Description
This Caprese Chicken recipe combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, finished with a drizzle of aged balsamic glaze. Perfect for a quick, flavorful, and healthy 25-minute meal that brings the classic Italian Caprese salad flavors to a protein-packed dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 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 or balsamic glaze, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of just under 1 inch to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine Italian seasoning, sea or kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and cracked black pepper. Brush each chicken breast with olive oil then sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
- Grill the chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a hot preheated grill. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 155°F (68°C), indicating it’s nearly cooked through.
- Add toppings: Top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella. Continue grilling until the cheese melts and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Assemble the dish: Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter. Top each breast with tomato slices and fresh basil leaves. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. Finish by drizzling aged balsamic vinegar or balsamic glaze over the top for a tangy-sweet flavor boost.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe can be adapted for stovetop by cooking chicken in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil and seasoning before grilling.
- Fresh mozzarella can be replaced with burrata for a creamier texture if desired.
- Balsamic glaze adds a thicker, sweeter touch compared to regular aged balsamic vinegar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
