Get ready to transform your grilling game with this Ultimate Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are topped with fresh tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, creating a symphony of flavors that capture the essence of Italian cooking. Perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Grab your apron and let’s get started!
Steps
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken breasts, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side, ensuring it is thoroughly cooked.
- Place a slice of mozzarella cheese on top of each piece of chicken and continue cooking for about a minute until the cheese is melted.
- In a separate bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and thinly sliced basil leaves.
- Top each grilled chicken breast with approximately three tablespoons of pesto, a portion of the tomato mixture, and a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper before serving.
Ingredients
- 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 mix ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup basil pesto
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup packed basil leaves, very thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1612 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20 g | Protein: 128 g | Fat: 112 g | Saturated Fat: 28 g | Trans Fat: 4 g | Cholesterol: 388 mg | Sodium: 2404 mg | Potassium: 1984 mg | Fiber: 4 g | Sugar: 8 g | Vitamin A: 3800 IU | Vitamin C: 24 mg | Calcium: 836 mg | Iron: 4 mg
FAQ
- What is Grilled Chicken Margherita?
- Grilled Chicken Margherita is a dish featuring seasoned chicken topped with melted mozzarella cheese, pesto, and a tomato basil garnish. It’s reminiscent of a margherita pizza, but served on chicken instead of a crust.
- Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use store-bought pesto. However, if you have a few extra minutes, making homemade pesto can enhance the flavor. You can also substitute pine nuts with cashews or walnuts when making your own pesto.
- What can I substitute for pesto if I don’t like it?
- If you’re not a fan of pesto, you can use marinara sauce instead. This will give the dish a different but equally delicious flavor profile.
- How can I keep the chicken from drying out while grilling?
- To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover the grill after placing the mozzarella on top of the chicken. This helps the cheese melt faster and retains moisture in the chicken.
- What are some alternative ways to use pesto?
- Pesto can be used in various dishes beyond this recipe. It makes a great pasta sauce, a dip for vegetables, a spread on sandwiches, a salad dressing, or even a substitute for marinara in lasagna.
Tips
- Use store-bought pesto for convenience, but if you have a few extra minutes, consider making your own basil pesto. It’s quick and you can substitute pine nuts with cashews or walnuts if preferred.
- To ensure the mozzarella cheese melts quickly and the chicken stays juicy, close the grill lid after placing the cheese on top.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds the best flavor to the tomato topping. However, if fresh lemons aren’t available, bottled lemon juice or lime juice can be used as alternatives.
- For a homemade Italian seasoning, combine 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, and 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme. Alternatively, use Herbs de Provence for a flavorful twist.
Equipment
- Grill (Gas or Charcoal) – For grilling the chicken.
- Grill Tongs – For handling the chicken on the grill.
- Meat Pounder – For pounding the chicken breasts to the desired thickness.
- Food Processor or Blender – If making homemade pesto.
- Citrus Juicer – For fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
- Herb Stripper – For preparing basil leaves.
