This Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe features juicy chicken breast topped with mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil, and a homemade balsamic reduction. It’s everything you love about caprese salad, but turned into a full, filling meal!
If you love chicken, then you’ve got to try my Korean Grilled Chicken and my Thai Grilled Chicken!
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The BEST Grilled Chicken Caprese
This Chicken Caprese is the perfect summer meal. When it becomes warm enough to start grilling, I literally can’t get enough! Grilling chicken is one of my favorite ways to prepare it. The chicken gets nice and browned and crisp on the outside and the inside stays juicy. I use fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden, which makes it SO flavorful! If you are getting your produce from the store, try to get the highest quality tomatoes and basil possible. This makes a huge difference!
The chicken breast gets seasoned with Italian seasonings, garlic powder, and onion powder. I grill the chicken, and then top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese, tomato, basil and a drizzle of the homemade balsamic reduction.
And the best part? This meal comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish! You can’t go wrong adding this Chicken Caprese to your dinner rotation.
ingredients needed
This grilled chicken recipe uses easy to find ingredients for ease! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast: For this grilled chicken caprese recipe, I think that chicken breast works best. You could also use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer!
- Seasonings: Italian Seasoning, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder and Salt & Pepper are used to season this chicken to perfection!
- Fresh Mozzarella: You can buy a log of fresh mozzarella for this recipe and slice it into thin slices. There are also pre-sliced logs available at the store sometimes!
- Tomato: Use the freshest tomatoes you can find! Slice them according to your liking.
- Basil: Thinly slice the basil to sprinkle on top!
- Balsamic Reduction: Balsamic Vinegar and Light Brown Sugar are used to make your own homemade balsamic reduction. The combination of acidic and sweet pairs super well with the chicken!
How to Make Chicken Caprese
- Preheat & Prep the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium high heat. Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Grill: Spray the grill with non stick cooking spray and cook the chicken breasts until they are almost fully cooked.
- Add Cheese: Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella. Close the grill and allow it to cook for a few additional minutes to melt.
- Add Toppings & Enjoy: Remove the chicken from the grill and top with tomato and basil. Drizzle with the homemade balsamic reduction. Serve immediately and enjoy!
how to make a balsamic reduction
Making the balsamic reduction is super simple, and so worth it!
- Combine the Balsamic Vinegar & Brown Sugar: Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. Keep warm until ready to use. You can keep the balsamic glaze in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for the Best Chicken Caprese
- Don’t overcook the chicken! Chicken breast is pretty easy to overcook since it has a low fat content. Keep an eye on the chicken on the grill and make sure you cook only to 165 degrees F.
- Don’t have a grill? No problem! You can definitely cook this grilled chicken caprese in the oven. Set the oven to 450 degrees F and bake the chicken for about 15-18 minutes until it is cooked through. With about 3 minutes left, place the cheese slices on the chicken to allow them some time to melt.
- Let the chicken rest before eating. In order to maintain juicy chicken, you have to let them rest about 5 minutes before eating. If you dig in too soon, all of the juices will fall right out!
- Don’t skip the balsamic reduction! Yes, it is a little bit extra work, but it is SO worth it! If you don’t want to make it at home, you can also find balsamic reduction at the store for ease. You can also use any leftover balsamic reduction on salads or a simple caprese salad on a later date!
what to serve with chicken caprese
Grilled chicken caprese is delicious on it’s own but also goes well with a variety of side dishes to make a full meal! Try pairing it with some of my favorite recipes:
- Pesto Risotto
- Pasta with Garlic & Oil
- Pesto Gnocchi
- Grilled Wedge Salad
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Garlic Brussel Sprouts
- Fettuccine Alfredo
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- To Store: Store leftover grilled caprese chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: Reheat chilled leftovers in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
More Chicken Recipes to Try:
- Easy Chicken Marsala
- The BEST Chicken Parmesan
- Easy Chicken Shawarma
- Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
- Easy One Pan Bourbon Chicken
- Easy Thai Chicken Satay
products i used
Grilled Chicken Caprese
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper
- 4 slices mozzarella
- 4 slices tomato
- 2 tablespoons basil, sliced
Balsamic Reduction
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium high heat. Season chicken breasts with italian seasoning, garlic and onion powder. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Spray the grill with non stick cooking spray and cook the chicken breasts until they are almost fully cooked.
- Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella. Close the grill and allow it to cook for a few additional minutes to melt.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and top with tomato and basil. Drizzle with the homemade balsamic reduction. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Balsamic Reduction
- Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. Keep warm until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
Did you make this?
I’d love to hear your feedback! Leave a review and make sure to share your pictures on social media! Don’t forget to follow @thechefsavvy.
Bec
Fresh tomatoes and basil from your garden – my dream!
Tabitha
This looks delicious! Thanks for sharing!!
Katlofts
A beautiful and colorful dish. The balsamic sauce and basil are a nice touch not to be omitted.
Kelley
So glad you enjoyed this!! Thank you!
Jenny J
Can you do it in the oven also?
Kelley
Hi Jenny,
I have not tried making this in the oven before. I don’t see why it wouldn’t work! Let me know how you make out.
Thanks & Enjoy!
Kelley
Keith Peterson
I know it is 6 years later but…chicken cooked in the oven is spectacular. As Kelley has cautioned — watch your time and temperature! I am an old-school guy totally infatuated with iron cookware (iron returns a more ‘browned’ effect rather than ‘stewing’ that of a non-stick product. In this case, I like thighs because (in my opinion) the dark meat and more fat is elegantly flavorful.
Pre-heat your oven with the empty skillet in it! When the oven is ready, spread a tbsp of avocado oil in the pan, then place your chicken in the pan. Caution: the iron will be very hot so be sure to use high-temp mitts! After 6 minutes turn the chicken and cook for another 6 minutes.
After the 12 minutes, check your internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If the temp is near 155 degrees, place your cheese on the meat finish cooking. Cooking to 167 degrees will make the sinew in the dark meat very tender. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Dana carrasquillo
Made this tonight for my family and and they gave it 5 ?!!! Thank you for the delicious recipe!!
Nathan
Hi Dana,
I’m so glad your family enjoyed it! We really appreciate you taking the time to comment! Thank you!
Nathan
Amanda
This looks delicious! My husband is dairy-free, what could we use instead of the fresh mozzarella? Thank you!
Kelley Simmons
Hi Amanda!
You can use dairy free mozzarella instead or just omit! You can also add pesto on top of the chicken in place of the mozzarella.
Thanks & Enjoy!
Kelley
Lois
It was raining today so I cooked my chicken in a non-stick pan and used the broiler to melt the cheese. Fresh Basil from my garden and really good homegrown tomatoes. It’s delicious! I will definitely make this again. Hubby approved wholeheartedly.
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Lois! Thanks so much for sharing!
Jamie
Excellent! I made half with just the seasonings and mozzarella (for the kids) and the other with everything. Great recipe, will make again.
Kelley Simmons
So glad you enjoyed this recipe Jamie! Thanks so much for sharing!
Rita
I made this tonight and it was sssooo good! I actually forgot the basil ☺️ Still was really good!
Kelley Simmons
Hi Rita,
So glad you enjoyed this recipe so much! Thanks so much for sharing!
Kelley
LV
What can I serve with this as a side?
Kelley Simmons
Hi!
Any grilled veggie would be good with this. Grilled zucchini, asparagus, onions, bell peppers. You could also do a side of mashed potatoes, risotto, or lemon garlic rice!
Hope you enjoy!
Kelley