Grilled Chicken Margherita
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
403 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Grilled Chicken Margherita
Description
This recipe involves marinating chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning before grilling over medium-high heat. The chicken cooks evenly due to being pounded thin, then is topped with slices of mozzarella cheese, which melt under a covered grill. A topping of halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and herbal freshness.
To finish, a generous spoonful of basil pesto crowns each chicken breast, providing herby richness and aroma that complements the tomatoes and cheese. The interplay of grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, fresh citrusy topping, and pesto creates a well-balanced dish with layered textures and flavors.
This entree suits a casual dinner and pairs well with side salads, crusty bread, or grilled vegetables. Using fresh lemon juice for the tomato topping provides superior flavor, but bottled lemon or lime juice are acceptable substitutes. Closing the grill lid after adding cheese helps melt it faster and keeps the chicken moist.
Homemade pesto is recommended for best flavor but store-bought can be used. Italian seasoning can be made by combining dried oregano, basil, and thyme, or substituted with Herbs de Provence for a slightly different aromatic profile.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breast pounded to less than 1 inch thickness, boneless skinless
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (OR ½ teaspoon dried oregano + ¼ teaspoon dried basil + ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 lices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto (try my Easy 5 Minute Pesto Recipe - it's the best!!) https://www.lecremedelacrumb.com/easy-5-minute-pesto-15-ways-to-use-it/
- ½ cup cherry tomato halved
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- ½ cup basil very thinly sliced, packed leaves
- black pepper cracked
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine chicken, salt and pepper, olive oil, garlic power, and Italian seasoning. Toss to combine.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. Top each piece of chicken with a slice of mozzarella cheese and cook another minute or so until melted.
- Toss tomatoes, lemon juice, and basil together. Top each chicken breast with about 3 tablespoons pesto, a scoop of tomatoes, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Fresh lemon juice in the tomato topping is preferred for optimal flavor, though bottled lemon or lime juice can be used if needed.
- Closing the grill lid after adding mozzarella helps melt the cheese quickly and preserves chicken moisture.
- Homemade basil pesto enhances the dish, but store-bought pesto works well as a convenient option.
- Italian seasoning blend can be made by mixing dried oregano, basil, and thyme or swapped with Herbs de Provence for variation.
- Chicken breasts should be pounded to under 1 inch thickness for even cooking on the grill.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 403 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 403kcal | 20% |
| Carbohydrates | 5g | 2% |
| Protein | 32g | 64% |
| Fat | 28g | 43% |
| Saturated Fat | 7g | 35% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 601mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 496mg | 11% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 950IU | 19% |
| Vitamin C | 6mg | 7% |
| Calcium | 209mg | 21% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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