Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, savory, and downright delicious that also feels a little fancy without the fuss, you have to try my Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe. This dish perfectly balances juicy grilled chicken with melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, fragrant basil, and the tangy sweetness of a homemade balsamic reduction—trust me, it’s fan-freaking-tastic and will impress anyone you serve it to. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure yours turns out just right!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

At its heart, this Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe relies on fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other effortlessly. Choosing the right chicken and fresh mozzarella sets a solid foundation, while the balsamic reduction adds a delicious twist you won’t forget. Here are the key ingredients and why I love them in this recipe.

• Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless for quick grilling and easy slicing; they’re tender and soak up those simple seasonings well.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly delivers that classic Caprese flavor profile.
• Garlic powder & Onion powder: These add a savory depth without overpowering the fresh toppings.
• Mozzarella slices: Fresh mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creamy richness that contrasts with grilled chicken.
• Tomato slices: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for juicy freshness and vibrant color.
• Fresh basil: Adds that unmistakable sweet, peppery note—caprese isn’t caprese without basil!
• Balsamic vinegar: Reduced down with brown sugar, it creates a luscious syrup that brightens the entire dish.
• Light brown sugar: Balances balsamic’s acidity with just a touch of sweetness.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this recipe my own by switching up a few ingredients or adding personal twists—you can totally do the same to match your flavor preferences or what you have on hand.

• Herb Variations: Sometimes I swap out Italian seasoning for fresh herb blends like oregano and thyme for a slightly different aroma.
• Cheese Options: If you want a sharper bite, feel free to try provolone or even a thin slice of parmesan instead of mozzarella.
• Heat it Up: Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes before serving gives a subtle kick that works surprisingly well.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices with the same toppings for a hearty plant-based meal.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Chicken

Start by preheating your grill to a medium-high temperature—around 375 to 400°F works great. While it heats, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and evenly sprinkle both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This simple seasoning mix is your flavor base and keeps the chicken juicy and tasty.

Step 2: Grill Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Lightly spray your grill grates with non-stick cooking spray—that’ll help prevent sticking. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, until mostly cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach around 160°F because there’s a little more cooking to come with the cheese on top.

Step 3: Add Mozzarella and Let it Melt

Once the chicken is nearly cooked, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese. Close the grill lid to create a little oven effect and let the cheese melt slowly—which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want gooey cheese, not burnt.

Step 4: Make Your Balsamic Reduction

While the chicken cooks, combine the balsamic vinegar and light brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it reduce by half—about 10 minutes. This thick, syrupy sauce is the magic finishing touch.

Step 5: Assemble with Tomato, Basil & Balsamic

Remove your chicken from the grill and immediately top each piece with a fresh tomato slice and a sprinkling of sliced basil leaves. Drizzle the balsamic reduction generously over the top. Serve right away—and prepare for everyone to ask for seconds!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a few extra fresh basil leaves and cracked black pepper on top for a fragrant, colorful finish. Sometimes a few crunchy pine nuts add a lovely texture contrast that I can’t resist.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some grilled asparagus. Roasted baby potatoes or a light pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs work beautifully, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to plate the chicken sliced diagonally with tomato and basil layered between each slice, drizzled with balsamic reduction in artistic swirls. Adding edible flowers or microgreens takes the presentation next-level!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I find that layering the balsamic reduction separately helps keep the chicken from getting soggy.

Freezing

While I typically enjoy this dish fresh, you can freeze grilled chicken breasts without toppings. Freeze them individually wrapped and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh toppings.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat to retain moisture and avoid drying out. Add fresh tomato, basil, and balsamic drizzle afterward to bring back that fresh Caprese vibe.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Chicken Caprese with Balsamic Reduction Recipe is one of my go-tos when I want a meal that feels special but comes together easily. I love how fresh ingredients shine through every bite, and the balsamic drizzle makes me swoon every time. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how simple it is to create a dish that tastes like it belongs in a fancy restaurant but can be whipped up on a weeknight. Once you make it, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your lineup, just like it did for me!

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