Grilled Chicken Caprese with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Caprese is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together tender grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, offering impressive taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts (5-7 oz each), pounded to even thickness
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 even pieces
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into ½-inch slices
- Fresh basil, to taste
- Aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place one chicken breast on a sheet of parchment paper. Fold the paper over the chicken and use a rolling pin to pound it to an even thickness slightly less than 1 inch. Set aside and repeat with the remaining breasts.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Stir well to blend the spices.
- Step 3: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Step 4: Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F using an instant-read thermometer.
- Step 5: Top each chicken breast with two slices of fresh mozzarella. Cover and continue grilling for 3 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Step 6: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Top each breast with 2-3 tomato slices, sprinkle with fresh basil, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 7: Drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the top just before serving. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- Use a grill cover or an inverted cake pan to help melt the cheese evenly without drying out the chicken.
- If doubling the recipe on a grill pan, cook the chicken in batches to 155°F, keep warm covered, then add mozzarella and finish in a 500°F oven for 2-4 minutes.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with arugula or fresh oregano for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or covered skillet to prevent drying out. Adding fresh basil and a light drizzle of balsamic after reheating will revive the flavors.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook and may not cook evenly with this recipe’s timing. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness work best for consistent grilling and melting the cheese properly.
What if I don’t have a grill or grill pan?
You can cook the chicken in a hot skillet on the stove and finish under a broiler to melt the mozzarella. Just watch closely to avoid burning the cheese or drying out the chicken.
PrintGrilled Chicken Caprese with Fresh Mozzarella, Tomatoes, and Basil Recipe
This Chicken Caprese recipe is a quick and impressive dish perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are seasoned and topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a satisfying Italian-inspired meal that’s simple to prepare and packed with fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 chicken breasts (5–7 oz each), pounded to even thickness
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Caprese Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 even pieces
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into ½ inch slices
- Fresh basil, to taste
- Aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place one chicken breast onto a sheet of parchment paper, fold the paper over, and pound to an even thickness of just less than 1 inch using a rolling pin. Set aside and repeat with the remaining breasts.
- Mix seasoning: Combine Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper in a small bowl and stir well to blend.
- Season the chicken: Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning blend on both sides.
- Grill the chicken: Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. Do not cook fully yet to avoid dryness.
- Add mozzarella: Top each chicken breast with 2 slices of fresh mozzarella. Cover the grill or pan to help the cheese melt and continue grilling for another 3 minutes until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Assemble and serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Layer with 2-3 slices of tomato and sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Just before serving, drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or glaze. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Avoid cooking chicken to 165°F before adding cheese to prevent overcooked dry meat.
- Using a cover on your grill pan or closing a grill helps melt cheese evenly; an inverted cake pan works well.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check chicken temperature precisely, especially when cheese prevents usual doneness testing.
- To double the recipe using a grill pan, cook chicken in batches to 155°F, keep warm covered on a baking sheet, then top with mozzarella and melt cheese in a 500°F oven for 2-4 minutes until 165°F internal temp.
Keywords: Chicken Caprese, grilled chicken, fresh mozzarella chicken, Italian chicken recipe, summer dinner, balsamic chicken
