Grilled Pesto Chicken Caprese

What is Caprese? 

If you're unfamiliar, Caprese is a traditional Italian salad made with sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, typically seasoned with salt and olive oil. It's simple but bursts with delicious fresh flavors. 

In this Caprese chicken recipe, we're taking those same fresh ingredients and layering them over grilled chicken for a meal that's a little heartier but just as fresh and satisfying. I enjoy it with al dente pasta and often pair leftovers with Honey Wheat Bread, creating a chicken Caprese sandwich.  

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken - I've tested this recipe with both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and chicken thighs. Both work well, but I prefer chicken breasts, finding the mild taste takes on the flavor of the rest of the ingredients nicely. Either way, because you are marinating the chicken, it stays juicy, even when cooking on the grill.
• Mozzarella - Fresh mozzarella cheese slices work best here, but I've also sprinkled shredded mozzarella over the chicken. Once melted, it works just as well. 
• Fresh Tomatoes - Use ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor. I prefer Roma or heirloom tomatoes, finding they hold up nicely to the high heat of the grill.
• Pesto - I use my Homemade Italian Basil Pesto if I have it on hand. However, if I'm in a pinch for time, store-bought pesto also works, and no one notices a difference. 

Possible Variations

• Cheese - Not a fan of mozzarella? Use provolone instead. Or, keep this grilled Caprese chicken dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based cheese or omitting it completely. 
• Spice - When cooking for myself, I like to add a little extra spice with a dash of red pepper flakes. 
• Pesto - On days I can't be bothered to make pesto, I omit it and add a few leaves of fresh basil instead. 

How to Make a Grilled Caprese Chicken Recipe with Pesto 

Marinate the chicken - Combine oil, balsamic vinegar, Homemade Italian Seasoning, and garlic powder in a bag or baking dish. Add the chicken and marinate in the fridge. 

Prep the veggies and grill - In the meantime, slice the mozzarella and tomatoes, and preheat the grill to medium-high heat. 

Grill - Place the marinated chicken directly on the grill grates, and cook on one side. 

Top - Flip the chicken, and top the cooked side with pesto, tomato, and mozzarella.

Cook - Continue to grill until the cheese melts and the chicken cooks all the way through. 

Amanda's Expert Tips

• Pound the chicken to an even thickness. This allows for fast, even cooking so that none of the pieces dry out! 
• Use a meat thermometer to eliminate any guesswork. You'll know your chicken is done cooking when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 
• Don't marinate longer than 2 hours, or your chicken is likely to be a little mushy. 
• Rest the chicken before serving to allow the natural juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender and juicy. 
• If you don't have a grill, bake the marinated chicken at 375˚F for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F. You can also use a grill pan and cook the chicken over medium or medium-high heat. 

Serving Suggestions 

I find this grilled chicken Caprese recipe filling enough to serve on its own as a light meal. However, for weeknight dinners, I pair with a veggie side dish like Grilled Italian Zucchini, an Easy Italian Arugula Salad, or Roasted Artichokes with Parmesan. 

Then, I add Crispy Potato Wedges or Instant Pot Garlic Roasted Mashed Potatoes for a well-rounded meal. You can never go wrong with White Chocolate Bread Pudding or Nutella Cheesecake for dessert, either! 

How to Store and Reheat

Leftover pesto grilled Caprese chicken will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To serve, reheat in the oven at 325°F, over medium heat on the grill, or in the microwave. 

I don't recommend freezing this recipe! The cheese won't thaw or reheat well. 

More Delicious Chicken Recipes 

If you loved this Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe, be sure to check out these family-favorite chicken dishes, too:

• Chicken Parmesan Stuffed Peppers - A lightened-up twist on a classic meal with all the savory flavor you know and love. 
• Lemon Chicken Piccata - Tangy, buttery, and on the table in 30 minutes.
• Baked Skillet Asiago Chicken - A satisfyingly crisp and cheesy weeknight dinner, with minimal cleanup.
• Creamy Pesto Orzo Recipe with Chicken  - A creamy, herby, protein-rich comfort food.
• 30-Minute BBQ Chicken - Juicy, full of flavor, and perfect for Summer.