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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Fire up the grill to a robust medium-high temperature, ensuring a clean and well-oiled cooking surface for optimal chicken preparation.
- 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.
- 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.
- Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature and cooking progress, ensuring even browning and preventing potential dryness.
- 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.
- Allow the cheese to transform into a luxurious, molten layer for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- 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.
- Reduce the balsamic mixture for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it develops a rich, syrupy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and artfully garnish each breast with a vibrant slice of ripe tomato and delicate, freshly torn basil leaves.
- Drizzle the glossy balsamic reduction over the chicken, creating an elegant finish that enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
- 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