20 Minute Grilled Chicken Caprese Recipe
This 20 Minute Grilled Chicken Caprese recipe combines juicy grilled chicken breasts with fresh pesto, ripe roma tomatoes, melted mozzarella, and fragrant basil for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
Toppings & Garnish
- 4 tbsp prepared pesto, divided
- 2 roma tomatoes, cut into 8 slices
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced crosswise and then in half
- fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium heat, approximately 350-400°F, ensuring it’s ready for cooking.
- Pound Chicken: Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness to promote even cooking and tenderness.
- Season Chicken: Season each chicken breast with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper evenly over all sides.
- Grill First Side: Place chicken breasts on the grill and cook for 4 minutes without flipping.
- Apply Pesto: Turn chicken over gently and spread 1 tablespoon of prepared pesto on top of each piece.
- Add Tomato and Cheese: Layer each chicken breast with 2 slices of roma tomato and 2 pieces of fresh mozzarella evenly.
- Cover to Melt Cheese: If using a grill pan, tent the chicken with foil to help cheese melt quickly. For outdoor grills, close the grill cover to retain heat.
- Grill Second Side: Continue grilling for another 4-6 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature around 160°F) and the mozzarella has melted.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken from the grill, let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded evenly for consistent cooking.
- Use a food thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
- For a smoky flavor, outdoor grilling is recommended over a grill pan.
- Fresh basil added at the end enhances the dish with vibrant herbaceous notes.
