Grilled Chicken Caprese

With the warm weather trying to break through the chilly Spring days, grilling is moving to the front and center as a primary method of cooking in our house. When grilling an entree, dinner gets to the table quickly and there is little to no clean up. A win-win.

Our family has a self-inflicted busy schedule. Whether watching a softball game, dropping off a kid or two at lacrosse practice, prepping for a personal chef client, or trying to figure out 7th grade math, our lives are full of mainly activities we enjoy. That is except for the 7th grade math. Easy recipes fit well with my dinner prep because after a day of cooking and the eventually taxi service around town, easy, tasty, and relatively healthy meals are key to a happy mom/chef and therefore family.

Grilled Chicken Caprese can be adapted to your family's taste preferences. No Thank You Boy likes the chicken. My daughters are fans of cheese and can't get enough of the melted goodness on the grilled chicken. The Husband and I enjoy the complete entree - balsamic marinated chicken that is grilled and topped with fresh mozzarella, charred tomatoes and chopped basil. This recipe is ideal for a family with many taste preferences.

Fire up the grill. Not only will your dinner be delicious, but you will be happy when dinner is over and there are no pots and pan to wash.

Grilled Chicken Caprese
serves 5

3/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon each basil and oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper

2 pounds chicken tenderloins
1/2 pound fresh mozzarella, sliced
1 pint grape tomatoes
fresh basil, chopped

In a small bowl, whisk the first 7 ingredients. Set aside.

Place the chicken in a resealable bag and add about 3/4 of the marinade. Reserve the remaining marinade for basting the chicken while it grills. Marinate the chicken for at least an hour and up to 6 hours.

Heat a grill to medium high. Grill the chicken for about 3 - 5 minutes per side basting with the reserved marinade. During the last minute or 2 of grilling, top the chicken with the mozzarella to just melt. Remove to a serving platter. Meanwhile, quickly grill the tomatoes until slightly charred about 3 - 4 minutes. Remove to the platter with the chicken. Sprinkle with the basil and serve.