Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze the chicken (without toppings) for up to 2 months.
Easy Chicken Caprese
Servings: people
This Easy Chicken Caprese is quick, fresh, and perfect for weeknight dinners—you can make it on a grill, a grill pan, or a heavy skillet right on the stovetop.
Ingredients
- 3 - 4 chicken breasts boneless, skinless - about 1½ lb /680 g total
- 2 large ripe tomatoes beefsteak, heirloom, or Roma
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze optional
- 1 handful fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Slice tomatoes and mozzarella. Butterfly 3 - 4 chicken breasts into 6–8 cutlets. Toss with 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 min per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C).
- Grill the Tomatoes: Add tomato slices to the grill for 1 min per side, just until lightly charred. Season them with a pinch of salt.
- Add Mozzarella: Shortly before chicken is done, top cutlets with mozzarella slices while still on the grill. Let melt for 30 sec to 1 min, then transfer chicken to a serving platter.
- Assemble & Serve: Top chicken with a grilled tomato slice, pesto, fresh basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze (optional). Serve warm.
Notes
SUBSTITUTIONS
- Chicken – Boneless breasts are classic; thighs stay juicier if you prefer dark meat.
- Mozzarella – Use fresh mozzarella in water. Provolone or scamorza work too.
- Tomatoes – Beefsteak or heirloom are best. Roma is fine for a firmer bite.
- Olive Oil – Go with extra virgin for full Mediterranean flavor.
- Pesto – Homemade or store-bought both work. No pesto? Try olive oil + minced garlic. Pistachio pesto is 🔥.
- Balsamic Glaze – Adds a sweet-tangy finish. Aged balsamic vinegar is a fine backup.
- Fresh Basil – Classic. Or swap in arugula/spinach—use as a bed, not a topping.
- Butterfly evenly – Helps chicken cook faster and more evenly.
- Pound if needed – Keeps cutlets the same thickness so nothing dries out.
- Use fresh mozzarella – Slice it thick, add at the end, just enough to melt.
- Season well – Salt + pepper both sides—simple but essential.
- Char the tomatoes – Quick sear = smoky flavor, juicy bite.
- Homemade pesto = bonus – Store-bought works, but fresh pesto shines.
- Finish with balsamic glaze – Just a drizzle makes it pop.
- Low carb option – Skip the bread, serve with salad or veggies.
- Meal prep–friendly – Great over grains, salads, or in a sandwich the next day.
