Grilled Chicken Caprese

If you’re looking for a dish that captures the essence of summer, look no further than this Grilled Chicken Caprese! This recipe not only brings together the classic flavors of a Caprese salad but also elevates it with tender, balsamic-marinated chicken and smoky grilled zucchini. It’s the perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a beloved staple in my home.

The combination of juicy chicken, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s quick to whip up and can be enjoyed outdoors on those warm evenings when you want to savor every bite. Trust me, this might just become your favorite summertime dinner too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love the vibrant flavors and colorful presentation!
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for dinner.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect on its own or served with some crusty bread or over a bed of greens.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate the chicken earlier in the day for an even more flavorful meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Grilled Chicken Caprese is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Fresh produce and quality staples come together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also nourishing!

For the Chicken & Marinade

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (2-3, see notes)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (I used Grade A)
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

For the Caprese Salad Topping

• 1 pound cherry tomatoes (halved equaling 4 cups)
• 6 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls (drained and halved)
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 8 large leaves of basil (1/4 ounce)
• Flaked Maldon finishing sea salt to taste
• Balsamic reduction or balsamic vinegar

For the Grilled Zucchini

• For the grilled zucchini I used 8 ounces per person for a total of 2 pounds. Slice off both ends and split in half down the middle.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! You can easily switch up ingredients or add new flavors to suit your preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey breast or tofu for a different twist while keeping it high in protein.
• Add more veggies: Bell peppers or asparagus make great additions to your grill alongside zucchini.
• Make it vegan: Substitute chicken with marinated eggplant slices and replace mozzarella with avocado for creaminess.
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little kick that balances beautifully with the sweetness.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Caprese

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a glass container and mix together all marinade ingredients. Cover well and refrigerate overnight or at least for 2 hours. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and ensures it remains juicy on the grill.

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

After marinating, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. Getting your grill nice and hot allows for those beautiful grill marks while also sealing in moisture during cooking.

Step 3: Prepare the Caprese Salad Topping

While your grill heats up, mix together cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and olive oil in a bowl. As these ingredients meld together, they create a fresh topping that complements everything beautifully.

Step 4: Slice and Add Basil

Stack your basil leaves together, roll them up tightly, and slice thinly to create ribbons (chiffonade). Stir this fragrant basil into your salad mixture; it’ll add an aromatic touch once topped on your grilled chicken.

Step 5: Grill the Chicken

When your grill reaches about 400ºF, place marinated chicken on it and lower heat to medium. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill for about 8-10 minutes until easy to turn over; then cook another 8-10 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 6: Let It Rest

Once done grilling, remove your chicken from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for a couple of minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain juices within each piece.

Step 7: Serve It Up

Slice your grilled chicken and generously top with prepared Caprese salad. Drizzle with balsamic reduction or vinegar along with flaked Maldon finishing sea salt for that perfect final touch! Enjoy this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken Caprese

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Caprese turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances the flavor, making each bite juicy and delicious.
• Preheat the Grill: A well-preheated grill ensures that you get those beautiful grill marks and helps to lock in moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To guarantee perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
• Let Chicken Rest: Giving the grilled chicken a few minutes to rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender and flavorful.
• Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction: Adding a balsamic reduction at the end not only enhances the flavor but also adds a gourmet touch to your presentation.

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese

Presenting your Grilled Chicken Caprese beautifully can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary dining experience. Here are some ideas to elevate your dish.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil Leaves: Sprinkling whole or torn basil leaves on top adds a pop of color and freshness to your plate.
• Balsamic Drizzle: A light drizzle of balsamic reduction over the finished dish brings a tangy sweetness that complements all the flavors.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra balsamic reduction or juices from the chicken, adding delightful crunch and flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: A medley of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus pairs beautifully with this dish, providing additional nutrients and vibrant colors.
• Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and lemon dressing offers a healthy balance and complements the main dish nicely.
• Caprese Pasta Salad: This pasta salad combines all the classic Caprese ingredients in a cold format, making it an ideal side for warm summer evenings.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, fresh flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and prepare it ahead of time:

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the Caprese salad separate to maintain freshness, storing it in another airtight container.
• For best results, consume within 2-3 days for optimal flavor.

Freezing

• You can freeze the grilled chicken by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freeze for up to 2 months; label with the date for reference.
• Note: It’s best to freeze without the Caprese salad components, as they are best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat grilled chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, heat on medium power in short intervals to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other proteins for Grilled Chicken Caprese?

Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can substitute it with turkey or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a delicious variation.

How do I make Grilled Chicken Caprese ahead of time?

To prepare Grilled Chicken Caprese ahead of time, marinate the chicken the night before and grill it when ready. Assemble the Caprese salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

What should I serve with Grilled Chicken Caprese?

This dish pairs beautifully with a side of grilled vegetables, a light pasta salad, or simply some crusty bread to soak up any extra balsamic reduction.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe brings joy and flavor to your dinner table as much as it does mine! The combination of grilled chicken with fresh ingredients makes it a standout meal that’s both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones—I can’t wait for you to try it!

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Grilled Chicken Caprese

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Grilled Chicken Caprese is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together the essence of summer in every bite. This recipe showcases succulent, balsamic-marinated chicken grilled to perfection, paired with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil. The addition of smoky grilled zucchini makes it a complete meal that’s not only satisfying but also healthy. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish is quick to prepare and can be served as a main course or alongside your favorite sides. Elevate your dining experience with this delicious Grilled Chicken Caprese—your family will love it!

• Author: Kaitlyn
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 pound cherry tomatoes, halved (equivalent to 4 cups)
• 6 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained and halved
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 8 large leaves of basil, chiffonade
• Flaked Maldon finishing sea salt to taste
• Balsamic reduction or balsamic vinegar
• 2 pounds zucchini, sliced off both ends and split in half down the middle

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Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken by combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and salt in a glass container. Add chicken breasts, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
2. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
3. Mix cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, and olive oil in a bowl to create the Caprese topping.
4. Slice basil into ribbons and stir into the tomato mixture.
5. Grill marinated chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165ºF). Let rest before slicing.
6. Serve sliced chicken topped with Caprese salad and drizzle with balsamic reduction if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 120mg