Grilled Caprese Chicken

I’m always looking for different ways to make chicken and I have no idea why this one took  me so long?  I mean, I heart caprese and I heart chicken so how come I couldn’t put these two things together before now??

My only answer is that because if I had, I might have to make it every week.  And then all of the other chicken recipes would get neglected…and I just couldn’t do that…but I’m tempted.  It’s. That. Good.

And, I am so super excited about my garden this year where I always have fresh basil, so this will definitely at least be in the monthly rotation.  PLUS, it’s SO dang easy!!

So, go on, get to it!

Ingredients:

Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 slices provolone or mozzarella cheese

8 slices tomato

2 tsp chopped fresh basil

4 tsp balsamic vinegar

Marinade:  I used this version from Eating Well (I do not include the nutrition information in the marinade as it is almost all poured off).

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ cup balsamic vinegar

2 cloves minced fresh garlic

1 T Italian seasoning

1 tsp salt

½ tsp fresh ground pepper

Preparation:

1)      Place the chicken into a gallon-size plastic sealable bag.  Mix the marinade ingredients together and pour over the chicken.  Seal the bag and marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours.

2)      Preheat grill to medium-high heat.

3)      When ready, remove the chicken from the marinade and the bag and place on a separate plate.  TOSS the marinade – do not use it!

4)      It’s sometimes easiest to oil the grill grates beforehand to keep the chicken from sticking.  Grill the chicken for about 8-9 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reads 165 degrees and chicken is no longer pink.

5)      At the last 2 minutes or so, place 2 slices of cheese, 2 slices of tomato, and sprinkle ½ tsp of basil onto each breast, in that order.

6)      Let cook down until the cheese is melty….mmm, melty cheese.

7)      Remove the chicken from the grill and top each with 1 tsp balsamic vinegar.

Serve!

This chicken is amazing!  I hope you get to try it!

Nutrition:

Serves 4

Calories 330 / Carbs 3g / Fat 13g / Protein 56g / Fiber 1g / Sodium 222mg