Description
This Grilled Caprese Chicken recipe is a flavorful and healthy meal featuring juicy, marinated chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella cheese and a fresh, tangy cherry tomato basil salad glazed with balsamic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a stylish weekend cookout, the dish combines classic Italian Caprese flavors with simple, grilled chicken for a satisfying and colorful plate.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts (thighs can also be used)
- 2 tsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Caprese Topping
- 4-6 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ red onion, diced
- 2-3 Tbsp balsamic glaze (plus more for serving)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half if they are large. Place them in a large ziplock bag and gently pound with a mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken breasts with 1 tsp of olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Make sure each piece is coated well with the seasoning.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. If using a skillet or grill pan on stovetop, add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil and allow it to heat before adding the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts onto the hot grill or skillet. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on one side until nicely seared, then flip and cook for another 7-8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Make the Tomato Basil Salad: While the chicken is cooking, combine sliced cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped basil, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, and 1-2 Tbsp balsamic glaze in a bowl. Mix well to coat.
- Add the Mozzarella Cheese: When the chicken is close to being done (about 12-15 minutes total cooking time), place slices of mozzarella on top of each piece. If grilling, close the grill lid to help the cheese melt. If using a skillet, cover it for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Spoon the fresh tomato basil salad over each chicken piece, drizzle with additional balsamic glaze if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken to an even thickness ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
- If you don’t have balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until thickened.
- Chicken thighs can be used for a slightly richer flavor and tender texture.
- Use fresh mozzarella for best melting and flavor.
- Resting the chicken a few minutes after cooking keeps it moist.
- You can prepare the tomato basil salad ahead and refrigerate, but add it just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
