If you’re craving a recipe that feels like summer on a plate—fresh, vibrant, and bursting with classic Italian flavors—look no further than Grilled Chicken Caprese. This dish is a swoon-worthy twist on the traditional caprese salad, featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts layered with slices of ripe tomato, creamy mozzarella, fragrant basil, and finished with a glossy drizzle of balsamic glaze. Every bite is a celebration of bold colors, gorgeous textures, and garden-fresh taste, making it an absolute favorite for both busy weeknights and backyard gatherings.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Chicken Caprese is all about celebrating simple, high-quality ingredients and letting each one shine. From the creamy mozzarella to the tangy kiss of balsamic glaze, every element has its role in building layers of flavor you’ll absolutely love.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect canvas for soaking up Italian seasonings and bringing hearty protein to your plate.
Olive Oil: A generous drizzle keeps the chicken juicy and adds fruity, rich undertones—use the best extra virgin olive oil you have.
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs infuses the chicken with the unmistakable aroma and depth of Mediterranean cooking.
Salt: Enhances all those gorgeous flavors and helps to tenderize the meat as it grills.
Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and a floral kick that balances out the richness of the dish.
Tomatoes: Thick, juicy slices of fresh tomato add sweetness and vibrant color between every layer.
Fresh Mozzarella: For that luscious, melty finish, nothing beats thick slices of creamy mozzarella.
Balsamic Glaze: This sweet and tangy syrup is the (literal) crowning glory, tying every bite together with a glossy finish.
Fresh Basil Leaves: A handful of torn basil lends garden-fresh aroma and a pop of lively green to your Grilled Chicken Caprese.
Extra Olive Oil: A final drizzle before serving adds a touch of richness and helps all those fresh flavors shine.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese

Step 1: Prepare Your Chicken

Start by brushing your chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides; this simple step ensures the seasoning sticks and prevents sticking on the grill. Generously sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over each piece, turning them into the stars of your caprese-inspired dinner.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Set your grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s ready, place the chicken on the hot grates. Grill each breast for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping only once to lock in all those tasty juices and develop those irresistible char marks.

Step 3: Caprese Topping Magic

With just a couple minutes left of grill time, top each piece of chicken with a thick tomato slice and a round of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid, allowing the gentle heat to melt the cheese ever so slightly while the tomatoes release just a bit of their sweet juices.

Step 4: Finish with Flair

Remove your chicken from the grill and immediately drizzle each piece with glossy balsamic glaze. Don’t forget the fresh basil leaves—a handful torn over the top provides that peppery aroma and a visual wow-factor. A drizzle of good olive oil is the perfect final touch.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a flourish of extra basil, or even a little cracked black pepper elevates your Grilled Chicken Caprese to showstopper status. Try dressing the plate with a few additional tomato or mozzarella slices for color and drama.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with almost anything: roasted vegetables, a bowl of al dente pasta, or a crisp green salad bring out the Italian flair. Crusty grilled bread is welcome too—perfect for mopping up all those juices and gooey cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve individual Grilled Chicken Caprese portions on a long platter, or slice the chicken on the bias and fan it out, topping with the caprese fixings. You can even tuck everything into baguette halves for an epic sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Grilled Chicken Caprese fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep extra basil and balsamic glaze on hand for a quick refresh when serving again.

Freezing

You can freeze the grilled chicken for up to two months, but wait to add the mozzarella, tomato, basil, and glaze until serving fresh. This ensures that those vibrant toppings maintain their best taste and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, let the chicken come to room temperature first, then warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Add fresh mozzarella and tomato just before serving so your Grilled Chicken Caprese tastes as bright as the day you made it.

FAQs

Can I use a grill pan if I don’t have an outdoor grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan on the stovetop works beautifully for Grilled Chicken Caprese and delivers those signature sear marks, so you can enjoy this dish year-round.

What kind of tomatoes work best?

Heirloom or beefsteak tomatoes are ideal, but any ripe, in-season tomato with a deep red color will shine in this recipe and maximize that classic caprese flavor.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free Grilled Chicken Caprese, swap in your favorite plant-based mozzarella alternative. Just make sure it’s sliceable and melts well for the authentic caprese experience.

How do I make my own balsamic glaze?

Simply simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat until thickened and syrupy, usually about 10-15 minutes. Add a teaspoon of honey for extra sheen and sweetness if you like.

What’s the best way to marinate the chicken?

For even more depth, marinate your chicken breasts in olive oil, a little garlic, and Italian seasoning for up to 30 minutes before grilling. This step infuses them with bold Mediterranean flavor and makes them ultra tender.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a caprese fanatic or just looking for a breezy, flavorful main dish, Grilled Chicken Caprese has you covered. It’s just the thing to impress your friends, wake up your weeknight dinner routine, or celebrate the tastes of summer all year long. Give it a try—you’re going to have a new kitchen favorite!

Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Grilled Chicken Caprese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of a classic Caprese salad with tender grilled chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summertime barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Caprese Toppings:

2 large tomatoes, sliced
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves
Extra olive oil for drizzling

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Instructions

Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Grill the Chicken: Grill chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Add Toppings: In the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with a slice of tomato and mozzarella. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt slightly.
Finish and Serve: Remove chicken from the grill, drizzle with balsamic glaze, and garnish with fresh basil. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired