Description
Grilled Chicken Margherita delivers summer flavor right to your dinner table with minimal effort. Fresh basil, melted mozzarella, and perfectly charred chicken make this simple Italian-inspired recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
Supporting Ingredients:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ½ cup basil pesto
Seasonings and Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Whisk 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Thoroughly coat 4 chicken breasts in this marinade and let rest for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Heat grill to 400°F (medium-high). Place marinated chicken directly on clean grates and cook 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During final minute of grilling, layer 1 slice fresh mozzarella cheese atop each chicken breast. Close grill lid to help cheese melt smoothly.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices.
- Combine 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped basil in a small bowl. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Drizzle ½ cup basil pesto across grilled chicken breasts.
- Top pesto-covered chicken with tomato mixture. Serve immediately while chicken remains hot and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender result and even cooking.
- Press fresh mozzarella between paper towels to remove excess moisture before topping the chicken.
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and basil for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- If grilling isn’t possible, this recipe works perfectly in a hot skillet or oven-baked at 425°F for similar results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg