1. Marinate the Chicken

To start, cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of pesto sauce, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This will allow the chicken to soak up the delicious flavors of the pesto, making it tender and flavorful once cooked.

2. Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, it’s time to prepare your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

Next, gather your ingredients for the skewers: mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The combination of creamy mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil is what makes these skewers a variation of the classic Caprese salad.

3. Assemble the Skewers

Start by threading the ingredients onto the skewers, alternating between the pesto-marinated chicken cubes, mozzarella balls, halved cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. You can repeat the sequence until each skewer is filled, but be sure to leave enough space between each ingredient so the chicken cooks evenly.

For an added burst of flavor, you can also drizzle a little extra pesto over the skewers before grilling. This will help the basil and mozzarella meld together with the chicken for a deliciously cohesive flavor.

4. Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grates and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have a nice char on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

Be careful not to overcook the chicken to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. If using a grill pan, you may need to cook the skewers in batches depending on the size of the pan.

5. Serve and Garnish

Once the skewers are cooked, remove them from the grill and place them on a serving platter. If desired, drizzle with balsamic glaze for a tangy, slightly sweet finish that pairs perfectly with the pesto and fresh ingredients.

For an extra pop of freshness, you can also sprinkle some chopped fresh basil on top of the skewers before serving. This will add a burst of color and fragrance, making your dish even more appetizing.