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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Heat outdoor grill to medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions for the chicken.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken on the grill, cooking approximately 5-7 minutes per side to ensure even doneness and develop beautiful grill marks.
- Verify chicken’s internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee thorough cooking.
- During the final cooking minute, strategically layer thin slices of ripe tomato and creamy mozzarella cheese atop each chicken breast.
- Briefly close grill lid to allow cheese to melt and tomatoes to warm slightly, creating a delectable topping.
- Carefully transfer grilled chicken to serving platter, garnishing generously with vibrant, freshly torn basil leaves.
- 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