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Mark Anthony

Grilled Chicken Caprese

Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy mozzarella, fresh cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a sweet balsamic glaze. This easy grilled chicken caprese recipe is the perfect summer dinner—healthy, gluten-free, and bursting with bold Italian flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

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

Method
 

  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.

Notes

Grilled Chicken Caprese – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform grilling and juicier results.
Marinate the chicken in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, and Italian herbs for at least 30 minutes to build flavor.
Grill over medium-high heat until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
Use fresh mozzarella slices and vine-ripened tomatoes—quality ingredients make all the difference in this simple dish.
Layer cheese and tomatoes onto the hot chicken right off the grill to help everything soften and melt slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and finish with fresh basil leaves for that classic Caprese touch.
Serve over arugula or baby greens for a light summer salad plate.
Pair with grilled vegetables, garlic bread, or a glass of chilled white wine.
Slice and stuff into ciabatta or focaccia for a gourmet sandwich version.
Great for cookouts, al fresco dinners, or a healthier twist on comfort food.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 12 hours in advance. Grill and assemble just before serving for best freshness.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze grilled (unassembled) chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and add Caprese toppings fresh.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet or oven, then add tomato, cheese, and basil just before serving.
Tasty Variations to Try
Stuffed Caprese Chicken: Butterfly and fill chicken with mozzarella, tomato, and basil before grilling or baking.
Pesto Twist: Spread a layer of pesto on the grilled chicken before topping with tomato and mozzarella.
Balsamic Mushroom Add-On: Add sautéed balsamic mushrooms for earthy richness.
Caprese Skewers: Cube the grilled chicken and serve on skewers with mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes.
Low-Carb Option: Skip bread and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a light, satisfying meal.