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Healthy Grilled Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe with Fresh Basil Oil

Healthy Grilled Chicken Caprese Skewers - featured image

These Healthy Grilled Chicken Caprese Skewers combine juicy grilled chicken, creamy mozzarella, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with fresh basil oil for a light, flavorful, and satisfying dish perfect for quick dinners or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved if large
  • 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), about 1-inch size
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for basil oil and marinade)
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • Bamboo or metal skewers (soaked in water if bamboo)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, aiming for uniform pieces (about 5 minutes).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the marinade (3 minutes).
  3. Add chicken cubes to the marinade, toss to coat, and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature (minimum 10 minutes, max 1 hour).
  4. While chicken marinates, blend 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves with 1/4 cup olive oil and a pinch of salt until smooth to make basil oil (2-3 minutes). Set aside.
  5. Thread chicken cubes, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto soaked skewers in order: chicken, tomato, mozzarella, basil (about 10 minutes).
  6. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F / 200°C) and oil grates (5 minutes).
  7. Grill skewers for 10 to 12 minutes total, turning every 3 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and has nice grill marks.
  8. Let skewers rest for 5 minutes off heat, then drizzle with fresh basil oil before serving.

Notes

Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid overcrowding skewers for even cooking. Basil oil can be made ahead and stored in the fridge; bring to room temperature before drizzling. For indoor cooking, a grill pan or broiler can be used as alternatives.

Nutrition

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