This Grilled Chicken Caprese is a tasty delight! Juicy grilled chicken is topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s light and bursting with flavor!
Who doesn’t love that satisfying moment when the cheese melts just right? I often make it for easy weeknight dinners—I can whip it up in no time, and it always impresses!
Serve it with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra touch. It’s a simple dish that feels special and makes my taste buds dance with joy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for grilling. If you want a change, try using chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. They tend to be more forgiving on the grill!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a rich flavor to the marinade. If you’re out of olive oil, canola or avocado oil works well as alternatives. They have a high smoke point, making them great for grilling.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a robust taste to the dish. If you prefer something milder, you can use garlic powder – about half a teaspoon of garlic powder equals one clove of minced garlic.
Fresh Mozzarella: The creaminess of fresh mozzarella is essential here. If you can’t find it, try using low-moisture mozzarella or even provolone for a different flavor but similar texture.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet finish. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with balsamic vinegar mixed with a little honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but with the right technique, it can be a breeze! Make sure to preheat the grill properly to ensure an even cook and nice grill marks.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes—longer for deeper flavor. It enhances both taste and tenderness.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side. Keep an eye on the chicken; it should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the last few minutes, add mozzarella and tomatoes to let them melt and blend together.
Don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in! Enjoy your meal with all those fresh flavors.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe will take about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes preparing and marinating the chicken, and then roughly 15 minutes cooking it on the grill. Perfect for a quick dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. It’s important to get it nice and hot so that your chicken cooks evenly and gets those beautiful grill marks.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This will be your tasty marinade! Stir well to combine everything.
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and coat it with the marinade, making sure it’s all evenly covered. Let the chicken sit and soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for up to 1 hour for an even richer flavor.
4. Grilling the Chicken:
Once marinated, place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked inside and have wonderful grill marks on the outside. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Adding the Toppings:
During the last few minutes of grilling, add a slice of fresh mozzarella and a slice of tomato on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt nicely on top.
6. Serving the Dish:
Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted, carefully remove the chicken from the grill. Drizzle some balsamic glaze over the top, garnish with the chopped fresh basil, and serve while warm. Enjoy your beautiful and tasty Grilled Chicken Caprese!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe, and they tend to be juicier. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, as thighs may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking to make this dish dairy-free, you can substitute the mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese alternative or simply omit it. For added flavor, consider adding more fresh basil or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze, a mixture of balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey or maple syrup can work in a pinch. Just drizzle it over the chicken before serving for that sweet-tangy finish!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the microwave or a skillet over low heat, covering it to keep the chicken moist. You can add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
