There’s something so satisfying about a dish that feels fresh, light, and a little indulgent all at once—and this Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe ticks all those boxes. The creamy burrata paired with tangy balsamic and sweet tomatoes just makes weeknight dinners feel extra special.
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 can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this grilled chicken caprese when I wanted something fresh but satisfying, and it never disappoints. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy yet comes together fast enough for busy evenings.
- Fresh, vibrant flavors: The juicy grilled chicken combined with basil, ripe tomatoes, and burrata creates a perfect balance of taste and texture.
- Quick and easy to prepare: With a simple marinade and quick grilling time, it’s great for weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
- Impressive yet approachable: The dish looks elegant on the plate, making it ideal for casual get-togethers or date nights at home.
- Versatile and customizable: Whether you add a drizzle of homemade balsamic glaze or switch up the herbs, it adapts beautifully to your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe showcases quality ingredients that sing together—each has a role to play in creating that classic Caprese vibe with a protein-packed twist. Picking fresh burrata and sweet tomatoes really lifts the dish.
- Balsamic vinegar: Essential for that sweet-tart glaze, and you can easily make your own reduction to amp up the flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness to both the marinade and tomato salad without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly seasons the chicken, bringing in Mediterranean warmth.
- Honey: Just a touch balances the acidity of the vinegar for a more nuanced marinade.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pound them for even grilling and consistent cooking—it’s the perfect lean protein base.
- Cherry or grape tomatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the creamy burrata and fresh basil.
- Fresh basil leaves: The herbal brightness is a signature Caprese component that complements every bite.
- Fresh burrata cheese: Creamy and soft, it’s the indulgent touch that elevates this grilled chicken into something special.
Make It Your Way
I love making this Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe my own by swapping herbs and trying different balsamic glazes. You can easily tweak the seasoning or even grill up some veggies alongside for extra color and crunch.
- Variation: One time, I tossed in some sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little creamy heat—totally delicious and a fresh twist.
- Dietary modification: If you’re avoiding dairy, try a ripe avocado mash instead of burrata—it keeps that creamy texture without the cheese.
- Seasonal swap: When tomatoes aren’t at their peak, roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute in the salad.
- For extra flavor: Marinate the chicken longer—up to 8 hours—to let the herbs and honey soak in deeply.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
Step 1: Whip up the balsamic glaze (or grab a good one)
I usually make my own balsamic glaze by simmering balsamic vinegar until it’s thick and syrupy. It only takes about 10-15 minutes, and you’ll want to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. If you’re short on time, a good-quality store-bought glaze works great too.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and pepper, then coat the chicken breasts thoroughly. I like to let mine sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, several hours really boosts the flavor. Make sure to cover and refrigerate during marination.
Step 3: Fire up the grill and cook the chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat—around 400°F is perfect. Place the chicken over indirect heat first to avoid burning the marinade sugars, then flip and finish cooking. Trust me, keeping an eye on the thickness and checking for clear juices will help you avoid drying out the chicken.
Step 4: Toss together the tomato salad
While the chicken cooks, mix halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt, then fold in fresh basil. I like to let it sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld just a bit but still stay fresh and vibrant.
Step 5: Assemble and serve
Plate the chicken, nestle a generous portion of burrata on top, spoon over the tomato salad, and drizzle with that luscious balsamic glaze. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt and cracked black pepper for the perfect touch. Serve immediately and dig in!
Top Tip
From my experience, the best results come from balancing your heat and timing on the grill. The chicken should be juicy, not dry, and the burrata should maintain its creamy softness without melting too much.
- Use indirect heat for grilling: This helps prevent flare-ups and keeps the chicken moist while giving you those beautiful grill marks.
- Don’t skip resting: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after grilling to keep the juices locked in.
- Fresh is best: The basil and tomatoes should be added right before serving to keep the flavors bright and the tomatoes firm.
- Adjust glaze thickness: If your balsamic glaze seems too thick after cooling, whisk in a tiny splash of warm water to reach the perfect drizzle consistency.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe
Garnishes
I usually finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to enhance all the flavors just before serving. Sometimes I add a few extra basil leaves or even a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil for an elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad or a side of roasted asparagus. I also love serving it alongside some crusty garlic bread to soak up all the juices and balsamic glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I like to serve the chicken sliced and fanned out on a large platter, topped with burrata balls and scattered cherry tomatoes, then garnished with fresh basil sprigs. It always gets compliments and looks so inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover grilled chicken and tomato salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The burrata I add fresh when reheating because it can get watery if refrigerated after being dressed.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing the grilled chicken caprese with burrata because the fresh tomatoes and cheese don’t freeze well. If you want to freeze, only freeze the cooked chicken breasts and marinate fresh when ready.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a low oven or microwave, then add fresh tomato salad and burrata on top just before serving to keep the dish tasting fresh and vibrant.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Fresh mozzarella is a great substitute if burrata isn’t available, though burrata gives a creamier texture that’s hard to beat.
You can marinate the chicken from 30 minutes up to 8 hours. Longer marinating time allows the flavors to really soak in, but don’t exceed 8 hours to avoid texture changes.
Simmer balsamic vinegar over medium heat until reduced by half and thickened, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken more as it cools, so keep an eye on the consistency.
Definitely! A grill pan works well for indoor cooking. Just preheat it very hot and follow the same indirect heat technique if possible, which helps avoid burning the marinade.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata Recipe is one of those dishes I always come back to—whether I want something light and healthy or a meal that feels a little celebratory without fuss. The combination of creamy burrata, vibrant tomatoes, and perfectly grilled chicken is just unbeatable. I know you’ll enjoy making and eating this as much as I do; it’s a simple way to bring some fresh, seasonal magic into your weeknight rotation.
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
Grilled Chicken Caprese with Burrata is a delightful twist on the classic Caprese salad, featuring tender grilled chicken breasts topped with creamy burrata cheese and a fresh tomato-basil salad, all drizzled with a homemade balsamic glaze. This savory and refreshing dish is perfect for an easy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Homemade Balsamic Glaze
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar (or use a store bought balsamic glaze)
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 (if using 2 large breasts)
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
Topping
- 1 8-ounce or 2 4-ounce ball(s) fresh burrata cheese, drained and cut into quarters or halves, depending on size (4 portions total)
- Flaky sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the Balsamic Glaze: If making homemade glaze, add the balsamic vinegar to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until reduced by half, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let it cool; it will thicken as it cools. This can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in an airtight container 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, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, dried Italian seasoning, honey, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and turn them 2 to 3 times to coat both sides. Nestle the chicken into the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 8 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (400℉).
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off, and discard leftover marinade. Place chicken on grill over indirect heat and cook for 5-6 minutes. Flip and cook an additional 4-6 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink inside. Transfer to a clean plate.
- Prepare the Tomato Salad: While chicken cooks, combine cherry tomatoes, 2 teaspoons olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl. Toss gently and then fold in the sliced basil leaves.
- Assemble and Serve: On each grilled chicken breast, place a 2-ounce portion of burrata cheese and top with ½ cup of the tomato-basil salad. Drizzle with 1-2 teaspoons balsamic glaze and sprinkle with flaky sea salt and black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This recipe offers a sweet and savory variation on the classic Caprese salad with the added protein of grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- You can prepare the balsamic glaze in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
- Use a grill pan indoors if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- Adjust the marinating time according to your schedule — longer marinating will enhance flavor.
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
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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