Grilled Caprese Chicken Recipe

This Grilled Caprese Chicken is summer on a plate: juicy grilled chicken breasts blanketed in melted fresh mozzarella, draped with ripe tomato slices and showered in fragrant basil, then finished with a drizzle of sweet-tart balsamic glaze. Get ready for a flavor-packed, vibrant main dish that’s as gorgeous as it is easy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of fresh, simple ingredients work together to create Grilled Caprese Chicken that truly shines. Each element has a job—adding juiciness, creaminess, zest, or essential color to the finished plate.

• Chicken Breasts: Look for boneless, skinless breasts you can pound to an even thickness—this ensures super juicy, even-cooking chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: This classic herb blend brings an earthy backbone that wakes up the entire dish.
• Sea or Kosher Salt: Essential for boosting flavor and keeping the chicken tender.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry favorites add depth and savory dimension—don’t skip them!
• Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly cracked is best for little pops of heat.
• Olive Oil: Helps lock in moisture and ensures those beautiful grill marks.
• Fresh Mozzarella: The secret to that dreamy, molten cheese layer—slice it nice and thick.
• Vine Ripened Tomatoes: Go for the juiciest, reddest ones you can find; they’ll melt into the chicken and cheese.
• Fresh Basil: The signature Caprese finish; tear or chiffonade just before serving for aroma that can’t be beat.
• Aged Balsamic or Balsamic Glaze: Adds the perfect sweet-tart finish to round out the flavors.

Variations

One of the best things about Grilled Caprese Chicken is how easily you can make it your own! Feel free to swap, add, or tweak ingredients for different dietary needs or to use what’s in your fridge.

• Make It Dairy-Free: Try a plant-based mozzarella alternative, or leave out the cheese and finish with extra tomato and basil for a lighter take.
• Add a Pesto Twist: Drizzle with basil pesto instead of balsamic for an herbal punch that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Go Grilled Veggie: Add grilled zucchini or eggplant slices atop the chicken for even more summer flavor and color.
• Use Thighs Instead: Prefer dark meat? Skinless, boneless chicken thighs stay extra juicy on the grill and work perfectly with Caprese flavors.

How to Make Grilled Caprese Chicken

Step 1: Pound and Prep the Chicken

Lay each chicken breast between sheets of parchment paper and gently pound it to an even thickness—just under 1 inch is perfect. This helps the chicken cook more evenly and stay tender and juicy, so don’t skip this short prep step!

Step 2: Season Generously

Combine the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Brush both sides of the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning blend all over. This creates a flavor-packed crust once it hits the grill.

Step 3: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill or grill pan on high. Cook the chicken for around 5–6 minutes per side, or until the thickest part reads 155°F. Remember, you’ll finish it with cheese and tomatoes, so don’t overcook!

Step 4: Add Cheese and Melt

Top each piece with two luscious slices of fresh mozzarella. Cover and cook another 2–3 minutes, until the cheese is gooey and the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Melty, stretchy goodness awaits!

Step 5: Finish with Caprese Magic

Transfer the chicken to a platter, then layer on the juicy tomato slices and scatter with fresh basil. Add a little extra salt and pepper if you love bold flavors. Finally, a generous drizzle of aged balsamic or glaze pulls all those Italian flavors together. Serve immediately and enjoy every colorful bite!

How to Serve Grilled Caprese Chicken

Garnishes

The classic garnish is a flurry of torn basil and a painterly drizzle of balsamic glaze, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a handful of microgreens amps up the elegance. For gorgeous color, try a finishing touch of freshly ground black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

Light, Mediterranean-inspired sides are perfect with Grilled Caprese Chicken. Think lemony orzo, a crisp green salad, tender grilled asparagus, or a hunk of crusty sourdough to soak up all those flavorful juices and melted cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, slice the chicken and layer it on a platter as a vibrant centerpiece with extra tomatoes and basil scattered over the top. Or serve individual breasts over a bed of arugula for a restaurant-worthy entree salad. Even quick skewers—threading cubes of grilled chicken, mozzarella, and cherry tomatoes—will wow at any backyard get together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Grilled Caprese Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Layer pieces with parchment paper to keep the cheese from sticking, and store any extra tomatoes or basil separately for best texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the grilled chicken (before topping with tomatoes or basil) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat and garnish with fresh cheese and toppings when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Gently reheat chicken in a 300°F oven, covered, until warmed through and the cheese is melty (about 10 minutes). Add fresh tomatoes and basil afterward so everything stays bright and fresh—just like when it was first served!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, colorful, and bursting with flavor, Grilled Caprese Chicken is pure joy on a plate. It’s destined to become a warm-weather favorite—give it a try and let your kitchen (or backyard!) celebrate those simple Italian classics that always hit the spot.

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