If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with fresh flavors and effortlessly elegant, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is your new go-to. Marrying tender, juicy grilled chicken with the classic Italian trio of mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, it’s like a Caprese salad dressed up for dinner. The combination of seasoned chicken and melty cheese topped with a balsamic drizzle feels indulgent yet light, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or impressing guests. Once you try this Caprese Chicken Recipe, it might just become one of your favorite ways to savor simple, bright ingredients all in one satisfying plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on straightforward, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand or can easily find. Each component plays a special role in balancing flavors and textures—from the juicy chicken breast to the creamy mozzarella and zesty balsamic finish.
- 4 chicken breasts (5-7 oz each, pounded to even thickness): Ensures quick, even cooking and a tender bite every time.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Adds aromatic herbs that bring the Italian essence to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth that complements the chicken wonderfully.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: A mild savory touch that builds depth in the seasoning.
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper: Gives a little kick and complexity to the overall seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist on the grill.
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced: Brings creamy, melty goodness that’s essential to the Caprese vibe.
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the plate.
- Fresh basil leaves: A fragrant finish that lifts every bite with a burst of herbal freshness.
- Aged balsamic or balsamic glaze: Drizzled on top, it ties all the ingredients together with a hint of tangy sweetness.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding each chicken breast to an even thickness of just under an inch. This simple step is key because it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Plus, it helps create the perfect surface for your delicious toppings later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Brush the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil to help the seasonings adhere and then sprinkle the spice mix evenly over both sides. This seasoning blend is where so much of the classic Italian flavor begins, setting the foundation for your Caprese Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to a high temperature so you get those beautiful char marks and a flavorful crust. Grill each chicken breast for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature hits 155°F. This cooking time gets the chicken nearly done while keeping it moist and tender, ready for the next step.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella and Finish Grilling
Top each piece of chicken with two slices of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid and cook for another few minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches a safe 165°F temperature. This step transforms this simple grilled chicken into the decadent Caprese Chicken Recipe we adore, with gooey cheese that melts just right.
Step 5: Assemble with Tomatoes, Basil, and Balsamic
Remove the chicken from the grill and arrange it on a platter. Top each breast with vibrant slices of vine-ripened tomato and fresh basil leaves, then lightly season with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. Finally, drizzle aged balsamic or balsamic glaze over the top to bring that irresistible sweet and tangy finish. In just a few minutes, your Caprese Chicken Recipe is ready to serve!
How to Serve Caprese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil is an essential garnish because it adds a pop of green color and a refreshing herbal note. Drizzling a balsamic glaze or aged balsamic vinegar right before serving amps up the flavor visually and taste-wise, creating a glossy, irresistible coating. You can also sprinkle a little flaky sea salt for an extra burst of texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This Caprese Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement without overpowering. Think light and bright: a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or some buttery mashed potatoes. For a healthy carb option, serve alongside quinoa or a light pasta tossed with olive oil and herbs to keep the Italian vibe alive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make an impression, try stacking the chicken on a bed of pesto-infused polenta or serve individual portions on rustic wooden boards with extra basil sprigs and tomato wedges. Another fun idea is to skewer the chicken with tomatoes and basil leaves to create Caprese-style kebabs that are perfect for easy entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover Caprese Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The fresh basil and tomato topping is best added fresh when reheating, so store them separately if possible to preserve their flavor and texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the fresh tomato and basil toppings. Store the grilled chicken with melted mozzarella in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and finishing with fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic.
Reheating
The stove or oven works best for reheating to maintain juiciness and avoid rubbery chicken. Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, covering to melt the cheese again gently. Add fresh tomato slices, basil, and balsamic glaze after warming to keep their vibrant freshness intact.
FAQs
Can I make this Caprese Chicken Recipe in the oven instead of the grill?
Absolutely! You can bake the seasoned chicken breasts at 400°F for about 20 minutes, then add mozzarella and bake another 5 minutes until melted. Finish with tomatoes and basil right before serving.
What’s the difference between balsamic vinegar and balsamic glaze?
Balsamic glaze is a reduced, thicker, and sweeter version of balsamic vinegar, making it perfect for drizzling. You can use either, but the glaze tends to coat the chicken beautifully and adds a sweeter finish.
Can I use other types of cheese instead of fresh mozzarella?
Fresh mozzarella is the best choice for its creamy melt and mild flavor, but burrata or fresh provolone could work as alternatives. Avoid aged cheeses as they won’t melt the same way or complement the fresh tomato and basil flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The initial grilling and then melting the cheese finish the cooking perfectly in this recipe.
Is this Caprese Chicken Recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly for a fresh-tasting lunch or dinner. Just keep the toppings separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you love fresh Italian flavors but want something a little heartier than a salad, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is pure magic. It’s simple to prepare, impressive to serve, and bursting with bright, comforting flavors that feel just like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your weeknight rotation or special occasion table—trust me, it will wow everyone!
Print
Caprese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Caprese Chicken recipe features juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs and topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer cookout.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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
Toppings
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 even pieces
- 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced into ½” slices
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- Aged balsamic or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of slightly less than 1 inch to ensure uniform cooking.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Brush each chicken breast with olive oil, then evenly sprinkle the seasoning mixture on both sides.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill to high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C).
- Add toppings: Top each chicken breast with two slices of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the chicken’s internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Assemble: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to a serving platter. Top with vine-ripened tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
- To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices.
- Adjust seasoning and balsamic glaze according to your taste preference.
