Brace yourself for an absolute summer showstopper: Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze. This dish takes everything you love about classic Caprese salad—juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil—and piles them onto smoky, perfectly grilled chicken, then finishes with a sweet-tangy balsamic drizzle. It’s one of those recipes that tastes like sunshine on a plate, and I guarantee it’ll become your go-to for weeknights or backyard get-togethers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Yet Impressive: With just a handful of steps, this recipe delivers restaurant-worthy flavor but is simple enough for a quick dinner.
- Fresh, Vibrant Ingredients: Every bite bursts with summery tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil—flavors that sing together.
- That Dreamy Balsamic Glaze: The sweet, silky balsamic reduction ties everything together with an irresistible tangy finish that elevates each forkful.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is perfect for weeknights, but also makes a gorgeous centerpiece for weekend entertaining!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is how simple the ingredient list is—you’re likely to have most items on hand already! Each ingredient has a role to play, offering either bold flavor, creamy texture, or that irresistible pop of color that makes this dish so eye-catching.
- Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for speedy grilling and juicy results.
- Italian Seasoning: This savory mix infuses the chicken with herby goodness in every bite.
- Garlic Powder: Adds that subtle garlicky warmth without any chopping required.
- Onion Powder: Delivers a gentle, aromatic sweetness to the chicken rub.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t be shy with these! They bring all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Mozzarella Slices: Opt for fresh mozzarella if possible—it melts beautifully and tastes luscious.
- Tomato Slices: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the classic Caprese experience.
- Fresh Basil: Sliced basil adds that signature aroma and gorgeous green finish.
- Balsamic Vinegar: The star of your glaze, providing tang and sweetness as it simmers down.
- Light Brown Sugar: Just a bit makes the balsamic reduction glossy, rich, and delightfully syrupy.
Variations
One of the best parts about Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is how flexible it is! Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, want to keep things dairy-free, or just love to experiment, a few simple swaps will make this dish your own.
- Swap the Cheese: Try fresh burrata or thinly sliced provolone for a twist on the classic mozzarella.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the brown sugar in the balsamic glaze, or use your favorite sugar substitute to keep it keto-friendly.
- Make It Vegetarian: Use thick grilled eggplant slices instead of chicken for a hearty, meat-free version.
- Add Avocado: A few slices of creamy avocado are lovely layered with the tomato and cheese—especially on a hot day!
How to Make Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and laying them out on a tray. Sprinkle both sides generously with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasonings in so your chicken gets well coated, ensuring every bite is super flavorful.
Step 2: Preheat and Prep the Grill
While your chicken is soaking up the seasonings, fire up the grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, lightly grease the grates with non-stick spray or a paper towel dipped in oil to prevent any sticking—especially important with melty cheese coming later!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Place the breasts directly on the hot grill. Cook each side until grill marks appear and the chicken is nearly cooked through—usually about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. This gives you juicy, smoky chicken as the perfect base for all the toppings.
Step 4: Add the Mozzarella
Top each chicken breast with a thick slice of mozzarella. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt for another 2-3 minutes—you’re looking for gooey, bubbly perfection that drapes right over the chicken!
Step 5: Make the Balsamic Glaze
While the chicken is on the grill, combine the balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it bubble until reduced by half (about 10 minutes). The result? A thick, glossy syrup that smells absolutely divine.
Step 6: Assemble & Finish
Once the chicken is off the grill, lay a juicy tomato slice and a sprinkle of freshly sliced basil over each piece. Drizzle everything generously with your homemade balsamic glaze. Serve immediately, while everything is piping hot and irresistibly melty!
Pro Tips for Making Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
- Even Chicken Thickness: Give your chicken breasts a quick pound if some are much thicker than others—this ensures they grill evenly and stay juicy, not dry.
- Glaze Timing Matters: Don’t rush the balsamic reduction; simmer it slowly until syrupy to coax out its full sweet-tart flavor without burning.
- Cheese Watch: Add your mozzarella only once the chicken is almost done—this way, you get gorgeous melt without any burning.
- Fresh Basil Finale: Always finish with freshly sliced basil after grilling, as cooking will mute its bright, aromatic flavor.
How to Serve Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze
Garnishes
Garnish each chicken breast with an extra flurry of fresh basil and, if you like, a twist of freshly cracked black pepper or a sprinkling of flaky sea salt. A final drizzle of that luscious balsamic glaze ties everything together, giving your Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze a glossy, irresistible finish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with everything from simple grilled vegetables to fluffy couscous, fresh herby rice, crispy roasted potatoes, or a crunchy side salad. I love serving my Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze over a bed of arugula or alongside grilled asparagus for a truly Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the chicken on a big platter, topped with colorful tomatoes and a dramatic swipe of glaze, for wow-factor dinner party vibes. Or serve the chicken sliced over toasted crostini as elegant party appetizers—the Caprese magic translates perfectly! For meal prep, try layering pieces over a big grain bowl or chopped salad for a lunch you’ll crave all week.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze keeps wonderfully for up to three days in the refrigerator. Store the chicken, toppings, and balsamic glaze separately if possible to help everything stay fresh and vibrant until you’re ready to enjoy again.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked chicken breasts themselves for up to two months, I recommend adding the tomato, mozzarella, and glaze fresh after reheating for the best flavor and texture. The balsamic glaze keeps well refrigerated for several weeks, so make a little extra!
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chicken gently in the oven at 325ºF, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Add your cheese during the last few minutes so it becomes gloriously melty again. Top with fresh tomato, basil, and a swirl of glaze just before serving for that just-made freshness.
FAQs
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Can I make Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze indoors without a grill?
Absolutely! If it’s raining or you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or a well-oiled skillet on your stovetop. You’ll still get wonderful flavor and those all-important golden sear marks. Finish under the broiler for a bit of extra color if you like.
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What’s the best way to make the balsamic reduction ahead of time?
Simply simmer the balsamic vinegar and sugar as directed, then let the glaze cool and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge. It will thicken as it chills—just warm it gently before drizzling over your chicken to loosen it up.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to stay even juicier on the grill, and the flavors complement the richer dark meat perfectly.
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How can I make Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze dairy-free?
Simply skip the mozzarella or try a plant-based, meltable cheese alternative. The rest of the recipe is naturally dairy-free, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor and satisfaction from the juicy chicken, basil, and bold balsamic glaze.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful dinner that’s as easy as it is beautiful, Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is absolutely the meal to try next. From its melty cheese to the punchy glaze and brilliant basil, every bite feels like a celebration. I hope you love it as much as I do—let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!
Print
Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Caprese Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Glaze is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender grilled chicken with the classic Caprese flavors of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, all drizzled with a sweet and tangy balsamic reduction.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper
Caprese Toppings:
- 4 slices mozzarella
- 4 slices tomato
- 2 tablespoons basil, sliced
Balsamic Reduction:
- 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic, and onion powder. Sprinkle with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Grill chicken: Spray the grill with non-stick cooking spray and cook the chicken breasts until almost fully cooked.
- Add toppings: Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella. Close the grill and allow it to cook for a few additional minutes to melt.
- Finish and serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and top with tomato and basil. Drizzle with the homemade balsamic reduction. Serve immediately and enjoy!
- Balsamic Reduction: Add balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to a small saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes or until the sauce has reduced by half. Keep warm until ready to use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
