Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers: The EASIEST Grilled Dinner!

Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers! Oh, how we love taking the simple pleasures of an Italian summer and threading them onto a stick. Imagine the burst of sweet tomato, the creamy tenderness of mozzarella, the herby zing of pesto, and juicy chicken, all kissed by the grill. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory of laughter-filled Sunday dinners and the warmth of the Italian sun. We love creating simple dishes that invoke all the best memories of home. These Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers are one of those dishes.

These Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers are an easy grilling recipe that is certain to please the entire family.

Why You Will Love This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

What’s not to love about Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers? First, they’re incredibly easy to make. A quick marinade, a little threading, and a few minutes on the grill, and you’ve got a restaurant ready meal. And the flavor? Oh mamma mia! The combination of fresh basil pesto, juicy chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella is simply divine.

These caprese chicken skewers are a perfect way to enjoy the flavors or summer, all year round. This recipe is not only a quick and delicious meal, but also a beautiful presentation. Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, or as the main course for a light and flavorful dinner. They’re always a hit! We suggest serving with a side of pasta for a complete and satisfying meal. If you are looking for another light Italian meal, we think you should try our Easy Chicken Parmesan.

Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious and easy recipes!

Ingredients Needed for This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s all simple, fresh ingredients just like Nonna would use:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1 pound fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini), small or ciliegine size
• 1/2 cup prepared basil pesto, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers

How to Make This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

Let’s get cooking! These pesto chicken skewers are truly easy to make:

1. 1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. You can make the Teriyaki Chicken Pineapple Bowls with similar steps.
2. 2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
3. 3. Preheat your grill to medium heat.
4. 4. Thread the chicken, tomatoes, and mozzarella balls onto the skewers, alternating ingredients.
5. 5. Brush the skewers lightly with pesto.
6. 6. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
7. 7. Remove from grill and serve immediately with extra pesto, if desired.

How to Serve This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

These caprese chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Serve them hot off the grill as a main course, or as a delicious appetizer at your next party. We love serving them alongside a simple pasta salad or a crisp green salad. You can also serve them with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. To elevate the flavors, drizzle a balsamic glaze over the skewers just before serving. A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a touch of elegance. These also pair really well with fresh bread.

How to Store This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

Got leftovers? No problem! These Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: Place the skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: We don’t recommend freezing these skewers, as the texture of the mozzarella and tomatoes may change upon thawing.
• Reheating: Reheat the skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave them for a quick reheat, but be careful not to overcook.

Tips to Make This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers are a success:

• Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. You can also substitute sun dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
• Success Tips: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave a little space between each ingredient for even cooking.
• Common Mistakes to Avoid: Avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry. Keep a close eye on the grill and turn the skewers frequently.
• Pro Tips for Best Results: Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella for the best flavor. Drizzle with balsamic glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.

Helpful Notes for This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

• Pesto: Use your favorite store bought pesto, or make your own homemade pesto for the best flavor.
• Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella balls are available in different sizes. Choose small or ciliegine size for easy threading.
• Skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Consider serving these tasty skewers as an appetizer with ginger garlic chicken noodle soup on cooler nights.

Variation of This Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are some ideas to try:

• Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables to the skewers for a colorful and flavorful twist. Zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion work well.
• Bacon Wrapped: Wrap the chicken in bacon before threading onto the skewers for a smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary to the marinade for a citrusy, herbaceous flavor.

Conclusion

These Pesto Chicken Caprese Skewers are a surefire way to bring a taste of Italy to your table. They’re a crowd pleaser and so simple to make and they make for an easy grilling recipe! We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do, and that it brings a little bit of Nonna’s love to your home. Give them a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!

Print