Grilled Chicken Caprese Bowls (Printable)

Juicy grilled chicken with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and tangy balsamic drizzle for a vibrant meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ Grilled Chicken

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Caprese Bowls

07 - 2 cups cooked brown rice or quinoa
08 - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 8 ounces fresh mozzarella balls, halved
10 - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
11 - 1 cup baby arugula or mixed greens

→ Balsamic Reduction

12 - 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
13 - 1 tablespoon honey

→ Garnish

14 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
15 - Flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

# How to Make:

01 - In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine balsamic vinegar and honey. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half and syrupy, approximately 8 to 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
02 - In a bowl, mix olive oil, Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken breasts thoroughly. Allow to marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
03 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
04 - Divide cooked rice or quinoa among four bowls. Arrange arugula or greens on top, followed by cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil.
05 - Place sliced grilled chicken over the salad ingredients.
06 - Drizzle extra virgin olive oil and the cooled balsamic reduction over each bowl. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than you'd expect, leaving time to actually enjoy people instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
  • The warm-cold contrast keeps things interesting bite after bite, and somehow feels lighter than it actually is.
  • You can prep everything ahead and just grill the chicken when guests arrive, which is honestly a game-changer for entertaining.
02 -
  • The balsamic reduction needs to cool before you add it to the warm bowl, or it'll become thin and runny instead of that beautiful glossy syrup.
  • Mozzarella straight from the fridge will stay firmer longer, so avoid taking it out too early unless you want creamier pockets throughout the dish.
03 -
  • Let your chicken rest after grilling for those full five minutes—it keeps the juices inside instead of running all over the bowl, which changes the whole eating experience.
  • Fresh mozzarella is a splurge worth making, and buying it from a place that makes it that day rather than the prepackaged kind changes everything about how soft and milky it tastes.
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