This Caprese Chicken Recipe brings together everything you love about classic Italian Caprese salad and transforms it into a satisfying, protein-packed dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes. I’ve been making this dish for my family for years, and it never fails to impress.
There’s something magical about the combination of juicy chicken, creamy mozzarella, and sun-warmed tomatoes that takes me back to my first trip to a little Italian bistro downtown. The owner’s wife shared her secret with me—it’s all about timing the cheese so it gets perfectly melty without drying out the chicken. Now, every time I make this Caprese Chicken Recipe, I think of her warm smile and the way she described cooking as “painting with flavors.” This dish has become one of our go-to weeknight meals because it feels fancy enough for company but simple enough for busy Tuesday evenings. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Caprese Chicken Recipe
This Caprese Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it combines the fresh, vibrant flavors of summer with the heartiness of a satisfying main dish. What started as my attempt to recreate a restaurant favorite has turned into one of my most requested family recipes.
Restaurant-quality flavors achieved right in your own backyard with simple grilling techniques
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknight dinner rushes
Gorgeous presentation with those classic red, white, and green Italian colors that always impress guests
Easily customizable—swap the mozzarella for provolone, add sun-dried tomatoes, or serve it over pasta
Light yet satisfying, giving you all the comfort without feeling too heavy
Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks on one grill or in one pan
This Caprese chicken truly captures the essence of Italian cooking—simple ingredients prepared with care to let each flavor shine through.
Ingredient Note List
Chicken Breasts: I always recommend choosing chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly, and pounding them to uniform thickness ensures no dry spots or undercooked areas.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds authentic Mediterranean herbs that complement the fresh basil perfectly, creating layers of Italian flavor throughout the dish.
Fresh Mozzarella: Using fresh mozzarella instead of the pre-shredded kind makes all the difference—it melts beautifully into a creamy, indulgent topping that doesn’t get rubbery.
Vine-Ripened Tomatoes: I prefer vine-ripened or heirloom tomatoes because they hold their shape better during cooking and provide that sweet, juicy contrast to the savory chicken.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Fresh basil is essential for this Caprese Chicken Recipe—dried just won’t give you that bright, aromatic finish that makes the dish sing.
Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and adds a subtle richness that enhances all the Mediterranean flavors.
Balsamic Glaze: The sweet-tangy balsamic brings everything together with its complex flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
How to Cook Caprese Chicken Recipe
Step 1. I usually start by pounding each chicken breast to about ¾-inch thickness using a meat mallet—this step is crucial for ensuring your chicken cooks evenly and stays tender throughout.
Step 2. In my kitchen, I always combine all the dry seasonings in a small bowl first, then brush the chicken with olive oil before applying the spice blend for better adhesion and flavor distribution.
Step 3. My family prefers when I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and let it get nice and hot before adding the chicken—this creates those beautiful grill marks and seals in the juices.
Step 4. I’ve found that grilling the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side without moving it gives you the perfect golden color and helps prevent sticking to the grates.
Step 5. The trick I learned from that Italian bistro owner is to add the mozzarella slices when the chicken hits 155°F internally, then cover the grill to create an oven effect.
Step 6. My grandmother always said to let meat rest after cooking, and I do the same here—letting the chicken sit for 3-4 minutes helps redistribute the juices for maximum tenderness.
Step 7. For the final assembly, I arrange the tomato slices on top while the chicken is still warm, which slightly softens them and helps all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 8. I finish each piece with fresh basil leaves and a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze—this is where the magic happens and your Caprese Chicken Recipe truly comes to life.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Caprese chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 3 days. For the best texture, I recommend storing the chicken, tomatoes, and basil separately and reassembling when ready to serve.
In my experience, this dish doesn’t freeze particularly well because the tomatoes and basil lose their fresh texture, but the cooked chicken alone can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 months if needed.
For best results, I recommend reheating the chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also use the microwave on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, but avoid overheating as it can make the chicken tough and the cheese rubbery.
Caprese Chicken Recipe
Juicy grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. A high-protein, low-carb dinner ready in under 30 minutes with classic Italian flavors.
Pound chicken breasts to slightly less than 1-inch thickness for even cooking.
Mix Italian seasoning, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper. Brush chicken with olive oil and coat with seasoning blend.
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 155°F.
Top each chicken breast with mozzarella slices. Cover grill (or pan) and cook until cheese melts and chicken reaches 165°F.
Place chicken on platter, top with tomato slices and fresh basil. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Pound chicken evenly to ensure juicy results. Cover grill when adding cheese for best melting. Use ripe summer tomatoes for optimal flavor. Can bake instead of grill by searing in skillet then finishing in 400°F oven.
What to Serve With Caprese Chicken Recipe
Garlic Roasted Potatoes: The crispy, golden exterior and fluffy interior of roasted potatoes provide the perfect hearty base that soaks up any extra balsamic glaze from the chicken.
Simple Arugula Salad: In my kitchen, I often serve this with peppery arugula dressed in lemon vinaigrette—the bitter greens cut through the richness and add a fresh, crisp contrast.
Grilled Asparagus: These bright green spears complement the Italian flavors beautifully while adding a slight char that echoes the grilled chicken perfectly.
Buttered Angel Hair Pasta: A light pasta tossed with butter, garlic, and fresh herbs creates an elegant base that turns this Caprese chicken into a complete Italian feast.
Crusty Italian Bread: There’s nothing better than having good bread on hand to soak up all those delicious juices and balsamic glaze—it’s practically mandatory in my house.
Caprese Salad: My family loves when I serve a traditional Caprese salad alongside this dish, doubling down on those classic flavor combinations that never get old.
FAQs
How many calories are in Caprese Chicken Recipe?
Each serving of this Caprese Chicken Recipe contains approximately 387 calories, making it a protein-rich, relatively light dinner option that fits well into most healthy eating plans.
Is Caprese Chicken healthy for you?
I recommend this dish as a healthy choice because it’s high in protein (48g per serving), contains healthy fats from olive oil and mozzarella, and provides essential nutrients from fresh tomatoes and basil with minimal processing.
Can I make Caprese Chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! I often bake this in the oven when the weather doesn’t cooperate—just sear the seasoned chicken in an oven-safe skillet, then transfer to a preheated 400°F oven for 15-18 minutes until cooked through.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
To avoid dry chicken, I always use a meat thermometer and remove it from heat when it reaches 155°F internal temperature—it will continue cooking to the safe 165°F while resting, staying perfectly juicy.
