My Grilled Chicken Caprese is a marinated in balsamic and brown sugar before bring grilled. Topped with fresh mozzarella and a balsamic tomato reduction- and of course fresh basil!
This post is sponsored in conjunction with #BBQWeek. The sponsors, Rainier Foods and Intensity Academy, generously provided samples to participants to aid in the creation of the #BBQWeek recipes and prize packages to give away to the readers. However, all opinions are mine alone.
I keep the flavors simple in my Grilled Chicken Caprese with an easy pantry friendly marinade of balsamic, olive oil, brown sugar and garlic. I knew the flavors would make the chicken pop when pared with my balsamic reduction with warm tomatoes and gooey melted fresh mozzarella cheese.
I also topped the final product with a little extra freshly chopped basil because, in my world, extra basil is great! My family totally dug this meal and it is so easy to prepare! I find grilling to be a perfect weeknight option and giving the chicken a little caprese twist does away with any "boring chicken" notions.
I serves my chicken with grilled veggies and a salad. It is also delicious over pasta.
Ingredients
For Marinate
- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- balsamic
- brown sugar
- cloves of garlic
- black pepper
- salt
For Chicken Topping
- balsamic vinegar
- sugar
- cherry tomatoes
- basil
- fresh mozzarella
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinate ingredients. Place chicken into a large resealable bag and pour in the marinate. Toss to coat and store in the fridge for 8 hours (4-8 is fine, but flavor will not be as strong). Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinate and grill chicken 3-5 minutes per side or until no longer pink (this will depend on size and thickness of the chicken breast). During the last minute of cooking place two slices of cheese on the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove chicken from grill one the cheese has melted. To serve, plate the chicken and spoon the tomato mixture over the chicken. Top with a bit of the reserved basil and serve immediately.
- In a medium pan, slowly simmer ⅔ cup balsamic vinegar and granulated sugar till reduced by a third. Add tomatoes and basil and cook over low heat while you prepare the chicken. It is important to keep the heat low enough once the vinegar has reduced to the tomatoes and basil cook slowly.
- Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinate and grill chicken on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. During the last minute of cooking place two slices of cheese on the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove chicken from grill one the cheese has melted.
- Top chicken with tomato mixture and reserved chopped fresh basil. Enjoy.
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Grilled Chicken Caprese
Ingredients
For Marinate
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup balsamic
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Chicken Topping
- ⅔ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup basil, chopped (reserved 2 tablespoon for topping)
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced into 8 slices
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the marinate ingredients. Place chicken into a large resealable bag and pour in the marinate. Toss to coat and store in the fridge for 8 hours (4-8 is fine, but flavor will not be as strong). Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinate and grill chicken 3-5 minutes per side or until no longer pink (this will depend on size and thickness of the chicken breast). During the last minute of cooking place two slices of cheese on the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove chicken from grill one the cheese has melted. To serve, plate the chicken and spoon the tomato mixture over the chicken. Top with a bit of the reserved basil and serve immediately.
- In a medium pan, slowly simmer ⅔ cup balsamic vinegar and granulated sugar till reduced by a third. Add tomatoes and basil and cook over low heat while you prepare the chicken. It is important to keep the heat low enough once the vinegar has reduced to the tomatoes and basil cook slowly.
- Heat grill to medium heat. Remove chicken from marinate and grill chicken on both sides until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. During the last minute of cooking place two slices of cheese on the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove chicken from grill one the cheese has melted.
- Top chicken with tomato mixture and reserved chopped fresh basil. Enjoy.
Wednesday #BBQWeek Recipes
Starters and Sides
- Cowboy Caviar from The Freshman Cook
- Grilled Chili Lime Butter Corn from Jen Around the World
- Grilled Garlic Honey Boneless Wings from Blogghetti
- Marinated Green Beans from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
- Smoky Blackberry Grilled Fruit Salad from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
- Sweet and Smoky Jalapeno Poppers from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
- Watermelon Cucumber Salad from The Spiffy Cookie
Dinners
- Asian Ribs from A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Blackberry Honey Grilled Salmon from Sweet Beginnings
- Grilled Buttermilk Chicken from Jolene's Recipe Journal
- Grilled Chicken Caprese from Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Grilled Tuna Steaks with Honey Vinaigrette from Karen's Kitchen Stories
Desserts
- No Churn Thai Tea Ice Cream from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
- Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats from Art of Natural Living
DISCLAIMER:
Thank you #BBQWeek sponsors Saucy Queen and Rainier Foods for donating the prizes for this event. The #BBQWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner are checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning.
Two (2) winners are selected at random from entries received. The prize packages are fulfilled by and sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. #BBQWeek bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the #BBQWeek posts or entries.
Teri @ The Freshman Cook
Chicken Caprese looks amazing! It is one of our favorites in my house. Looking forward to trying your recipe!
Jolene
Just planted some basil, pinning this to try when tomatoes are in season here!
Wendy
OH my word....that balsamic reduction is to die for. Can't wait to try this amazing recipe.
Inger
YUM! What a flavorful combo for topping chicken!
Marcelle
This chicken dish looks so flavorful, I love Caprese-inspired recipes. A little extra basil is always good in my world too 🙂
Christie
That melted cheese and tomato topping is making my mouth water. It looks so delicious!