Grilled Chicken Caprese

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Introduction

When summer’s heat rolls in and backyard grills start sizzling, there’s one dish I always come back to: Grilled Chicken Caprese. It’s the kind of meal that instantly makes me think of sun-drenched patios, clinking glasses, and the bold, fresh flavors of summer. Imagine this—tender grilled chicken breasts seared to juicy perfection, topped with creamy fresh mozzarella that melts just enough, juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, and aromatic basil straight from the garden. Then comes the kicker: a rich balsamic glaze drizzled on top that ties it all together like a ribbon on a perfect present.

This isn’t your ordinary grilled chicken. It’s got that elevated Italian flair—like a Caprese salad reimagined as a protein-packed dinner. I love serving this when I want something that looks gourmet but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it delivers big-time flavor with simple, wholesome ingredients. And when you’ve got folks over? Watch their faces light up when this hits the table. It’s got that “wow” factor—without any fuss.

So grab your tongs, crank up the grill, and let’s bring the flavors of Italy to your backyard with this stunning grilled chicken caprese.

Perfect For:

• Summer cookouts and BBQs
• Weeknight dinners with a fresh twist
• Gluten-free meals
• Light and healthy meal prep
• Impressing guests with minimal effort

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Flavor-Packed: Juicy grilled chicken topped with creamy mozzarella, tangy balsamic glaze, and bright, fresh herbs.
• Healthy & Light: High in protein, naturally gluten-free, and low in carbs.
• Fast and Simple: Easy to prep and cooks quickly on the grill.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and serve cold or warm over greens or pasta.
• Visually Stunning: A colorful, vibrant dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Preparation and Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~320 per serving

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze

Ingredient Highlights:

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and perfect for absorbing smoky grill flavor.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Soft and creamy, melts beautifully over hot chicken.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, adding brightness to the dish.
• Balsamic Glaze: Adds depth, acidity, and a touch of sweetness.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic and essential for that classic Caprese flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and brush the grates with oil.
2. Prep the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and grill marks form.
4. Add Mozzarella: Place slices of mozzarella on each chicken breast during the last 1–2 minutes of grilling. Close the lid to melt.
5. Plate and Top: Transfer chicken to a serving platter. Top with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm.

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Serving Suggestions:

• Serve over arugula or mixed greens for a grilled chicken Caprese salad.
• Pair with garlic bread or grilled flatbread.
• Add a side of herbed couscous or quinoa for a heartier meal.
• Slice and stuff into a crusty baguette for a Caprese chicken sandwich.
• Serve with chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Additional Tips:

• Pound chicken breasts for even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature).
• Try heirloom tomatoes for color variety and flavor.
• Make your own balsamic glaze by reducing balsamic vinegar with a little honey.

Recipe Variations:

• Caprese Chicken Skewers
  • Turn this dish into a summer favorite by cutting the chicken into bite-sized chunks and threading them onto skewers with cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella balls. Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and grill until juicy and lightly charred. Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for that classic Caprese finish — perfect for BBQs or party platters.
• Stuffed Caprese Chicken
  • Elevate your weeknight dinner by butterflying boneless chicken breasts and stuffing them with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil leaves. Sear or bake until the cheese is melted and the chicken is perfectly juicy. Finish with balsamic reduction for an elegant, flavor-packed entrée.
• Caprese Pasta Bowl
  • Slice your cooked Caprese chicken and serve it over a bowl of al dente penne or rotini tossed in olive oil, garlic, fresh basil, and chopped tomatoes. Add extra mozzarella pearls and a swirl of balsamic glaze. It’s a hearty and satisfying twist that’s still light and fresh.
• Spicy Kick
  • Add heat to balance the creamy cheese and sweet balsamic by sprinkling the chicken with crushed red pepper flakes, or finish the dish with a light drizzle of hot honey or chili oil. That spicy-sweet combination adds a modern edge to this traditional favorite.
• Keto Version
  • Make it low-carb by using a sugar-free balsamic glaze or reduction and skipping any pasta or bread sides. Serve the chicken over a bed of garlicky cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles for a satisfying, keto-friendly plate that still bursts with Caprese flavor.

Storage and Freezing:

Refrigerator

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, but for best results, store the toppings (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) separately to keep everything fresh and avoid sogginess.

• Reheating Tip: When ready to reheat, remove the fresh toppings and gently warm the chicken in the microwave (about 60–90 seconds) or in a covered skillet over medium heat. Once heated through, add the mozzarella and tomatoes so they gently warm without losing their texture. Finish with fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic glaze just before serving.

Freezer

Caprese chicken can be frozen — but with a twist. For best texture, freeze only the grilled or baked chicken (without the toppings):

• Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thawing & Serving: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as above, then top with fresh sliced mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and basil to recreate the full Caprese experience without any loss of freshness or texture.

Reheat

There are several easy ways to reheat your Caprese chicken:

Oven: For larger portions, preheat your oven to 325°F, cover chicken with foil, and bake for 10–12 minutes. Add toppings at the end, just before serving.

Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Skillet: Warm over medium heat in a covered nonstick skillet for 4–6 minutes, flipping once. Add cheese and tomatoes for the last minute to help them soften gently.

Equipment Needed:

• Outdoor grill or grill pan
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving platter

FAQs (People Also Ask):

What is Grilled Chicken Caprese made of?
It’s made with grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze—just like a Caprese salad but heartier.

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?
Absolutely! Store-bought glaze works perfectly. You can also make your own with balsamic vinegar and honey.

What sides go well with Caprese chicken?
Salads, pasta, couscous, grilled bread, or even a bowl of soup pair beautifully with this dish.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Grill the chicken, store it in the fridge, and add toppings just before serving for a fresh finish.

Is this dish healthy?
Yes! It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and full of fresh, whole ingredients.

Can I use other cheese instead of mozzarella?
You can substitute mozzarella with burrata or provolone, though mozzarella is the traditional choice for Caprese.

Is grilled chicken Caprese good cold?
Yes, it’s delicious served cold over salad greens or as a chilled lunch option.

External Links:

• USDA Grilling Safety Tips
• Health Benefits of Tomatoes – Harvard School of Public Health

Conclusion

There’s something incredibly satisfying about making a dish that feels like summer on a plate—and this Grilled Chicken Caprese is exactly that. Every element plays its part: the smoky grilled chicken, the creamy mozzarella, the sweet burst of tomatoes, and that bright punch of fresh basil. All brought together by a balsamic glaze that ties the whole thing into something magical.

This recipe is one of my go-to’s not just because it’s easy, but because it always makes people smile. It’s fresh, it’s wholesome, and it looks like a million bucks with very little effort. I love that it can be part of a casual weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of a backyard get-together. It’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor—two things that make cooking worth it.

So go ahead—make this grilled chicken Caprese your own. Add your twist, pair it with your favorite side, and enjoy every bite. And hey—once you’ve plated it, snap a photo and include me in your post. I’d love to see how it turned out and how you made it yours.