If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of a classic Caprese salad but want to turn it into a hearty, satisfying meal, this Caprese Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy grilled chicken breasts seasoned perfectly with Italian herbs are topped with melted fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and a drizzle of luscious balsamic glaze. Each bite is a delightful combination of tender meat and the bright, summery notes that make Caprese dishes so irresistible. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that feels special yet comes together quickly, perfect for any weeknight or when you want to impress friends and family without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Caprese Chicken Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each component plays a key role: the chicken provides a lean, juicy base; the seasoning blend brings robust flavor; fresh mozzarella adds creamy richness; and ripe tomatoes and basil contribute freshness and color. The balsamic glaze ties everything together with a tangy, sweet finish.
- Chicken breasts (4, 5-7 oz, pounded): Pounding ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A fragrant herb mix that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Sea or kosher salt (2 tsp): Enhances all the ingredients without overpowering them.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a subtle, savory depth that complements the herbs.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Brings mild sweetness and complexity.
- Cracked black pepper (1 tsp): Offers a mild heat and aromatic zing.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
- Fresh mozzarella (8 oz, sliced): Melts beautifully and adds creamy richness to every bite.
- Vine-ripened tomatoes (2, sliced): Their juiciness and vibrant color brighten the dish.
- Fresh basil leaves (to taste): Provides that unmistakable sweet and peppery hint typical of Caprese.
- Aged balsamic or balsamic glaze (to taste): Adds a tangy sweetness that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding each chicken breast to an even thickness, just under 1 inch. This is a crucial step to ensure the chicken cooks uniformly, avoiding dry edges or rare centers. You can use a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy pan—whatever’s handy.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Mix together the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper to create a flavorful blend. Brush each chicken breast lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides generously with your seasoning. This layer of flavor will permeate the meat as it cooks, making every bite delightful.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to a high heat to get those beautiful grill marks and to lock in moisture. Cook the chicken breasts for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 155°F. This ensures the chicken is almost fully cooked but still tender and juicy.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Finish Grilling
Once the chicken is nearing done, top each breast evenly with slices of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid and continue cooking just until the cheese melts perfectly and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. This final step transforms the dish into a lush, gooey delight.
Step 5: Assemble with Tomatoes and Basil
Transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Layer each breast with fresh tomato slices and scatter fresh basil leaves on top. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and pepper, and then finish with a generous drizzle of aged balsamic or balsamic glaze, which adds a glossy, tangy touch that brightens all the flavors in this Caprese Chicken Recipe.
How to Serve Caprese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze are your best friends for garnishing this dish. They add not just flavor but also visual appeal with their vibrant green and deep caramel colors. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving can elevate the taste even more, making each bite irresistible.
Side Dishes
The fresh, bright nature of this Caprese Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp mixed green salad or garlic roasted asparagus. For a more substantial meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a fragrant lemon herb quinoa make excellent companions that don’t overshadow the main feature.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, consider plating each chicken breast on a square white plate with tomato and basil artfully layered on top, then finishing with balsamic drizzles using a squeeze bottle for a clean look. Alternatively, serve the chicken atop a bed of pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs to combine two classic Italian flavors into one beautiful presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Caprese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To preserve the best texture, keep the balsamic glaze separate until ready to serve again. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to skip adding fresh tomatoes and basil before freezing, as they don’t freeze well. Freeze only the cooked chicken topped with mozzarella in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Caprese chicken in a low oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat. This helps warm it through without drying it out. Add fresh tomato slices, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic after reheating to revive the fresh flavors this dish is known for.
FAQs
Can I bake the Caprese Chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! Bake the seasoned chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, adding the mozzarella topping in the last 5 minutes to melt. Baking produces a similarly juicy result with less hands-on time.
What can I use instead of fresh mozzarella?
If fresh mozzarella isn’t available, sliced provolone or mild mozzarella cheese works well too, although the texture will be a bit firmer and less creamy than fresh mozzarella.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Without pounding, you risk uneven cooking where the thinner edges may dry out while waiting for the center to cook through.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the mozzarella or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well. The fresh tomatoes, basil, and balsamic will still provide plenty of delicious flavor.
How do I make a homemade balsamic glaze?
To make balsamic glaze at home, simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until it reduces by half and thickens into a syrup. This concentrates its sweetness and tanginess perfectly for drizzling on the Caprese Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Chicken Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something fresh, flavorful, and satisfying without a ton of fuss. The blend of tender grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil is pure magic every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, whether for a casual family dinner or a special occasion. Trust me, once you taste it, it’ll be a favorite in your recipe collection too!
Print
Caprese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Caprese Chicken recipe offers a delicious and healthy twist on classic Caprese salad by combining grilled chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a balsamic glaze. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect meal for a quick weeknight dinner that’s flavorful and satisfying.
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 a little 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 the chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with the seasoning blend.
- Grill the chicken: Heat a grill to high heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 155°F, ensuring they’re cooked through but still juicy.
- Add toppings: Place slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Continue grilling just until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter. Top with sliced vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper as desired. Drizzle with aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze before serving for a burst of sweet tanginess.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
- If a grill is unavailable, the chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or under a broiler.
- Fresh mozzarella melts best when added near the end of grilling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper after topping with tomatoes and basil.
- The balsamic glaze adds a sweet and tangy flavor but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
