This chicken caprese is a fresh, flavorful dinner made with juicy chicken, ripe tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and basil all finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. We love to use the grill but you can also bake in the oven or fry in a pan. Bonus points for being a quick and healthy chicken recipe!
It’s everything you love about a classic caprese salad, turned into an easy, satisfying main dish. Whether you grill it, bake it, or cook it in a skillet, this caprese chicken recipe comes together quickly and feels just a little bit elevated without any extra effort.
What is Chicken Caprese?
Chicken caprese is a simple dish inspired by the classic Italian caprese salad, made with chicken, fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Caprese
- Hands-on prep time is less than 30 minutes
- Fresh, simple ingredients
- Naturally low-carb (8g) and high-protein (61g)
- Works on the grill, stovetop, or oven
- Perfect for weeknights or entertaining
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: the juicy, protein-packed base
- Tomatoes: fresh and vibrant
- Fresh Mozzarella: creamy and melty
- Fresh Basil: adds bright, herby flavor
- Balsamic Glaze: sweet and tangy finish
- Olive Oil + Seasonings: simple flavor builders
👉 Optional (but highly recommended!): balsamic marinade for extra flavor (see below)
How to Make Chicken Caprese
- Prepare the chicken: Season (or marinate) the chicken breasts.
- Cook the chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked (see section below for instructions for each).
- Add toppings: Top each piece with sliced mozzarella and tomatoes.
- Melt the cheese: Let the mozzarella melt slightly in the broiler.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with fresh basil. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
👉 Chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally.
Ways to Cook Chicken Caprese
Grilled Chicken Caprese – Adds smoky flavor and is perfect for summer.
- Heat a grill to medium-high heat, then add the chicken and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Baked Chicken Caprese – Easy, hands-off and great for weeknights.
- Preheat the oven to 350℉. Place the chicken in a baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray and bake for 30 minutes uncovered, or until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
This tortellini pasta salad is everything you want in a summer side dish. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to throw together. Loaded with tender cheese tortellini, savory salami, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella, it’s a simple recipe that always disappears fast.
We make it just as often for lunch the next day as we do for a side dish. And honestly, I actually make this is as our main dish quite often during the summer. It’s so fast and fresh and doesn’t heat up the house. It is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Ready in about 15 minutes
- Uses simple, fresh ingredients
- Perfect served cold (great for make-ahead)
- Works as a side or main dish
- Easy to customize with what you have
Ingredients You’ll Need
Summers are all about pasta salad recipes and this easy tortellini pasta salad is fresh, flavorful, perfect for hot summer days and done in just 15 minutes! Here is what you need:
- Cheese Tortellini: the hearty base that makes this salad extra satisfying
- Kosher Salt: adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks
- Mozzarella (marinated): adds a savory, salty bite
- Salami: bring creaminess and built-in flavor
- Black Olives: add a rich, salty bite that brings a classic Italian flavor to the salad
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: fresh and juicy
- Red and Orange Bell Peppers: add a sweet, crisp crunch and bright color
- English Cucumbers: add a fresh, cool crunch with a mild flavor
- Red Onion: adds a sharp bite and a little zing to balance the flavors
- Fresh Basil: bright, herby finish
- Italian Dressing: adds a tangy, herby flavor that ties everything together
How to Make Tortellini Pasta Salad
Don’t blink because you might miss this…
- Cook the tortellini: Bring a pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add tortellini and cook until they float to the top. Drain and let cool.
- Combine ingredients: Once cooled, add tortellini to a large bowl with salami, mozzarella (including oil and herbs), tomatoes, and basil.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss everything together until well combined. Season with salt to taste and serve.
👉 Serve immediately or chill for later—this pasta salad is delicious either way.
Variations and Substitutions
This tortellini s
For years now, these tender, juicy Broiled Chicken Thighs have been one of my go-to meals on my busiest evenings. With just a few ingredients, and even fewer steps, I can prep a meal that my whole family loves in about fifteen minutes from start to finish.
Chicken thighs are one of my family’s go-to protein choices when we need a dinner that’s satisfying and low-effort. I’ve been making these Oven Baked Boneless Chicken Thighs about as long as I can remember for that very reason! And while that recipe is still a fixture in our house, sometimes you need to get something on the table a little faster. That’s where these thighs come in.
Broiled Chicken Thighs
I have to confess something. I wasn’t a really great cook from the start. My husband can tell you that I started at whatever is below level zero in the kitchen skills department (seriously, I once boiled chicken before baking it–oof).
The broiler can be a little intimidating, but I promise you that it isn’t as hard as you think it might be. Everything in this recipe can be done even by a first-time cook, from preparing to cooking to serving, and it takes just 15 minutes.
Almost more of a method than recipe, this is something I make at least once or twice a month. Change up the spices however you like once you have the broiler method down and you’ll have a whole new way to cook chicken at your fingertips!
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Father’s Day is all about celebrating Dad, and let’s be honest, the best way to do that is with really good food. From juicy steaks and BBQ favorites to easy sides and indulgent desserts, these Father’s Day recipes are perfect for backyard cookouts, family dinners, or a laid-back day at home. If you’re wondering what to cook for Father’s Day, you’re in the right place.
Main Event: Grilling & BBQ Favorites
Fire up the grill—these bold, smoky, flavor-packed recipes are perfect for a Father’s Day feast. From juicy steaks to slow-smoked classics, these are the main dishes Dad really wants.
Smash Burger
Crispy edges, juicy center, and packed with flavor—burger perfection.
Smoked Brisket
Low and slow smoked for melt-in-your-mouth, Texas-style goodness.
Garlic Butter Steak
Juicy steak topped with rich, garlicky butter for the ultimate indulgent bite.
If you’re looking for a salad that actually keeps you full, this Grilled Chicken Salad is it. Tender grilled chicken, creamy avocado, sweet grilled corn, crunchy roasted chickpeas, and queso fresco are tossed together with a zesty homemade southwest ranch dressing for a salad that’s hearty enough to be dinner.
It’s fresh, colorful, packed with protein, and loaded with bold Southwest flavors in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping lunches or serving dinner on a warm summer night, this is one of those salads everyone gets excited to eat.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Salad
- Protein-packed from chicken and chickpeas
- Hearty enough for lunch or dinner
- Full of fresh vegetables and bold flavor
- Crispy roasted chickpeas add amazing crunch
- Homemade southwest ranch dressing is easy and delicious
- Great for meal prep
- Naturally gluten-free
- Ready in about 45 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—everything in this southwest salad with roasted chickpeas is easy to find and worth every bite.
Roasted Chickpeas
- Chickpeas: Also called garbanzo beans, chickpeas become wonderfully crispy in the oven and add protein, fiber, and crunch to the salad.
- Olive Oil: Helps the chickpeas crisp up while adding rich flavor and helping the seasonings adhere.
- Paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color to the roasted chickpeas.
- Ground Cumin: Brings warm, earthy Southwest flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and corn.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps season the chickpeas from the inside out.
Southwest Ranch Dressing
- Sour Cream: Creates a creamy, tangy base for the dressing.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, classic ranch texture.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the dressing and balances the richness with fresh acidity.
- Fresh Dill: Gives the dressing that signature ranch flavor and fresh herbaceous taste.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering the dressing.
- Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and smoky Southwest flavor.
- Taco Seasoning: Adds extra layers of spices and enhances the Southwestern flavor profile.
- PRO TIP: This is the key to this salad!