The Best Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe for Summer Dinners

Grilled chicken caprese enhances ordinary dinner into a vibrant culinary experience that celebrates fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Summer’s most beloved ingredients dance together in this elegant dish, creating a symphony of taste and texture.

Tender chicken breasts become the perfect canvas for bright, zesty accompaniments that elevate simple proteins.

Basil’s aromatic essence intertwines with juicy tomatoes and creamy mozzarella, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Light yet satisfying, this recipe balances protein-rich chicken with delicate, garden-fresh elements that bring joy to every bite.

Each ingredient contributes its unique character, weaving a narrative of color, aroma, and irresistible taste.

You’ll fall in love with this straightforward yet impressive meal that turns an ordinary evening into a gourmet celebration.

Grilled Chicken Caprese for a Fresh Take on Classic Flavors

• Burst with Caprese Flavors: This grilled chicken recipe celebrates the classic Italian Caprese combination, delivering a mouthwatering blend of melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic basil that dances on your taste buds.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: With simple seasoning and easy grilling techniques, home cooks can create a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes, making gourmet meals accessible to everyone.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal Solution: Lean chicken breast paired with fresh ingredients provides a protein-packed, low-carb dinner option that's both healthy and incredibly satisfying, perfect for busy weeknight meals or casual summer gatherings.

Ingredients That Elevate Grilled Chicken Caprese

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and lean protein, choose fresh or thawed chicken with no discoloration or odd smell.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb and spice mix that adds depth and traditional Italian flavor profile to the chicken.

• Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy, mild cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich texture to the grilled chicken.
• Fresh Tomato: Juicy and bright ingredient that provides fresh contrast to the grilled meat.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb with sweet peppery notes that complements the chicken and cheese.

• Balsamic Vinegar: Tangy and complex liquid that creates a sweet-tart glazing sauce.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps thicken the reduction, balancing the vinegar's acidity.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Prevents chicken from sticking to the grill grates and ensures easy cooking.

Simple Instructions for Juicy Chicken Caprese Every Time

Step 1: Prepare the Grill

Heat the grill to medium-high temperature. Clean and oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Generously coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place chicken on the heated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on thickness. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add Melty Cheese Topping

Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese becomes soft and slightly melted.

Step 5: Create Balsamic Reduction

• Balsamic vinegar
• Light brown sugar

Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should reduce by half and develop a syrupy consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Garnish

• Fresh tomato slice
• Sliced fresh basil leaves

Drizzle with the warm balsamic reduction.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates immediately. Pair with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Helpful Tips for Tender Chicken and Melty Mozzarella

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Select fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Check Chicken Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally for perfect food safety and juiciness.
• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in Italian seasoning blend for 30 minutes before grilling to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Control Grill Heat: Maintain medium-high temperature to achieve beautiful grill marks without burning the chicken or drying it out.
• Prevent Cheese Sticking: Lightly oil the grill grates before adding cheese-topped chicken to ensure easy and clean flipping.

How to Keep Chicken Caprese Leftovers Tasting Great

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken caprese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Place a paper towel inside to absorb excess moisture and maintain the chicken's texture.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to rotate the chicken. Add a small splash of water to keep the meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.

What to Plate With Grilled Chicken Caprese

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the light, fresh flavors of the grilled chicken and basil. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the mozzarella and balances the sweet-tangy balsamic reduction.
• Serve with Mediterranean Salad: Create a side of mixed greens, cucumber, olives, and feta cheese. The salad's bright, zesty profile enhances the Caprese-style chicken and provides a refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.
• Match with Herbed Focaccia Bread: Offer a warm slice of herb-infused focaccia to soak up the balsamic reduction. The bread's olive oil and herb notes perfectly complement the Italian-inspired flavors of the chicken.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Add a glass of lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites. The citrus and bubbles help refresh the taste buds and highlight the dish's vibrant Mediterranean character.

Chicken Caprese Variations Worth Grilling Again

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace Italian seasoning with a blend of dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean flavor profile that elevates the chicken's taste.
• Spicy Southwestern Caprese: Add ground cumin and chili powder to the seasoning mix, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and top with fresh jalapeño slices for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Caprese: Incorporate fresh lemon zest into the seasoning, use lemon-infused olive oil while grilling, and garnish with additional fresh lemon juice for a bright, citrusy dimension that complements the classic caprese elements.
• Pesto-Enriched Version: Spread a thin layer of homemade basil pesto on the chicken before grilling, which will introduce an extra layer of herbaceous flavor and moisture to the dish.

Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent grilled chicken caprese delivers Italian summer flavors with juicy chicken, fresh mozzarella, and ripe tomatoes. Quick marinades and perfect grill marks create a restaurant-quality meal you can easily master at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 chicken breasts

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Toppings:

• 4 slices mozzarella cheese
• 4 slices tomato
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, sliced

Balsamic Reduction:

• 0.5 cup (118 milliliters) balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) light brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Fire up the grill to a robust medium-high temperature, ensuring a clean and well-oiled cooking surface for optimal chicken preparation.
2. Generously coat each chicken breast with a harmonious blend of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper, massaging the spices into the meat.
3. Position the seasoned chicken breasts on the preheated grill, allowing them to cook undisturbed for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.
4. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature and cooking progress, ensuring even browning and preventing potential dryness.
5. As the chicken approaches full cooking, carefully place a generous slice of creamy mozzarella cheese atop each breast, then close the grill lid to create a melting environment.
6. Allow the cheese to transform into a luxurious, molten layer for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
7. Craft the balsamic reduction by combining balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar in a small saucepan, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
8. Reduce the balsamic mixture for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it develops a rich, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
9. Remove the chicken from the grill and artfully garnish each breast with a vibrant slice of ripe tomato and delicate, freshly torn basil leaves.
10. Drizzle the glossy balsamic reduction over the chicken, creating an elegant finish that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
11. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of grilled chicken, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs.

Notes

• Marinate chicken with Italian seasonings for maximum flavor infusion and tender texture.
• Grill chicken precisely to achieve perfect doneness, checking thickness to avoid overcooking.
• Melt mozzarella cheese directly on chicken for a creamy, luxurious topping that enhances the dish’s richness.
• Create homemade balsamic reduction to elevate the recipe with a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Layer fresh basil and tomato slices for a vibrant, classic Caprese-style presentation.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after grilling to seal in juices and maintain optimal moisture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg