Caprese Grilled Chicken

If summer had a flavor, I think it would taste like this caprese grilled chicken. Juicy chicken off the grill, melty fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a little drizzle of balsamic glaze on top. It is light and fresh but still filling, and it makes me feel like I have my life together even on the days I clearly do not.

This is one of those meals that looks impressive enough for company but is genuinely so simple. I make it constantly once the garden tomatoes start coming in, and it never gets old.

Let your ingredients shine

The whole magic of anything caprese is the quality of the ingredients. This is the time to splurge on the good fresh mozzarella and grab the ripest, reddest tomatoes you can find. When the produce is at its peak, you barely have to do anything and it tastes incredible.

Fresh basil is non negotiable for me here. The smell alone when you tear the leaves over the warm chicken is half the joy of making this dish.

Tips for juicy grilled chicken

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook quickly and stay juicy. Nobody likes a dry chicken breast, and that thin even shape is the easiest insurance against it. Pull it off the grill the moment it is cooked through and let it rest a couple of minutes before topping.

Add the mozzarella in the last couple of minutes on the grill so it gets just melty, then pile on the tomatoes and basil after. That balsamic glaze at the end ties everything together with a sweet tangy finish.

Caprese Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella sliced
• 2 ripe tomatoes sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze

Method

 

1. In a bowl, whisk the olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
3. Grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through and the juices run clear.
4. In the last 2 minutes, top each piece with mozzarella and close the lid to let it melt.
5. Transfer to a platter, layer on the tomatoes and basil, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Notes

Use the ripest summer tomatoes and good fresh mozzarella for the best flavor. A drizzle of balsamic glaze right before serving makes it special.

A fresh take on weeknight chicken

This is the meal I make when I want dinner to feel a little brighter and a little more special without any extra effort. Serve it with crusty bread or a simple pasta and you have a dinner that tastes like the best parts of summer.

So glad you are here.
xo, Pam