Juicy Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe: A Zesty Summer Delight

Summer nights call for a mouthwatering grilled chicken caprese that combines fresh Mediterranean flavors with smoky charred goodness.

Fragrant basil leaves and juicy tomatoes create a vibrant canvas for perfectly seasoned chicken.

Creamy mozzarella melts delicately over warm meat, adding rich texture to each bite.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Your grill becomes a magical stage where Italian-inspired ingredients dance together in delicious harmony.

Layers of bright, zesty flavors promise a delightful dinner that will impress everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible dish.

Best Chicken Caprese Cooking Advice

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken rest with seasoning for 15-30 minutes before grilling to allow herbs and spices to penetrate deeply and enhance taste.
• Check Chicken Doneness Perfectly: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F, preventing dryness while guaranteeing safe cooking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Close grill lid briefly when adding mozzarella to create a quick, even melt without overcooking the chicken.
• Balsamic Drizzle Magic: Choose a high-quality balsamic glaze for rich, tangy flavor that complements the fresh basil and creamy mozzarella.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Confirm all ingredients like Italian seasoning and balsamic glaze are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.

Save Grilled Chicken Caprese for Another Day

• Store leftover grilled chicken caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep fresh basil leaves separate to prevent wilting.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add fresh mozzarella and basil after reheating for best flavor.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to avoid tough chicken. Drizzle extra balsamic glaze to restore moisture.
• Consume refrigerated leftovers within 3 days for optimal taste and texture. Discard if chicken develops an unusual smell or appearance.

Great Companions to Grilled Chicken Caprese

• Select a light, refreshing white wine with citrus and floral notes that beautifully complement the grilled chicken's herbal seasonings and cut through the rich mozzarella.
• Create a classic Italian-inspired side dish featuring sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves drizzled with olive oil, echoing the chicken's flavor profile and adding textural contrast.
• Prepare warm, toasted bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the balsamic glaze and provide a delightful crunchy accompaniment that enhances the meal's Mediterranean essence.
• Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette, creating a zesty green side that balances the chicken's richness and adds a fresh, bright element to the plate.

Grilled Chicken Caprese, Reimagined

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace balsamic glaze with sugar-free balsamic reduction and serve chicken over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for fewer carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap mozzarella with dairy-free cashew cheese or nutritional yeast sprinkles to accommodate lactose-sensitive individuals while maintaining creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and top with za'atar-roasted cherry tomatoes instead of fresh slices for an herbal Mediterranean profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Use grilled portobello mushrooms or firm tofu as a chicken replacement, maintaining identical seasoning and cooking techniques for plant-based protein option.

Grilled Chicken Caprese with a Burst of Freshness

• Quickly Grill Classic Caprese Chicken
• Rub chicken with just a few pantry staples like olive oil and Italian seasoning, creating maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Grill chicken in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous weekend gatherings with friends and family.
• Transform basic ingredients into a stunning dish that looks and tastes like something from an Italian restaurant, impressing guests without complex techniques.
• Lean protein meets fresh ingredients, making this recipe an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters who don't want to compromise on taste.

Caprese Chicken Ingredients You’ll Love

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the dish, best when boneless and skinless.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and prevents chicken from sticking to grill.
• Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste.

• Fresh Mozzarella: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully on hot chicken.
• Fresh Tomato Slices: Adds bright, juicy flavor and classic Caprese element.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides aromatic, herbaceous finish to the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and tangy sauce that complements the grilled chicken.

Cooking Grilled Chicken Caprese Just Right

Step 1: Massage Chicken with Flavor

• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the chicken absorb the seasonings while preparing the grill.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature. Place chicken breasts on the grates and cook with the lid closed. Grill each side until golden brown and chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 3: Melt Cheese Topping

• Fresh tomato slices
• Mozzarella cheese

Close the grill lid briefly to help cheese melt and soften.

Step 4: Garnish and Plate

Transfer grilled chicken to a serving platter. Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top. Drizzle balsamic glaze generously across the chicken for a tangy finish.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Enjoy the chicken while hot, savoring the melted cheese and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a quick summer dinner or casual gathering.

Get the Answers on Chicken Caprese

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs or cutlets instead of chicken breasts. Just adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the meat and ensure it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• Is there a substitute for fresh mozzarella?

Absolutely! You can use provolone, fontina, or even shredded mozzarella if fresh isn’t available. Each cheese will give a slightly different flavor to the dish.

• How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices should run clear.

• Can I make this recipe indoors if I don't have a grill?

Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F. Just ensure you get a nice golden-brown exterior and reach the correct internal temperature.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Summer sizzles with this Grilled Chicken Caprese, blending Italian classics and backyard barbecue charm. Juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil create a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece you’ll crave all season long.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.13 kilograms)

Seasonings and Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish:

• 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 8 ounces (226 grams) fresh mozzarella, sliced
• ¼ cup (15 grams) fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze, for drizzling

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken breasts with a blend of olive oil, aromatic Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the flavors to penetrate while preparing the grill.
2. Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions for the chicken.
3. Carefully place seasoned chicken on the grill, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side to ensure even doneness and develop beautiful grill marks.
4. Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee thorough cooking.
5. During the final cooking minute, strategically layer thin slices of ripe tomato and creamy mozzarella cheese atop each chicken breast.
6. Briefly close grill lid to allow cheese to melt and tomatoes to warm slightly, creating a delectable topping.
7. Carefully transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, garnishing generously with vibrant, freshly torn basil leaves.
8. Complete the dish with an elegant drizzle of rich, tangy balsamic glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile and visual appeal.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts of even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the olive oil and spices adhere better and create a delicious crispy exterior.
• For a lighter version, swap mozzarella with low-fat cheese or use fresh goat cheese for a tangy twist.
• Marinate chicken for 30 minutes before grilling to infuse more flavor and keep the meat tender and juicy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 3.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg