Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken: A Flavorful Summer Delight

Name: Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs); 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves; 3 tbsp balsamic glaze; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

By Elisa Levine

June 26, 2025

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When you think of summer, what comes to mind? The sun shining, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees, and the mouthwatering aroma of something delicious sizzling on the grill. Now imagine that something is Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken. This dish is like a culinary hug: warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Juicy chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a symphony of taste that will make your taste buds dance.

I still remember the first time I tried this delightful recipe at a backyard barbecue hosted by my neighbor. As soon as I took a bite, I knew I had struck gold. The combination of creamy cheese and juicy tomatoes mingled together in perfect harmony. It quickly became my go-to dish for summer gatherings, family dinners, or even just an indulgent weeknight meal when I wanted to impress myself (and my dog). Are you ready to elevate your dinner plans with this easy yet impressive dish? Let’s dive in!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken is quick to prepare and packed with flavor that everyone will love
The vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece for any meal
You can easily swap out ingredients for personal preferences or seasonal produce
Perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor cooking on those rainy days!

Ingredients for Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 chicken breasts that are evenly sized to ensure they cook uniformly.
Fresh Mozzarella Balls: Opt for high-quality mozzarella; the creamy texture will elevate the entire dish.
Cherry Tomatoes: Select ripe cherry tomatoes for sweetness; they add a burst of color and flavor.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Use fragrant basil leaves to complement the other ingredients with their aromatic essence.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy sweetness; store-bought works perfectly or make your own!
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances flavors and helps grill the chicken to perfection.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; use freshly cracked pepper for an extra kick!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken

How to Make Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Grill

Get your grill nice and hot by preheating it to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C). A well-heated grill ensures those beautiful grill marks while sealing in juices.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the grill heats up, take your boneless chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over them for added moisture during grilling.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Cook them for about six to seven minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) or until they’re no longer pink inside.

Step 4: Add Toppings

Just before removing the chicken from the grill, top each breast with fresh mozzarella balls and halved cherry tomatoes. Close the lid for a couple of minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.

Step 5: Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

Once everything is grilled to perfection, remove those beauties from the heat. Drizzle balsamic glaze over each piece while they’re still warm so it seeps into every crevice.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top off each serving with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Transfer everything onto plates and watch as your loved ones marvel at your culinary wizardry!

Now all that’s left is to dig in! Trust me when I say that every bite will have you saying “Mamma Mia!”—or at least thinking it while wiping away happy tears from all that flavor goodness!

You Must Know

This amazing Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best results with your Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken, start by marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes. While it’s soaking up all those delicious flavors, prep your grill and slice your tomatoes and mozzarella. Cook the chicken to a perfect golden brown, then layer with fresh basil.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken by swapping out the mozzarella for burrata, or adding a sprinkle of balsamic glaze for extra sweetness. Want to spice things up? A dash of crushed red pepper flakes never hurt anybody!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about 1-2 minutes or warm it gently on the stovetop to keep it juicy and flavorful.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfectly grilled chicken, always let it rest after cooking; this keeps it juicy and tender
Don’t skip marinating—it’s where all that flavor magic happens!
Finally, fresh basil should be added last to preserve its vibrant color and taste

Sometimes I whip up this Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken for friends, and their delighted faces are priceless—like I’ve just revealed the secret to eternal happiness!

FAQs :

What is Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken?

Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken is a delicious and simple dish that combines grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil. It captures the classic flavors of a Caprese salad while providing a hearty protein option. This dish not only offers great taste but also brings together fresh ingredients that are healthy and vibrant. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a weeknight dinner, Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks.

How do I prepare Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken?

To prepare Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken, start by marinating your chicken breasts in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Allow them to soak up the flavors for at least 15 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. In the last few minutes of grilling, add slices of fresh mozzarella on top of the chicken to melt. Once done, layer with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil before serving.

Can I customize Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken?

Yes! One of the great things about Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken is its versatility. You can modify the recipe to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding avocado slices for creaminess or using different types of cheese like goat cheese or feta. You might also incorporate spices like oregano or crushed red pepper for added flavor. Feel free to experiment with different marinades or toppings to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.

What sides pair well with Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken?

Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken pairs wonderfully with various sides that complement its fresh flavors. Consider serving it alongside a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as zucchini and bell peppers. Garlic bread or quinoa salad are also excellent choices that enhance the meal without overshadowing the chicken’s delightful taste. These side dishes ensure a well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy.

Conclusion for Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken :

Easy Grilled Caprese Chicken is a delightful dish that combines simplicity with flavor. With just a few ingredients—chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil—you can create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The marinated chicken serves as an excellent base for the fresh toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients and serve it alongside complementary sides for a complete dining experience. Enjoy this flavorful dish at your next gathering!

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