Garlic-Basil Grilled Chicken with Caprese Salsa

You’ll love the classic Italian flavors of this grilled chicken, and the caprese salsa with sweet, tart grape and cherry tomatoes is the perfect accompaniment to the charred flavor from the grill.

This recipe, and others like it, can be found in the article “35 Crowd-Pleasing Labor Day Recipes.”

CHICKEN

1 cup fresh basil leaves

6 garlic cloves

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon pepper

8 small chicken breast halves with bone and skin (5 lbs. total)

SALSA

1 qt. mixed colors cherry and grape tomatoes, halved

2 cups (12 oz. drained) fresh mozzarella balls such as perlini or small wedges of bocconcini

1 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves

3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon pepper

Step 1

Heat grill to high (450° to 550°) with a charcoal area left clear or a gas burner turned off to make an indirect heat area. Make rub for chicken: Pulse basil, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper in a food processor until roughly chopped. Rub mixture all over chicken.

Step 2

Make salsa: Stir together tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl to combine; let stand at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

Grill chicken skin side down over direct heat until browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Move pieces to indirect heat area, turning over, and grill until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer chicken to a platter, tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes. Spoon tomatoes, cheese, basil, and half the salsa liquid over chicken; save remaining liquid for a salad dressing if you like.

Step 4

Note: Nutritional analysis is per serving.

Nutrition Facts

Amount Per Serving
Calories 687Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 49g76%

Saturated Fat 14g70%
Cholesterol 180mg60%
Sodium 414mg18%
Total Carbohydrate 5.7g2%

Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Protein 55g111%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Garlic-Basil Grilled Chicken with Caprese Salsa