Description
Grilled Chicken Caprese combines smoky balsamic chicken with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fresh basil, and a tangy balsamic finish. It makes a fresh, easy dinner for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 2 to 3 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, about 4 cups
6 ounces fresh mozzarella pearls, drained and halved
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
8 large basil leaves, thinly sliced
Flaked finishing sea salt, to taste
Balsamic reduction or balsamic vinegar, for serving
Optional: 2 pounds zucchini, trimmed and halved lengthwise
Instructions
1. Combine the chicken with 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup, and sea salt.
2. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
3. Preheat the grill to medium high heat, about 400°F.
4. While the grill heats, mix the tomatoes, mozzarella, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and sliced basil in a bowl.
5. Clean and lightly oil the grill grates.
6. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
7. Grill the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes per side, or until the thickest part reaches 165°F.
8. If using zucchini, grill it beside the chicken until tender and lightly marked.
9. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
10. Slice the chicken and spoon the Caprese mixture over the top.
11. Finish with balsamic reduction and flaky sea salt, then serve.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor, although 2 hours also works well.
If mozzarella pearls are unavailable, cut fresh mozzarella into bite sized pieces.
Large chicken breasts can be grilled whole and sliced after cooking.
For faster cooking, halve thick chicken breasts lengthwise before grilling.
Boneless chicken thighs also work, but they may cook more quickly.
Keep the grill grates clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Use moderate heat so the chicken cooks evenly without burning.
Grilled zucchini turns this recipe into a complete meal.
Store the chicken and Caprese topping separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 553 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.02 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg
