This tasty peach Caprese grilled chicken combines juicy peaches, fresh mozzarella, and basil on a perfectly grilled chicken breast. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor!
Grilling chicken is easy and quick, plus the sweet peaches add a fun twist! I love serving this with a side of salad for a complete meal. Quick dinners with a punch of taste are my jam! 🍑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a heartier option, try bone-in chicken thighs. Just increase the cooking time a bit.
Peaches: Ripe peaches bring lovely sweetness. If they’re out of season, consider substituting with nectarines or plums for a similar taste. Canned peaches, in their juice (not syrup), can work in a pinch, just drain them well.
Fresh Mozzarella: While fresh mozzarella is the star here, you could swap it with burrata for creaminess or even feta for a tangy twist. Shredded mozzarella is another option if that’s what you have on hand.
Basil: Basil adds great flavor and aroma. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use pesto instead or even a pinch of dried oregano for a different taste.
Balsamic Glaze: This adds a sweet tang. If you can’t find it, mix balsamic vinegar with a bit of honey or maple syrup to mimic the flavor.
How Can You Ensure Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Grilling chicken might seem tricky, but with a few simple steps, you can make it juicy and flavorful every time. Here’s how:
- Make sure to bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high and oil the grates to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer! You’re aiming for 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist result.
- Cook on direct heat for that nice char, and only flip once to develop grill marks.
With these tips, you’ll have perfect grilled chicken for your Peach Caprese dish every time! Enjoy your grilling experience!
Easy Peach Caprese Grilled Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2-3 ripe peaches, sliced
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced or torn
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes for grilling. In total, you’ll need about 30-35 minutes, giving you plenty of time to prepare a fresh and flavorful summer meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Rub this delicious mixture all over each chicken breast, making sure they’re nicely coated. This will add extra flavor and keep the chicken juicy!
2. Heat the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Don’t forget to brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. A well-oiled grill helps perfectly char the chicken.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill them for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You want them nicely charred and fully cooked through.
4. Grill the Peaches:
In the last few minutes of grilling the chicken, place the sliced peaches on the grill. Grill them for 2-3 minutes until they have nice grill marks and soften up a bit. This brings out their natural sweetness!
5. Assemble Your Dish:
Once the chicken and peaches are done, remove them from the grill. Transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Top each grilled chicken breast with mozzarella slices and the warm grilled peach slices.
6. Final Touches:
Drizzle balsamic glaze or vinegar over the chicken and peach toppings. Add a generous sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Peach Caprese Grilled Chicken is ready to enjoy! Serve it immediately and relish the delightful combination of savory chicken, sweet peaches, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil.
This vibrant dish is perfect for a fresh summer meal that’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to completely thaw it first! It’s best to thaw it in the fridge overnight for safety. If you’re in a hurry, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and slice the peaches ahead of time. Just keep everything in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. You can also serve it cold as a refreshing salad option!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat. Enjoy the flavors of summer even on a busy day!
What Are Some Good Side Dishes to Serve With This?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread. You could also serve it with quinoa or rice to soak up extra balsamic glaze.
