Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad (Print Version)

Fresh grilled chicken with ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil topped with tangy balsamic drizzle.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (10.5 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

→ Salad

06 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
07 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
08 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
09 - 3.5 oz mixed salad greens

→ Dressing

10 - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
11 - 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
12 - 1 teaspoon honey
13 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for 5 minutes until surface is hot.
02 - Rub chicken breasts evenly with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
03 - Place chicken on hot grill and cook 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Transfer to plate and let rest 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
04 - Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, fresh basil leaves, and mixed greens on a large platter or individual serving plates in alternating layers.
05 - Layer sliced grilled chicken over the arranged salad components.
06 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Drizzle prepared dressing evenly over salad immediately before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It feels fancy but takes less time than ordering takeout, and you can prep everything while the chicken rests.
  • The combination of warm grilled chicken with cool mozzarella and tomatoes creates this perfect contrast that makes every bite interesting.
  • You can scale it up for a crowd or keep it simple for two without any fuss.
02 -
  • Letting the chicken rest after grilling is not optional, cutting it too soon will leave you with dry meat and a puddle of juices on the plate.
  • Use a meat thermometer if you're unsure, 165 degrees is your magic number for perfectly cooked chicken every time.
  • Don't dress the salad until the last possible moment or the tomatoes will release water and dilute everything.
03 -
  • Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before grilling so they cook uniformly and you don't end up with dry edges and a raw center.
  • Buffalo mozzarella has more moisture and a richer flavor than regular mozzarella, and it's worth seeking out for special occasions.
  • A splash of the brine from the mozzarella added to the dressing gives it a subtle creamy tang that ties everything together.
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