This lovely salad combines juicy grilled chicken with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. It’s dressed in a light balsamic glaze, making it both tasty and colorful!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this recipe as they grill quickly. If you’re looking for alternatives, you could use thighs for more flavor or even sliced turkey if you prefer.
Garlic Powder & Dried Oregano: These seasonings add depth to the chicken. If you’re out of garlic powder, fresh minced garlic works nicely. As for oregano, Italian seasoning can also be a great substitute.
Fresh Mozzarella: I love the creaminess of fresh mozzarella. If you can’t find it, regular mozzarella or even burrata can work just as well for that melty goodness.
Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze brings everything together. If you don’t have it, balsamic vinegar mixed with a bit of honey can give a similar sweetness and tang.
How Can You Ensure Your Chicken is Perfectly Grilled?
Grilling chicken can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to do it right!
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding the chicken to get those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t Rush: Cooking it for about 6-7 minutes on each side is important. This will ensure it’s not just cooked through but also juicy.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Check that your chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Resting Time: Let the grilled chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture and keeps it succulent.
These simple steps will help you achieve juicy, flavorful grilled chicken every time, perfect for your Caprese salad!
Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for grilling
For the Caprese Topping:
- 8 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious grilled chicken Caprese salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for grilling, totaling around 30 minutes to make. Perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets those nice grill marks!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the grill heats up, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano. This step adds wonderful flavor to the chicken.
3. Prepare the Grill:
Brush the grill grates lightly with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also brush a little olive oil directly on the chicken if you prefer.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F (75°C).
5. Add the Mozzarella:
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, place two slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt slightly.
6. Prepare to Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the grill and transfer it to a serving plate. Let it rest for a minute or two.
7. Layer on the Toppings:
Top each piece of chicken with a slice of ripe tomato and drizzle generously with balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish by sprinkling freshly sliced basil over the top for a burst of flavor and aroma. Serve immediately, and enjoy your Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad alongside a salad or some crusty bread if you like!
This dish merges the smoky, savory flavor of grilled chicken with the classic Caprese salad elements, making a delightful and easy meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad
Can I Use Different Proteins in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star here, you could substitute it with turkey breast or even grilled shrimp for a tasty twist. Make sure to adjust the grilling time accordingly, as shrimp will cook faster than chicken.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To eat, you can enjoy it cold straight from the fridge or reheat it gently in the microwave, but the freshness of the basil may diminish a bit when reheated.
What Can I Use Instead of Balsamic Glaze?
If you don’t have balsamic glaze on hand, a mix of balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or maple syrup can work well to mimic the glaze’s sweetness and acidity. You can also simply drizzle balsamic vinegar directly over the salad if preferred.
Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?
Yes! You can grill the chicken and prepare the toppings (tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil) ahead of time. Just assemble everything right before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor!
