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This Chicken Capri is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil finished with a balsamic glaze. I like to use the grill, but you can also bake it in the oven or fry it in a pan. Bonus points for a quick and healthy chicken recipe!
It packs everything you love about the classic Capri salad into an easy and satisfying main dish. Whether you grill, bake, or pan-fry, this capri chicken recipe comes together quickly and adds a touch of class without the extra effort.
What is chicken caprese?
Chicken Capri is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian Capri salad made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic sauce.
Why you’ll love this chicken caprese
Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes Fresh, simple ingredients Naturally low in carbs (8g) and high in protein (61g) Can be cooked on the grill, stovetop, or oven Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
Materials needed
Chicken breast: A juicy, protein-rich base Tomatoes: Fresh and lively Fresh mozzarella: Creamy and melty Fresh basil: Adds a bright herbal flavor Balsamic glaze: Sweet and tangy finish Olive oil + seasonings: Creates a simple flavor
👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): Balsamic marinade for flavor (see below)
How to make chicken caprese
Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken. Grill, bake, or pan-fry (see the sections below for instructions on each) until cooked through. Add toppings: Place sliced mozzarella and tomato on top of each piece. Melt the cheese: Melt the mozzarella cheese slightly under the broiler. Finish and serve: drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Enjoy immediately while warm and melting.
👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.
How to make chicken caprese
Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds a smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.
Heat the grill to medium-high heat, add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side depending on thickness.
Baked Chicken Capri – Easy, hands-off, and perfect for weeknights.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish sprayed with cooking spray and bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Skillet Chicken Caprese – Easy and perfect when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Heat a frying pan on the stove over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes. Then flip it over and cook for another 6-7 minutes.
Variations and substitutions
Keep it low-carb – serve with zucchini noodles or a side salad. Add Pasta – Serve over pasta or rice to turn it into a complete meal. Use chicken thighs – a juicier and richer option. Serve as a sandwich with toasted bread or ciabatta. Check out our Chicken Capri Sandwich. Add Pesto – Spoon more basil flavor on top.
Frequently asked questions about chicken caprese
No, but marinating can enhance the flavor. Even simple seasoning makes it delicious.
Yes, you can pre-cook the chicken and add the toppings right before serving.
what to eat with chicken caprese
I love serving some type of bread as a side dish, like garlic bread or a hard no-knead bread. You can also bulk up on vegetables with roasted vegetables or a bright strawberry spinach salad.
Optional: Balsamic marinade for chicken capri
This easy chicken capri recipe is delicious with just the simple seasoning, but you can add even more flavor with a simple balsamic marinade.
Time to marinate:
For best results, marinate the chicken for 2 to 4 hours. This gives the surface time to absorb the flavor without affecting the texture. It’s okay to marinate overnight, but try not to marinate for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
How long is too long?
Exceeding 24 hours is not recommended. The marinade does not penetrate deep into the meat, so the flavor is mainly absorbed on the outside. Therefore, longer is not necessarily better.
How long can marinated chicken be stored in the refrigerator?
Raw chicken can be safely marinated in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but for the best texture and flavor, store it within 24 hours.
👉 Tip: Even a short marinade (or just seasoning) will yield flavorful, juicy chicken. Don’t worry if you don’t have time.
Balsamic Glaze (Balsamic Reduction)
Balsamic glaze is a simple sweet and sour sauce made by boiling balsamic vinegar until it becomes syrupy. Adds the perfect finishing touch to chicken caprese with mozzarella cheese.
How to make balsamic glaze:
Bring the balsamic vinegar to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10 to 15 minutes.
Success tips:
Using a wide pan will help it reduce faster Watch carefully towards the end – it can go from perfect to burnt quickly The glaze will thicken even more as it cools
Why doesn’t my balsamic glaze thicken?
It may take more time to reduce or the pot may be too deep. Also, be careful as it will become quite hard as it cools.
How to store balsamic glaze:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for a long time, but the flavor is best when fresh.
👉 Shortcut: To save time, you can also use store-bought balsamic glaze.
Storage and reheating
Store leftover Capri chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be stored for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the chicken in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Then, just before serving, add the cheese, tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze.
If you’re looking for an easy way to turn your everyday chicken into something fresh and flavorful, these chicken capris are for you. It’s quick, easy, and always made with ingredients that go well together: juicy chicken, melted cheese, fresh basil, and the perfect balsamic to bring everything together.
See more marinated chicken dishes you’ll love:
Watch this video tutorial to see how to make it…
(Tag translation) Balsamic reduction
