With fresh garden tomatoes, fresh basil, and fresh mozzarella, grilled caprese chicken is bursting with the flavors of summer. Inspired by the caprese salad, this dish brings all those beloved Mediterranean flavors together with perfectly smoky grilled chicken breasts and a balsamic drizzle to tie it all together. Keep it low-carb by serving it alongside a mixed green salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini, or serve it with a perfectly crusty Italian bread. Either way, this is the kind of meal that looks gourmet but comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Recipe for Grilled Caprese Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2–4 TBS boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried oregano)
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar reduction
Directions:
1. Prep the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry. If one end of the chicken is thicker than the other, pound to an even thickness. Rub with olive oil, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Grill the Chicken
Preheat the grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken for 6 – 7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear.
3. Add the Caprese Toppings
In the final 2 – 3 minutes of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella on each piece of chicken. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
4. Assemble and Drizzle
Remove the chicken from the grill and immediately top with fresh tomato slices and basil leaves. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh mozzarella and garden tomatoes elevate this dish.
- Make Your Own Balsamic Glaze: Simmer balsamic vinegar until reduced by half and syrupy.
- Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken ahead of time in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for even more flavor.
Summer Favorites Come from The Butcher Shop
Grilled caprese chicken is the kind of dish that never goes out of season – especially when your ingredients come from The Butcher Shop. All of our meats and seafood are locally sourced, and our fresh produce comes from Southern Oregon farmers, so you can rest assured you’re putting the finest, freshest ingredients on your family’s table. We also carry local wine and beer, freshly baked loaves of bread, high-quality pantry essentials, and 100% natural, all-meat dog food – all at prices that won’t break your budget. Stop by today or call ahead to pre-order your ingredients.