Description
Grilled Chicken Margherita brings fresh Italian flavors straight to your backyard barbecue, combining juicy chicken with classic caprese ingredients. Melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil create a simple yet delicious summer meal that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Flavorings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Toppings and Garnishes:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup packed basil leaves
- Cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Mix 4 chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until every surface is thoroughly coated.
- Heat grill to 400°F, creating medium-high direct heat zones for consistent cooking.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts directly on clean grill grates, cooking 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Lay 1 mozzarella slice atop each chicken breast during final 1-2 minutes of grilling, allowing cheese to melt completely.
- Combine ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and ½ cup thinly sliced basil leaves in small mixing bowl.
- Transfer grilled chicken to clean serving platter, drizzling 3 tablespoons pesto across each piece.
- Scatter tomato-basil mixture over pesto-topped chicken, finishing with a generous sprinkle of cracked black pepper.
- Serve chicken immediately while cheese remains warm and melted.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes before grilling to enhance the flavor and keep the meat tender.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free pesto or make your own homemade version using fresh ingredients.
- If you don’t have a grill, this recipe works perfectly in a grill pan or even under the broiler with similar delicious results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg