Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe combines juicy, seasoned chicken breasts with fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, and a vibrant cherry tomato basil topping. Perfectly grilled for a flavorful and healthy meal, it’s a delightful twist on traditional Margherita flavors with a wholesome protein twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 4 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store bought)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Grill: Brush the grill grates clean and then oil them to prevent sticking. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, around 400-425°F.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly in this mixture to infuse them with flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill and close the lid. Grill for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Flip the chicken and grill for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add Mozzarella Cheese: After flipping, place slices of fresh mozzarella on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest on a clean plate or cutting board.
- Prepare Tomato Basil Topping: While the chicken cooks, combine halved cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sliced fresh basil, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Toss gently to mix flavors.
- Apply Pesto: Spread 1-2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each grilled chicken breast evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the tomato and basil mixture over the pesto-topped chicken. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper for additional flavor. Serve immediately for best taste.
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken margherita in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an air fryer at 375°F for 6-8 minutes or reheat in the oven.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- If homemade pesto is not available, use a quality store-bought version.
- Preheating and oiling the grill grates prevents the chicken from sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Resting the chicken after grilling allows juices to redistribute for a juicier bite.
- Leftover chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain texture and flavor.
Keywords: grilled chicken, chicken margherita, basil pesto chicken, mozzarella chicken, healthy grilled chicken, tomato basil chicken
Find it online: https://tastewithamy.com/grilled-chicken-margherita-recipe/
