Grilled Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella
Grilled Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella is a vibrant and hearty dish that combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and aromatic basil. Inspired by the classic Caprese salad, this recipe offers a bold flavor harmony perfect for a healthy, elegant, and refreshing meal ideal for summer or any occasion.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Caprese Topping
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced (preferably vine-ripened or heirloom)
- Fresh basil leaves, a handful
Finishing Touch
- Balsamic glaze (optional), for drizzling
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by gently pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook uniformly. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has those beautiful grill marks. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.
- Assemble the Caprese Topping: Slice fresh mozzarella and tomatoes into even pieces. Layer them on top of each chicken breast, alternating slices, and then add fresh basil leaves for a vibrant, herbal touch.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the chicken back on the grill or under a broiler for about 2 minutes to gently melt the mozzarella until it’s warm and soft without losing its shape.
- Finish with Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a balsamic glaze over the assembled chicken just before serving to introduce a sweet, tangy contrast that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
Notes
- Don’t skip resting: Allowing the chicken to rest after grilling ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Mozzarella and tomatoes melt and flavor the dish best when not straight from the fridge.
- Grill with indirect heat: If your grill is very hot, use indirect heat to finish melting cheese without burning the chicken.
- Brush with oil: Lightly oil both the grill grates and chicken to prevent sticking and get those perfect grill marks.
- Fresh basil last: Add basil right before serving to preserve its bright color and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, Caprese chicken, mozzarella chicken, summer chicken recipe, healthy chicken, low carb chicken