Grilled Caprese Chicken Delight
Experience a taste of summer all year round with this Grilled Caprese Chicken Delight. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are marinated in a zesty sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, grilled to perfection, and topped with a delightful mixture of fresh tomatoes, melty mozzarella, and aromatic basil. This dish not only bursts with flavor but also showcases the vibrant colors reminiscent of a classic Caprese salad. Perfect for outdoor barbecues or an indoor grilling session, this meal is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table, bringing smiles to family and friends alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing
1/4 cup (divided)
Boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 small (none)
Tomatoes
1 (finely chopped)
Shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Fresh basil
1/4 cup (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Prepare a large sheet of aluminum foil and place it over one half of the grill grate to create an indirect heat zone.
2
In a resealable plastic bag, combine 2 tablespoons of sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing with the chicken breasts. Seal the bag and gently massage it to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the dressing. Allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
3
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the finely chopped tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh basil (or dried basil), and the remaining 2 tablespoons of vinaigrette in a bowl to create a fresh topping.
4
Once marinated, remove the chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Place the chicken on the uncovered side of the grill and cook for about 6 minutes without moving it to achieve nice grill marks.
5
After 6 minutes, flip the chicken over and transfer it to the foil-covered side of the grill, cooked side facing up. Generously spoon the tomato and cheese mixture over the chicken.
6
Close the lid and grill for an additional 8 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7
Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes, and serve warm, garnished with extra fresh basil if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Caprese Chicken Delight?
It is a dish featuring grilled chicken breasts marinated in sun-dried tomato vinaigrette and topped with a fresh mixture of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients are sun-dried tomato vinaigrette, boneless skinless chicken breasts, tomatoes, shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for 10 minutes.
What type of dressing is used?
A sun-dried tomato vinaigrette dressing is used for both the marinade and the topping.
Can I substitute fresh basil with dried basil?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil as a substitute for 1/4 cup of fresh basil.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.
How do I set up the grill for this recipe?
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place a large sheet of aluminum foil over one half of the grate to create an indirect heat zone.
Why is aluminum foil used on the grill?
The foil creates an indirect heat zone which helps melt the cheese and warm the topping without over-charring the bottom of the chicken.
How long is the chicken grilled on the first side?
The chicken is grilled for approximately 6 minutes on the uncovered side of the grill.
When do I add the tomato and mozzarella topping?
Add the topping after flipping the chicken and moving it to the foil-covered side of the grill.
How much longer do I cook the chicken after adding the topping?
Grill the chicken for an additional 8 minutes after adding the tomato and cheese mixture.
Can this recipe be prepared indoors?
Yes, it is suitable for an indoor grilling session as well as outdoor barbecues.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 1 finely chopped tomato.
Should the grill lid be open or closed?
The lid should be closed for the final 8 minutes of cooking after the topping has been added.
What cut of chicken is best for this dish?
The recipe specifies 4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should be finely chopped before being mixed with the other topping ingredients.
How much mozzarella cheese is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal featuring lean protein and fresh ingredients.
What flavors can I expect from this dish?
You can expect zesty sun-dried tomato, fresh aromatic basil, and melty Italian mozzarella flavors.
How do I achieve perfect grill marks?
Place the chicken on the uncovered side of the grill and let it cook for 6 minutes without moving it.
Should I keep the marinade after use?
No, you should discard the marinade after removing the chicken from the bag.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking helps keep it juicy and tender.
Can I use a different vinaigrette?
While sun-dried tomato is recommended, you could experiment with other Italian-style vinaigrettes.
What size should the chicken breasts be?
The recipe suggests using 4 small chicken breast halves.
Is this a good recipe for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a taste of summer and is perfect for outdoor barbecues.
How should I garnish the finished chicken?
You can garnish the chicken with extra fresh basil if desired.
How much dressing is added to the topping mixture?
Use 2 tablespoons of the sun-dried tomato vinaigrette for the tomato and cheese topping.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
The recipe requires skinless chicken breast halves.