Caprese Chicken Bowl (Printable)

Grilled chicken with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic reduction.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.1 lbs)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad

07 - 7 oz fresh mozzarella balls, sliced or torn
08 - 3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced or diced
09 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves
10 - 4 cups mixed salad greens, optional (arugula, spinach)

→ Balsamic Reduction

11 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
12 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Finishing

13 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
14 - Sea salt and black pepper to taste

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
02 - Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally to create 4 thinner cutlets. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
03 - Grill chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and juices run clear. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
04 - Combine balsamic vinegar and honey in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until syrupy. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
05 - Arrange salad greens in bowls. Top with sliced grilled chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
06 - Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and balsamic reduction. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
07 - Serve immediately.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It tastes elegant and restaurant-quality but comes together faster than takeout delivery.
  • The warm grilled chicken against cool, creamy mozzarella creates this perfect temperature contrast that keeps you coming back for another bite.
  • You can prep everything while the chicken cooks, so you're actually done in under 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
02 -
  • Don't slice the mozzarella until you're ready to eat; it tightens up and loses that creamy, soft texture if it sits too long.
  • The balsamic reduction is everything—that syrupy, concentrated sweetness is what transforms this from nice to unforgettable, so don't skip reducing it.
03 -
  • Fresh mozzarella breaks down slightly when it hits warm chicken, creating this creamy pooling effect that's exactly what you want—embrace it rather than fighting it.
  • Tear basil by hand and add it just before serving; if it sits dressed with oil for too long, it wilts and loses its bright, peppery character.
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