This Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad is bright and fresh, combining juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil. Drizzle with some balsamic for a tasty twist!
The best part? It’s perfect for warm days when you want something light. I love tossing everything together and enjoying it outside. It feels like a picnic without the ants! ☀️
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but you can swap them for chicken thighs if you want richer flavor. Thighs stay moist during grilling, making them a fantastic choice.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal, but regular olive oil or even avocado oil works too. Both have a high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, use dried basil or oregano instead. Fresh herbs can also be substituted for an added flavor, just add them at the end!
Fresh Mozzarella: If fresh mozzarella is hard to find, regular mozzarella works well too. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan mozzarella alternatives.
Balsamic Glaze: You can make a quick version by reducing balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens. If unavailable, a good quality balsamic vinegar will still add flavor.
How Can I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
A common struggle is getting chicken grilled just right, so here are tips to help you succeed:
- Ensure your grill is hot before adding the chicken; it helps sear and lock in juices.
- Keep the lid closed while grilling; it creates a steady heat, helping the chicken cook evenly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it juicy.
Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take around 30 minutes in total—about 10 minutes for preparation and 20 minutes for cooking. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken gets beautifully seared!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and brush them lightly with olive oil. Then, season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This seasoning will give the chicken some great flavor as it cooks.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated grill. Grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Add the Toppings:
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt just a little, making your chicken even more delicious!
5. Serve It Up:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves for a beautiful finish.
6. Enjoy!
Serve this refreshing grilled chicken caprese salad right away! It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread. Enjoy every bite!
This recipe captures the delightful flavors of Caprese with perfectly grilled chicken, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have more fat and tend to stay juicier during cooking, making them a great alternative. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Glaze?
No worries! You can make a simple balsamic reduction at home by simmering balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens and reduces by half. Alternatively, regular balsamic vinegar will still add great flavor!
Can I Make This Salad in Advance?
Yes, but for the best taste, grill the chicken the day of serving. You can prepare the other ingredients (slicing tomatoes and mozzarella, and chopping basil) in advance and store them in the fridge. Just grill the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or on a skillet. You can add a dash of olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
