Description
This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe features tender, juicy boneless chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, vibrant basil pesto, and a fresh cherry tomato-basil salad. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, this dish offers a deliciously bright twist on classic Margherita flavors, making it an ideal meal for any season.
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 and Garnishes
- 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 boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked through. Once the chicken is nearly done, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each breast and close the grill lid for an additional minute to allow the cheese to melt.
- Prepare Tomato-Basil Salad: In a small bowl, mix the halved cherry tomatoes with fresh lemon juice and thinly sliced fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to combine the fresh flavors.
- Assemble the Dish: Spread about 3 tablespoons of basil pesto onto each grilled chicken breast. Then spoon a generous amount of the tomato-basil mixture on top, finishing with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken immediately to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this grilled Chicken Margherita.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with the seasonings for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture, or shredded mozzarella if preferred.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven.
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Pair with a side salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
