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This chicken caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. We love to use the grill but you can also bake in the oven or fry in a pan. Bonus points for being a quick and healthy chicken recipe!
It’s everything you love about a classic caprese salad, turned into an easy, satisfying main dish. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, this caprese chicken recipe comes together quickly and feels just a little bit elevated without any extra effort.
What is Chicken Caprese?
Chicken caprese is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese
- Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes
- Fresh, simple ingredients
- Naturally low-carb (8g) and high-protein (61g)
- Works on the grill, stovetop, or oven
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: the juicy, protein-packed base
- Tomatoes: fresh and vibrant
- Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty
- Fresh Basil: adds bright, herby flavor
- Balsamic Glaze: sweet and tangy finish
- Olive Oil + Seasonings: simple flavor builders
👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): balsamic marinade for extra flavor (see below)
How to Make Chicken Caprese
- Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (see section below for instructions for each).
- Add toppings: Top each piece with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Melt the cheese: Let the mozzarella melt slightly in the broiler.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.
Ways to Cook Chicken Caprese
Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Baked Chicken Caprese – Easy, hands-off and great for weeknights.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Place the chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Skillet Chicken Caprese – Quick and perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat on the stove. Place the chicken on the skillet and let it cook for 6-7 minutes. Then flip and cook for another 6-7 minutes.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it low-carb – Serve with zucchini noodles or a side salad.
- Add pasta – Turn it into a full meal by serving over pasta or rice.
- Use chicken thighs – For a juicier, richer option.
- Make it a sandwich – Serve on toasted bread or ciabatta. See our chicken caprese sandwich!
- Add pesto – Layer in extra basil flavor by spooning it over the top.
Chicken Caprese FAQs
No, but marinating can add extra flavor. Even simple seasoning works great.
Yes—cook the chicken ahead and add toppings just before serving.
What to Serve with Chicken Caprese
I love to serve some sort of bread as a side dish like our garlic bread or no knead crusty loaf. You can also bulk up on the veggies with some roasted vegetables or a bright strawberry spinach salad.
Optional: Balsamic Marinade for Chicken Caprese
While this easy chicken caprese recipe is delicious with just simple seasoning, a quick balsamic marinade can add an extra layer of flavor.
How long to marinate:
For best results, marinate the chicken for 2–4 hours. This gives the surface time to absorb flavor without affecting the texture. You can marinate it overnight, but try not to go longer than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
How long is too long?
Anything beyond 24 hours is not recommended. Marinades don’t soak all the way through the meat—they mainly flavor the outside—so longer isn’t better.
How long can marinated chicken stay in the fridge?
Raw chicken can safely marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but for the best texture and flavor, stick to under 24 hours.
👉 Tip: Even a short marinade (or just seasoning) will still give you a flavorful, juicy chicken—so don’t stress if you’re short on time.
Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic Reduction)
A balsamic glaze is a simple, sweet-and-tangy sauce made by simmering balsamic vinegar until it thickens into a syrup. It adds the perfect finishing touch to chicken caprese with mozzarella.
How to make balsamic glaze:
Bring balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Tips for success:
- Use a wide pan to help it reduce faster
- Watch closely toward the end—it can go from perfect to burned quickly
- The glaze will thicken more as it cools
Why isn’t my balsamic glaze thickening?
It may just need more time to reduce, or the pan may be too deep. Also, keep in mind it thickens significantly as it cools.
How to store balsamic glaze:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for a long time, though the flavor is best when fresh.
👉 Shortcut: You can also use store-bought balsamic glaze to save time.
Storing and Reheating
Leftover caprese chicken should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the chicken in the oven at 325℉ for 10-15 minutes in a covered baking dish. Then add the cheese, tomatoes, basil and balsamic glaze right before serving.
If you’re looking for a simple way to turn everyday chicken into something fresh and flavorful, this chicken caprese is it. It’s quick, easy, and made with ingredients that always work together…juicy chicken, melty cheese, fresh basil and that perfect drizzle of balsamic to bring it all together.
More Marinated Chicken Dishes You’re Sure to Love:
Watch This Video Tutorial to See How It’s Made…
Carrian Cheney
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