduce calories.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet and tangy finish. If you don’t have glaze, you can quickly make a balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens. Just keep an eye on it to avoid burning!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Getting the chicken perfectly grilled is essential for this dish. Start by smashing the chicken to an even thickness—this helps it cook evenly and quickly. Using a meat mallet works best, but a rolling pin can do the trick too.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—this is crucial for getting those nice grill marks.
- Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and seasonings well. This not only flavors the chicken but also prevents sticking.
- Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, ensuring the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C).
- Add the mozzarella during the last 2 minutes of cooking. This will let it melt perfectly without overcooking the chicken.
Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before slicing. This step helps keep it juicy! Enjoy your meal with confidence!
Grilled Chicken Caprese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano and basil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder or minced garlic for extra flavor
For the Toppings:
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or balsamic reduction
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to grill. So in total, you’ll be enjoying this meal in about 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or lunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure you get those beautiful grill marks and crispy edges on your chicken.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken breasts are uneven in thickness, gently pound them to create an even thickness. This helps them cook uniformly, so you don’t end up with dry spots.
3. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional garlic. Rub this mixture generously over both sides of each chicken breast, ensuring they’re well coated.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and watch for those beautiful grill marks!
5. Add the Mozzarella:
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, place the slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt beautifully.
6. Assemble the Caprese:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh tomato, then sprinkle the fresh basil over the top.
7. Drizzle the Balsamic Glaze:
To finish, drizzle the balsamic glaze over everything for that rich, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and fresh ingredients.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the Grilled Chicken Caprese warm and enjoy the delightful flavors of this fresh and tasty dish!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and juiciness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to reach 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Glaze?
No worries! You can easily make your own balsamic reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar over low heat until it’s thickened and syrupy. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Caprese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or grill pan on the stove. Just make sure to use medium-high heat and follow the same cooking times for best results!
