25-Minute Caprese Grilled Chicken That Tastes Like Summer

Name: 25-Minute Caprese Grilled Chicken That Tastes Like Summer
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 4 slices fresh mozzarella; 2 medium tomatoes, sliced; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves; 1 tbsp balsamic glaze

Author: lia

Published: December 30, 2025

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You know those nights when you need dinner to be fast, fresh, and full of flavor? That’s exactly why my Caprese Grilled Chicken has become my go-to summer dish. It takes everything we love about classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—and piles it onto perfectly grilled chicken. One bite and you’ll swear you’re sitting at a little trattoria in Italy (minus the plane ticket!).

I fell in love with this dish when I needed something impressive but effortless for last-minute guests. The colors pop, the flavors sing, and cleanup is a breeze—what more could you ask for? It’s become my secret weapon for turning ordinary weeknights into something special without breaking a sweat. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen right now.

Caprese Grilled Chicken - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Caprese Grilled Chicken

This isn’t just another grilled chicken recipe—it’s a total game-changer. Here’s why it’ll become your new weeknight hero:

Effortless elegance: Looks fancy enough for date night but comes together faster than takeout (I’ve timed it at 25 minutes flat!)
Bursting with freshness: That magical combo of ripe tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and basil tastes like summer on a plate
Healthy without trying: Lean protein meets garden-fresh veggies—no weird diet compromises here
Endlessly adaptable: Got a grill pan? Outdoor grill? Even your broiler works in a pinch

Trust me, once you see how those balsamic-kissed juices mingle with the creamy cheese, you’ll be making this on repeat all season long.

Caprese Grilled Chicken Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this beauty shine—and yes, fresh is best when it comes to those Caprese flavors! I’ve learned the hard way that skimping on quality here makes a world of difference.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – look for even thickness so they cook uniformly
1 tbsp olive oil – the good stuff for brushing
1/2 tsp salt – I use kosher for even distribution
1/4 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
4 slices fresh mozzarella (1/4-inch thick) – the wet-packed kind that oozes gloriously
2 medium tomatoes, sliced – go for vine-ripened when possible
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves – don’t even think about dried here!
1 tbsp balsamic glaze – the thick, syrupy kind that clings beautifully

Pro tip: Let your mozzarella sit at room temperature while the chicken cooks—it’ll melt like a dream when it hits the hot chicken.

Caprese Grilled Chicken - detail 2

How to Make Caprese Grilled Chicken

Okay, let’s turn these simple ingredients into something spectacular! I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and here’s my foolproof method for Caprese grilled chicken perfection. The key is nailing each step – from preheating the grill to that final balsamic drizzle. Follow along and you’ll have restaurant-quality results in no time!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first – heat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). While it warms up, pat those chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This little step makes all the difference for getting a beautiful sear! Brush both sides with olive oil (I use my fingers to really massage it in), then sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Simple seasoning lets those Caprese flavors shine!

Grilling the Chicken

Now for the main event! Place your chicken on the preheated grill and resist the urge to poke at it – let it cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes per side. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges turn opaque. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness – 165°F at the thickest part is perfect. Warning: overcooked chicken turns dry fast, so pull it off the heat as soon as it hits temp!

Adding the Caprese Toppings

Here’s where the magic happens! Right after taking the chicken off the grill, immediately lay those mozzarella slices on top. The residual heat will make them gloriously melty in about 2 minutes (just enough time to slice your tomatoes!). Layer on tomato slices, fresh basil leaves, then drizzle with balsamic glaze – watch how it pools into all those delicious nooks and crannies. Dinner is served!

Tips for Perfect Caprese Grilled Chicken

After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to wow:

Rest before topping: Let your grilled chicken sit for 5 minutes before adding cheese—those juices need time to redistribute so they don’t all end up on your plate!
Cheese cheat: No fresh mozzarella? Provolone works in a pinch, but for real indulgence, try burrata—it’s like mozzarella’s creamier, fancier cousin.
Balsamic backup: Out of glaze? Simmer 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tsp honey until reduced by half—instant homemade glaze!
Grill marks matter: Get those pretty crosshatch marks by placing chicken diagonally on grill grates, then rotating 45° halfway through cooking.

Bonus tip: Stack leftovers cold between crusty bread for the best next-day sandwich!

Caprese Grilled Chicken Variations

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, try these fun twists to keep things exciting! My favorite? Swapping fresh mozzarella for creamy burrata – it’s like edible silk on top of the chicken. For extra zing, spread a thin layer of basil pesto under the cheese before melting. Got summer squash? Grill some zucchini slices alongside the chicken and layer them with the tomatoes. And if you’re feeling fancy, prosciutto crisped on the grill makes an amazing salty contrast to the sweet balsamic glaze.

Serving Suggestions for Caprese Grilled Chicken

Oh, the possibilities! I love serving this beauty over a bed of peppery arugula—the greens soak up those delicious juices like a dream. For carb lovers, garlic bread or a crusty baguette is mandatory for mopping up every last drop. In summer, I’ll toss together a quick couscous salad with lemon vinaigrette, or in winter, roasted baby potatoes make the coziest side. Just don’t forget extra napkins—it’s gonna get deliciously messy!

Storing and Reheating Caprese Grilled Chicken

Leftovers? No problem! Store your Caprese grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days—but let’s be honest, it rarely lasts that long in my house. When reheating, skip the microwave (unless you want soggy tomatoes and rubbery cheese). Instead, pop it in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through. The cheese gets gooey again and those flavors mingle even more beautifully the second day!

Caprese Grilled Chicken Nutrition

While I’m all about flavor first, this dish happens to be pretty darn good for you too! Nutritional values will vary slightly based on your exact ingredients (especially that glorious mozzarella), but you’re looking at a well-balanced meal packed with lean protein and fresh veggies. As my grandma always said, “Food that makes you feel good tastes even better!”

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things people ask me about making this Caprese grilled chicken:

Can I Bake Instead of Grill?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the seasoned chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet for 20-25 minutes (still checking for that magic 165°F temp). The broiler works wonders for melting the cheese at the end!

Best Cheese Substitutes?

Fresh mozzarella is ideal, but provolone melts beautifully in a pinch. For something extra special, try creamy burrata—it’s like mozzarella’s luxurious cousin!

How Do I Prevent Sticking?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before cooking. And here’s my secret—don’t move the chicken until it naturally releases from the grates (usually after 6-7 minutes).

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

You bet! Just adjust cooking times since thighs take longer—about 8-10 minutes per side. The richer dark meat pairs wonderfully with the fresh toppings.

Make Ahead Tips?

Prep the chicken up to a day ahead (store seasoned in the fridge), but wait to add toppings until serving. The basil especially needs to be fresh!

Find more inspiration on Pinterest!