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Grilled Chicken Caprese with Buffalo Mozzarella is everything you want in a light, satisfying meal. Juicy, tender chicken meets melted cheese and fresh tomatoes for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s an easy chicken recipe that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
With all the caprese dishes I’ve shared, from my baked caprese chicken to the classic caprese salad with avocado, it only makes sense to add a grilled chicken caprese recipe to the list. This grilled chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and made for summer barbecues or anytime you want something fresh and cheesy on your plate.
Why We Love This Recipe
This grilled chicken recipe is the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and fresh. The chicken stays juicy on the grill while the melted buffalo mozzarella and ripe tomatoes add that signature caprese flavor everyone loves. It’s a beautiful meal that feels light yet indulgent at the same time.
You’ll love how easy this grilled caprese chicken comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or firing up the grill for friends, this grilled chicken caprese recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor without any fuss.
What Goes Into Grilled Chicken Caprese
Simple, fresh ingredients make this grilled chicken recipe shine with classic caprese flavor and melty, cheesy goodness.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are perfect for grilling. They stay tender inside while developing those beautiful charred edges.
- Buffalo Mozzarella: This soft, creamy cheese melts perfectly over the hot chicken, adding richness to every bite.
- Roma Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomato slices balance the smoky chicken and creamy cheese, giving the dish its classic caprese taste.
- Fresh Basil: Shredded basil adds a pop of color and bright, herby freshness that ties everything together.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make Grilled Chicken Caprese
- Make the Marinade: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well. Let them marinate for about 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Warm your grill plates over medium heat so they’re ready for those perfect grill marks.
- Grill Chicken: Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until it’s cooked through in the center and slightly charred on the edges.
- Grill the Tomatoes: While the chicken cooks, grill the tomato slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly softened and caramelized.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each chicken with mozzarella and a tomato. Let the heat melt the cheese, then finish with basil and a drizzle of balsamic reduction.
Bring this grilled chicken recipe to life with sides that match its fresh, Italian-inspired flavors. Try One Pot Orzo Primavera for a light and colorful pasta that balances the smoky chicken with crisp veggies.
Add a touch of richness with Cheesy Garlic Sweet Potatoes, creamy on the inside and crisp on the edges, perfect for soaking up that balsamic glaze. Finish with a bright and tangy Easy Tomato Salad to keep everything fresh and vibrant on your plate.
Tips For Making Grilled Chicken Caprese
- Let the chicken soak up the marinade for at least half an hour, but if you’ve got the time, give it a full hour or two. Trust me, that extra time makes every bite more flavorful and juicy.
- I always keep a meat thermometer nearby when grilling. It takes out the guesswork and helps me make sure the chicken hits that perfect 165°F (75°C) without drying out.
- Be gentle with the tomatoes. A minute or two per side is all they need to get a little char and sweetness while staying juicy inside.
- Fresh buffalo mozzarella is my favorite for this recipe. It melts so beautifully over the warm chicken and gives you that creamy, tangy bite that just feels restaurant-level good.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, you can. A grill pan or even a regular skillet works perfectly. Just make sure to get those nice golden sear marks for that grilled flavor.
Buffalo mozzarella melts beautifully and has a soft, creamy texture that makes this recipe extra special. Regular fresh mozzarella also works great.
If you don’t have glaze, reduce some balsamic vinegar on the stove with a touch of honey until it thickens. It’s simple and tastes amazing.
Grilled Chicken Caprese With Buffalo Mozzarella Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch cracked pepper to taste
- 4 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 roma tomato sliced
- 4 slices buffalo mozzarella
- 4 tablespoons basil shredded
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze or reduction, store bought
Instructions
- In a large shallow bowl, mix together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt and pepper. Add in the chicken and allow to marinate for half an hour (if time allows).Preheat grill plates over medium heat, and grill chicken for 5-6 minutes each side, or until completely cooked through in the centre, and slightly charred on the outer edges. While chicken is cooking, grill the tomato slices for 1-2 minutes each side. Top each breast with a slice of mozzarella and grilled tomato slice, allowing the heat to melt the cheese.To serve, top with the shredded basil and balsamic reduction.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I made this for dinner last night. We loved it! I don’t usually cook chicken breast because it’s always dry. The marinade in this recipe made the chicken breast so juicy and tender. This is the third time I’ve used one of your recipes and my family has loved all of them. Thank you for sharing.
I don’t have grill plates. What is the best way to cook the chicken?
I love that you put the “JUMP TO THE RECIPE” If I’m in a hurry this is a lifesaver. Delicious!
Thanks so much for sharing! My family loved this and I will be making it again!
This was amazing. Made as directed except no buffalo mozzarella in our area. Used a ball of fresh. Leftovers made scrumptious sandwiches. . Best recipe of this this dish I’ve found. Thank you.
Tried this recipe this evening. Great success even with my picky partner! Next time I will flatten the chicken fillets a little, which will cut the cooking time and leave more room for the mozzarella. I used a ridged frying pan to get the charred striped effect and finished cooking in the oven. Delicious. Well done.
Love your blog, and I’ve already successfully made several of your recipes. However this one has me stumped. Should the recipe ingredients listing say FOUR chicken breasts? Either the chicken should be butterflied or otherwise addressed during prep so that the four tomato slices and four mozzarella slices will have enough chicken to rest upon OR the amount of chicken should be increased. That’s a LOT of mozzarella and balsamic for two breasts.
Let me know and thanks much!
Hi Diana! Thank you so much for catching that! It’s definitely 4 chicken breasts, not 2!