Description
Grilled Caprese Chicken with Mozzarella is a fresh, vibrant Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with melted fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, aromatic basil, and drizzled with a tangy balsamic glaze. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, this healthy and visually stunning recipe offers a perfect balance of rich and refreshing flavors ideal for a nutritious weeknight meal or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, evenly sized
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2–3 ripe vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Lightly pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure uniform grilling. Marinate them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper for 15-20 minutes to infuse deep flavors.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), achieving beautiful grill marks while keeping the meat juicy.
- Add Mozzarella and Tomatoes: Once the chicken is cooked, top each breast with slices of fresh mozzarella and ripe tomatoes. Close the grill lid for 2-3 minutes to slightly melt the cheese and warm the tomatoes.
- Garnish with Basil and Balsamic: Remove the chicken from the grill, scatter fresh basil leaves over the top, and finish by drizzling with balsamic glaze to enhance the iconic Caprese flavor.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness and avoid overcooking.
- Slice tomatoes and mozzarella in advance to speed up assembly.
- Choose fresh mozzarella rather than pre-shredded for better melt and creaminess.
- Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
- Use a high-quality, light balsamic glaze to complement the delicate flavors without overpowering them.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg