Grilled Chicken Caprese Salad (Printable Version)

Fresh grilled chicken paired with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. A light Italian-inspired dish ready in just 30 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 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 a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
02 - Rub the chicken breasts evenly with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
03 - Grill chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
04 - Arrange tomato slices, mozzarella slices, and basil leaves on a large platter or individual plates. Add mixed salad greens if desired.
05 - Arrange the sliced grilled chicken over the salad components.
06 - Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic glaze, honey, and season with salt and pepper in a small bowl.
07 - Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad just before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in half an hour but tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.
  • The combination of warm grilled chicken with cool mozzarella and tomatoes is pure magic.
  • You can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble it right before guests arrive.
  • It feels light and fresh but keeps you satisfied for hours.
02 -
  • Don't slice the chicken until it has rested for at least 5 minutes or all the juice will run out onto your cutting board.
  • If your tomatoes aren't perfectly ripe, a tiny pinch of sugar on them before assembling helps coax out their sweetness.
  • Use a grill pan indoors if you don't have an outdoor grill, it works just as well and gives you those beautiful grill lines.
03 -
  • Always tear your basil leaves instead of cutting them with a knife, it keeps them from bruising and turning black.
  • If your balsamic glaze is too thick, warm it gently in the microwave for a few seconds so it drizzles smoothly.
  • Let the chicken rest on a wire rack instead of a plate so it doesn't sit in its own juices and lose that beautiful grilled texture.
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