There’s something irresistibly fresh and indulgent about this **Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe**—juicy chicken, creamy burrata, and vibrant tomatoes all dressed up with a tangy balsamic glaze. It’s a dinner that feels special but comes together surprisingly fast, making it a joy to whip up anytime you want a little Italian magic at your table.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made countless Caprese salads and grilled chicken dishes, but combining them with luscious burrata cheese and a homemade balsamic glaze just takes it to another level. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying all at once.
- Quick and Easy: You can have dinner ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients: The simple combination of tomatoes, fresh basil, and burrata lets each flavor shine brilliantly.
- Customizable: Feel free to tweak the herbs, vinegars, or even the protein to make it your own.
- Impressive Presentation: This dish looks gorgeous on the plate—perfect for entertaining or just treating yourself.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe plays an essential role. The balsamic vinegar’s sweet acidity is balanced by honey, olive oil smooths things out, and fresh basil adds that unmistakable Italian aroma. Choosing ripe tomatoes and creamy burrata really makes a difference, so aim for the freshest ingredients you can find!
- Balsamic Vinegar: Use a quality vinegar or make a quick glaze yourself—it brings brightness and depth.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps marry all the flavors together smoothly.
- Italian Seasoning: Keeps things simple but flavorful with herbs like oregano and thyme.
- Honey: Just a touch to balance the tang of the balsamic—don’t skip it!
- Chicken Breasts: Pounded to an even thickness ensures they cook quickly and evenly, staying juicy.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, halved to release their flavor and mingle with basil.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: Adds fresh herbaceous notes that are critical to a great Caprese.
- Burrata Cheese: Creamy, dreamy, and the crowning glory of this dish—drain it well before serving.
Make It Your Way
One of my favorite things about this Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe is how adaptable it can be. I’ve tried swapping out the chicken for turkey cutlets or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist, and each variation has totally worked.
- Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of red chili flakes to the marinade for a little kick—it’s subtle but really amps up the flavor.
- Seasonal Tweaks: In summer, I love adding fresh peaches or nectarines to the tomato salad for extra sweetness.
- Dietary Mods: To keep it dairy-free, try swapping burrata with creamy avocado slices—delicious and just as satisfying.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Make the Balsamic Glaze
Start by simmering the balsamic vinegar over medium-high heat until it reduces by half, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Watching it thicken and transform into a glossy glaze is oddly satisfying! Just remember to stir occasionally to avoid burning. This step can be done a few days ahead, so it’s a great way to save time on a busy day.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper for a marinade bursting with flavor. Coat your pounded chicken breasts well and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—longer if you can, up to 8 hours. I’ve found even a short marinade makes the chicken super tender and flavorful, but the longer, the better.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high—around 400°F. Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting excess drip off (don’t throw the marinade away too fast; just don’t use it raw). Grill over indirect heat for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Cooking over indirect heat helps avoid flare-ups and keeps the chicken juicy.
Step 4: Toss the Tomato Salad
While the chicken cooks, toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt, then gently fold in thinly sliced basil leaves. I always handle the basil gently so it stays vibrant and fresh—this little step really elevates the dish.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
On each chicken portion, pile on a generous amount of that creamy burrata and spoon over the tomato-basil salad. Finish with a drizzle of your homemade balsamic glaze and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and black pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish.
Top Tip
I’ve learned from trial and error that heat control on the grill is key to getting juicy chicken without scorching the outside. Plus, handling the burrata gently and draining it really allows its creamy texture to shine without watering down the salad.
- Marinate Well: Give the chicken at least 30 minutes in the marinade, but don’t be afraid to let it hang out longer if time allows—it makes a huge flavor difference.
- Indirect Heat Grill: Cook over indirect heat to prevent flare-ups and keep the chicken tender and charred just right.
- Gentle Basil Folding: Mix in your fresh basil leaves gently at the end to keep their bright color and fresh flavor intact.
- Burrata Handling: Drain burrata well and add it just before serving for that creamy pop without creating excess moisture.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top this dish with a few extra basil leaves and a small drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil for shine. A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt gives that perfect little crunch that complements the creamy burrata beautifully.
Side Dishes
This pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted asparagus. Sometimes, I’ll add a side of garlic buttered ciabatta bread to soak up any leftover balsamic glaze and juices—it’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve arranged the chicken slices fan-style on large platters with dollops of burrata and tomato salad scattered on top, finishing with whole basil leaves and edible flowers for a colorful touch. It’s always a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover grilled chicken and the tomato salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Burrata I only add fresh when serving again because it tends to lose its texture if stored for long.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing grilled chicken with burrata because the cheese’s texture changes when thawed. However, the grilled chicken marinated without cheese freezes well if you want to prep ahead.
Reheating
To reheat leftover chicken, I warm it gently in a pan over low heat or microwave it covered with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Add fresh burrata and tomato salad on the side just before eating for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, fresh mozzarella works as a great substitute, though burrata offers a creamier texture that really elevates the dish. If using mozzarella, consider adding a drizzle of olive oil to mimic burrata’s richness.
You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 30 minutes up to 8 hours. Longer marinating enhances flavor and tenderness but avoid going beyond 8 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
Absolutely! The balsamic glaze can be made up to four days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bring it back to room temperature before drizzling over your dish.
Cooking over indirect heat on a preheated grill helps prevent burning while ensuring even cooking. Also, pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness is crucial for uniform doneness. Using a meat thermometer can help you nail the perfect temperature of 165°F.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe always feels like a bit of a celebration in my own kitchen. It’s fresh enough to enjoy year-round but rich enough to make any meal feel special. I hope you give it a try—you might find, like I did, that it quickly becomes a favorite go-to for impressing yourself or friends without the fuss.
Print
Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Enjoy a delightful Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata, combining juicy grilled chicken breasts, fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, creamy burrata cheese, and a sweet tangy balsamic glaze. This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors, ideal for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Balsamic Glaze
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon pure honey
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 - 1 ¼ lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¾-inch thickness and cut into 4 portions
For the Tomato Salad
- 1 pint (2 cups) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- Pinch of fine salt
- ⅓ - ½ cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
For Serving
- 1 8-ounce or 2 4-ounce balls fresh burrata cheese, drained and cut into quarters or halves (4 portions total)
- Balsamic glaze, for drizzling
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: Add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool; it will thicken as it cools. This can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a shallow bowl or glass pie plate, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and turn them 2 to 3 times to coat evenly. Nestle the chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan on the stove to medium-high heat (400°F).
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, discard leftover marinade. Place chicken on the grill over indirect heat and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for another 4-6 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Prepare the Tomato Salad: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently, then fold in the sliced basil.
- Assemble and Serve: Top each grilled chicken portion with a 2-ounce piece of burrata and ½ cup of the tomato-basil mixture. Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons balsamic glaze, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper, and serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is a fresh twist on traditional Caprese salad, adding protein for a satisfying meal.
- You can make the balsamic glaze ahead to save time on serving day.
- Chicken breasts should be pounded evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Use fresh high-quality burrata and basil for the best flavor.
- If you don't have a grill, a grill pan on the stove works well as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 87 mg
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