Grilled Chicken Caprese

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 good for lunch or dinner. It's an easy chicken recipe that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.

With all the caprese dishes we've shared, from our 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 good 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 good 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.

On the stove

1. Make the Marinade: In a large shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until combined.

1. 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.

1. Preheat the Grill: Warm your grill plates over medium heat so they're ready for those good grill marks.

1. 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.

1. Grill the Tomatoes: While the chicken cooks, grill the tomato slices for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly softened and caramelized.

1. 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 Potatoescreamy on the inside and crisp on the edges, good for soaking up that balsamic glaze. Finish with a bright and tangy Easy Tomato Salad to keep everything fresh and vibrant on your plate.

Kitchen tip

• 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 us, that extra time makes every bite more flavorful and juicy.
• We always keep a meat thermometer nearby when grilling. It takes out the guesswork and helps us make sure the chicken hits that good 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 our 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 good.

What you need

• 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

Method

1. 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).