Description
This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe features tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, and a vibrant cherry tomato-basil salad, offering a delightful combination of Italian-inspired flavors perfect for a quick and healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to less than 1-inch thickness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano + 1/4 teaspoon dried basil + 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
Toppings
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat, preparing it for cooking the chicken properly.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until the chicken is fully cooked through. When done, top each breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and close the grill lid for about a minute to let the cheese melt perfectly.
- Prepare the Tomato Topping: While the chicken is grilling, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with fresh lemon juice and the thinly sliced basil leaves in a small bowl to create a fresh, tangy topping.
- Assemble the Margherita Chicken: Spread approximately 3 tablespoons of basil pesto onto each grilled chicken breast. Then, spoon the tomato and basil mixture on top, and finish by seasoning with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve Immediately: Plate the margherita chicken and enjoy this vibrant, flavorful dish fresh off the grill for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly.
- You can substitute mozzarella with fresh burrata for a creamier topping.
- If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or broiler to cook the chicken.
- Serve alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
