Description
Succulent grilled chicken caprese delights with fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil. Mediterranean flavors dance on your plate, creating a simple yet elegant summer meal that connects culinary traditions with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (226 g) fresh mozzarella, sliced
- 2–3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 tsp (5 ml) Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
Instructions
- Preparation: Marinate chicken breasts by massaging a fusion of olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, allowing ingredients to meld while preheating the grill.
- Grill Setup: Configure grill to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for developing rich caramelized surfaces on the chicken.
- Cooking Process: Position seasoned chicken on grill grates, rotating once to develop golden-brown exterior and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 5-7 minutes per side.
- Cheese Integration: During final grilling moments, strategically layer ripe tomato slices and smooth mozzarella atop each chicken breast, then briefly close grill lid to facilitate gentle cheese melting.
- Presentation: Remove grilled chicken onto elegant serving platter, artfully garnish with aromatic fresh basil leaves and elegant balsamic glaze drizzle, creating a visually stunning Mediterranean-inspired dish ready for immediate consumption.
Notes
- Marinate Thoroughly: Let chicken soak in olive oil mixture for at least 30 minutes to maximize flavor absorption and ensure tender, juicy meat.
- Temperature Control: Monitor grill heat carefully to prevent burning; medium-high setting creates perfect caramelized exterior without drying out chicken.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Add mozzarella in final cooking minutes to achieve smooth, perfectly melted coverage without overcooking chicken.
- Dietary Adaptation: Swap regular mozzarella for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese for vegan version; use gluten-free seasonings for celiac-friendly option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg