Grilled Balsamic Caprese Chicken Recipe

Why You’ll Make This Caprese Chicken All Summer Long

I think the element that sets this recipe apart is the balsamic marinade. The sweet balsamic vinegar really complements the caprese flavors, and it also makes the chicken extra tender and juicy.

• Fresh and flavorful. Classic caprese ingredients and smoky grilled chicken make this recipe taste like summer. (Or for a year-round version, try my balsamic glazed caprese chicken.)
• Juicy grilled chicken. The balsamic marinade makes the chicken absolutely delicious. Juicy, tender, and oh-so-flavorful!
• Quick to make. Aside from the time soaking up the marinade, this recipe comes together lightning fast, which is why I love grilling in the summertime. 

What You’ll Need

This dish comes together with simple, fresh ingredients. Scroll down to the recipe card for exact measurements.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts – If you’d like to use boneless skinless chicken thighs, that works too; just keep in mind they take a little longer to cook.
• Balsamic vinegar – Adds tangy, sweet flavor and a little umami too.
• Olive oil – Oil helps marinades soak deeper into the meat.
• Dijon mustard – Adds punchy flavor and helps emulsify the marinade.
• Honey – This balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
• Garlic – Enough to add some garlicky flavor without overtaking the other elements in this recipe.
• Salt – I like to use kosher salt in my cooking.
• Fresh mozzarella – Use fresh, not store-bought shreds. It’s much creamier and melts better too.
• Tomato – This is a great recipe for using pretty heirloom tomatoes from your garden or the farmers’ market.
• Fresh basil – Bright, fragrant, and essential for that classic caprese flavor.

How to Make Grilled Balsamic Caprese Chicken

This recipe comes together lickety-split! Here’s what you’ll need to do.

• Make the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, and salt.
• Reserve some marinade. Set aside half of the marinade to use later for basting and serving.
• Marinate the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to a zip-top bag or bowl and pour the remaining marinade over the chicken. Toss to coat.
• Let it rest. Marinate the chicken for 15 minutes.
• Preheat the grill. Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
• Grill the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 4–5 minutes on the first side. Flip and cook another 4 minutes.
• Add toppings. Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade. Top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and tomato.
• Melt the cheese. Close the grill lid and cook for 1–2 more minutes, until the mozzarella is melted.
• Rest and garnish. Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Top with fresh basil and drizzle with any remaining marinade.

Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken

Whether you’re making this caprese chicken recipe or another one, these tips will help you make perfect grilled chicken.

• Don’t skip marinating. Even 15 minutes adds tons of flavor and will help tenderize the meat.
• Oil the grill grates. This prevents sticking and helps create grill marks, which give the chicken smoky, charred flavor.
• Let the chicken rest. This keeps the juices inside the chicken instead of running out.

Serving Suggestions

This chicken pairs perfectly with so many easy sides:

• Shaved Zucchini & Asparagus Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest
• Roasted Red Pepper Peach Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
• Creamy Springtime Farro Salad
• Easy Garlic Ranch Potatoes
• If you want to double down on the caprese flavors, then this caprese pasta salad is delicious!

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftover grilled caprese chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• To reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or in a covered skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

More Easy Chicken Recipes

• Chicken Burger
• Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
• Grilled Chicken Pineapple Kabobs
• Baked Chicken Parmesan