If you are craving a dish that’s both irresistibly flavorful and elegantly simple, you are in the right place. This Caprese Chicken Recipe brings together juicy grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all harmonized with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s like a Caprese salad got a tasty upgrade into a satisfying main course, perfect for dinner any night of the week. The balance of herbs, creamy cheese, and tangy vinegar will brighten your meal and impress anyone lucky enough to share the table with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Caprese Chicken Recipe lies in a handful of fresh, essential ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tender chicken breasts acting as the hearty foundation to the bright basil leaves that bring fresh color and scent, every component shines through.
- Chicken breasts (4, 5-7 oz, pounded): Pounding ensures even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Italian seasoning (2 teaspoons): A fragrant blend adds depth and Mediterranean flair.
- Sea or kosher salt (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the natural flavors with perfect seasoning.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides that warm, savory note that lingers.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Complements garlic with subtle sweetness and earthiness.
- Cracked black pepper (1 teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the seasoning stick and creates a beautiful sear.
- Fresh mozzarella (8 oz, sliced): Creamy, melty cheese that tops the chicken perfectly.
- Vine-ripened tomatoes (2, sliced): Juicy, vibrant slices bring fresh color and sweet acidity.
- Fresh basil leaves: The star herb for a bright, peppery finish that screams Caprese.
- Aged balsamic or balsamic glaze: Drizzled on top, it adds a tangy sweetness that ties everything together.
How to Make Caprese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by pounding each chicken breast gently to an even thickness of just under 1 inch. This step is crucial because it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy throughout. Uneven chicken breasts can lead to dry edges or undercooked centers, and we want perfection!
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Next, brush each chicken breast with olive oil to help the seasonings stick and to encourage a beautiful, flavorful crust. In a small bowl, mix together the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Sprinkle this blend generously all over the chicken, giving each piece that inviting herbaceous aroma even before it hits the grill.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to a high temperature to get a nice sear. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing locks in the moisture and creates those classic grill marks that add a burst of smoky flavor.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Once the chicken is almost cooked through, top each breast with slices of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid and allow the cheese to melt while the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This step adds that luscious, gooey texture that makes this Caprese Chicken Recipe so indulgent.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Layer on fresh tomato slices, scatter bright basil leaves over the top, and season with a pinch of salt and cracked pepper. Finally, drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze liberally across the dish for that perfect balance of sweetness and acidity that finishes off the meal with a beautiful flourish.
How to Serve Caprese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are more than just a topping here; they bring an aromatic freshness that complements the rich cheese and chicken beautifully. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the tomatoes enhances their natural sweetness. Don’t forget the balsamic drizzle—it’s the final touch that brings everything together in harmony.
Side Dishes
Caprese Chicken pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides like a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a fluffy bed of couscous. These sides won’t overpower the bright flavors of the chicken, instead they’ll highlight the freshness and keep the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual yet visually stunning presentation, stack the chicken breasts and tomato slices in alternating layers, placing a basil leaf between each for pops of green. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or beside grilled vegetables with balsamic drizzle on the plate for an artistic flair. Presentation is a chance to show off this recipe’s vibrant colors and textures.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caprese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the balsamic drizzle separate if possible and add it fresh before serving to maintain the bright flavors.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the cheese can become rubbery. Add fresh basil and a drizzle of balsamic after reheating for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or bake it in the oven. Just be sure to finish under a broiler if you’re melting the mozzarella on top to get that melted texture.
What can I use instead of fresh mozzarella?
If fresh mozzarella is unavailable, feel free to use a good quality shredded mozzarella or even slices of provolone. Just keep in mind fresh mozzarella has a creamier, softer texture that’s ideal here.
Is it necessary to pound the chicken breasts?
Pounding the chicken ensures even thickness and helps the chicken cook uniformly, preventing some parts from drying out while others remain undercooked. It’s highly recommended but not mandatory if your chicken breasts are already thin.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Since this recipe is naturally gluten-free with fresh ingredients, just confirm that your Italian seasoning and balsamic glaze don’t contain any gluten additives.
How long does the balsamic glaze keep?
Store-bought or homemade balsamic glaze can keep in the refrigerator for up to a month when sealed properly. It’s a wonderful pantry staple for recipes like this Caprese Chicken Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Caprese Chicken Recipe is a beautiful way to bring fresh, vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It feels special yet comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights or impressing guests. I hope you give it a try, enjoy the melty cheese, juicy chicken, and bright basil as much as I do. Bon appétit!
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: Gluten Free
Description
This Caprese Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish combining grilled, seasoned chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe vine tomatoes, basil leaves, and a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze. Perfect for a light yet satisfying dinner that showcases classic Italian Caprese flavors.
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 inch slices
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- Aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound each chicken breast until they are evenly flattened to slightly less than 1 inch in thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Brush each chicken breast with olive oil and then liberally sprinkle the seasoning mixture over both sides of the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 155°F to ensure they are nearly cooked through.
- Add mozzarella topping: Place the slices of fresh mozzarella evenly over each grilled chicken breast. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer to a serving platter. Top each piece with slices of vine-ripened tomato and fresh basil leaves. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired, then drizzle aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the top before serving.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- You can use a grill pan if an outdoor grill is not available.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender.
- Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes are key to authentically capturing Caprese flavor.
- Balsamic glaze provides a sweeter finish if you prefer over plain balsamic vinegar.
