Name: Grilled Chicken Caprese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485153H16M28S
Total time: PT-485153H16M28S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 ounces each); 1 tablespoon olive oil (or more to coat); ¾–1 teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder (or 2 garlic cloves, finely minced); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried) or substitute with oregano; 6 ounces fresh mozzarella ball (or substitute with goat cheese), sliced into ⅓-inch slices (one slice per piece of chicken); 1½ pints cherry or grape tomatoes (about 3 cups), halved; 15 fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons; 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a Review

Grilled Chicken Caprese is a vibrant, fresh, and healthy take on the classic Italian Caprese salad. This dish brings together tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts, creamy mozzarella cheese, and a zesty tomato-basil topping to create a satisfying yet light meal that’s perfect for warm weather. Inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, this recipe blends simplicity and elegance in a way that feels both rustic and gourmet. It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or even meal prepping for the week ahead.

What makes this dish truly special is its combination of textures and flavors: smoky grilled chicken, silky mozzarella, sweet and tangy tomatoes, and the aromatic punch of basil and garlic. It’s a balanced meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for health—packed with protein, fresh herbs, and natural ingredients. Plus, it’s easy to customize and comes together quickly with minimal prep. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just looking for something a little different for dinner, Grilled Chicken Caprese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a beautiful, colorful dish that tastes just as good as it looks, offering a perfect harmony of freshness and comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful – Bursting with bright flavors from lemon zest, garlic, basil, and juicy tomatoes.
Healthy Yet Satisfying – Lean protein paired with fresh vegetables and herbs makes for a wholesome meal.
Quick and Easy – Minimal prep and cook time make this an ideal weeknight dinner.
Perfect for Grilling Season – A great excuse to fire up the grill and enjoy outdoor cooking.
Beautiful Presentation – The vibrant tomato salad and melted mozzarella create a dish that’s visually stunning.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

Chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper
Granulated garlic powder or fresh garlic
Lemon zest
Fresh thyme or dried thyme/oregano
Fresh mozzarella or goat cheese

For the Tomato “Salad”:

Cherry or grape tomatoes
Basil leaves
Garlic
Olive oil
Balsamic vinegar
Salt
Pepper

Variations

Cheese Swap: Use goat cheese or burrata instead of mozzarella for a different texture and flavor.
Add Greens: Serve the dish over arugula or spinach for a salad-style meal.
Baked Version: If you can’t grill, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the tomato salad for a touch of heat.
Pesto Drizzle: Top with a spoonful of pesto instead of fresh herbs for added richness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry and rub with olive oil. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and thyme.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).

Step 3: Add the Mozzarella

During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella on each piece of chicken. Cover grill to melt cheese slightly.

Step 4: Make the Tomato Salad

While chicken grills, mix halved cherry tomatoes, basil ribbons, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Place grilled chicken on a serving plate, top with a generous spoonful of tomato salad, and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking.
Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to retain juices.
Use fresh mozzarella for best flavor and texture.
Cut basil just before serving to preserve its color and aroma.
Grill over indirect heat if using thick chicken pieces to avoid burning.

How to Serve

With Crusty Bread: Great for soaking up the tomato juices and balsamic.
Over Pasta: Serve sliced chicken and tomato salad on spaghetti or angel hair for a heartier meal.
On a Bed of Greens: Perfect for a low-carb lunch or dinner.
As a Sandwich: Slice chicken and layer in ciabatta bread with extra mozzarella and basil.
With Roasted Veggies: Pair with roasted zucchini, peppers, or asparagus for a complete plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken and tomato salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooked, unassembled chicken breasts without cheese or tomato topping for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat chicken gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or in a covered skillet until warmed through. Add fresh tomato salad just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless thighs work well and offer a juicier texture.

2. What’s the best way to melt the mozzarella on the grill?

Close the grill lid for 1–2 minutes after placing the cheese on the chicken to help it melt evenly.

3. Can I prep the tomato salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for best flavor and texture, mix it no more than 2 hours in advance.

4. Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and fits into a ketogenic diet.

5. What if I don’t have fresh basil?

You can use a little dried basil or substitute with parsley, but fresh basil is highly recommended.

6. Can I make this indoors?

Absolutely—use a grill pan or a skillet to cook the chicken on the stovetop.

7. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.

8. Can I serve this cold?

Yes, it makes a great cold salad or lunchbox option when chilled.

9. What other cheeses can I use?

Burrata, goat cheese, or even provolone can work if mozzarella isn’t available.

10. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—just grill the chicken in batches or use the oven to cook multiple pieces at once.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Caprese is a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the essence of Italian summer cuisine. With juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, and a vibrant tomato-basil topping, it’s a delicious and healthy meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for guests. Its balance of simplicity and sophistication makes it a go-to recipe you’ll want to return to all year long. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside, this dish brings sunshine to the plate with every bite.