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
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