This Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita features juicy chicken topped with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and fragrant basil. It’s like a summer picnic on a plate!
One bite of this and you’ll feel like you’re enjoying a warm day in Italy. I love serving it with a side of pasta or a fresh salad—it’s simply the best way to enjoy chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great here, as they grill well and stay tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breasts could work too!
Olive Oil: It’s perfect for marinating chicken, but if you’re looking for something different, avocado oil or melted coconut oil can be good substitutes with a similar flavor profile.
Fresh Mozzarella: This cheese is key for that gooey texture. If you can’t find fresh mozzarella, try using regular mozzarella or even provolone for a slightly different taste.
Basil Pesto: Pesto gives a fresh flavor boost. If you’re out, you can make a quick homemade version using spinach or arugula, or simply use a store-bought version.
Cherry Tomatoes: They’re sweet and juicy, but if they’re out of season, you can use grape tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes for a similar effect.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Cooked and Juicy?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but there are simple strategies to ensure it’s juicy and flavorful!
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness; this helps them cook uniformly.
- When grilling, use medium-high heat to develop a nice crust while keeping the inside tender.
- Don’t forget to check the internal temperature! It should reach 165°F (75°C) to be fully cooked.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute for more moist meat.
Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil pesto
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy evenings or weekends when you want something fresh and flavorful!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely grilled flavor.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
Next, take your chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook more uniformly and stay juicy. You can use a meat mallet or a rolling pin, just be gentle!
3. Season the Chicken:
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub it in so they are evenly coated. Then sprinkle garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper on both sides of the chicken. This will give it a lot of great flavor!
4. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This might take a few minutes longer depending on the thickness, so keep an eye on it!
5. Add the Cheese:
In the final 2 minutes of grilling, place two slices of fresh mozzarella on each chicken breast. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt beautifully over the chicken.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and place it on serving plates. Spoon some fresh basil pesto over the melted mozzarella. Top it off with the quartered cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves. Add a little extra black pepper on top if you’d like!
7. Enjoy!
Serve immediately while the cheese is still warm and enjoy this fresh and flavorful grilled chicken Margherita! It’s perfect for any occasion!
This dish perfectly combines the flavors of classic Margherita pizza with mouthwatering grilled chicken, making it a fantastic meal that’s both simple and impressive!
### FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita
Can I Use Boneless Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and are generally more forgiving when it comes to cooking time. Just follow the same preparation and cooking steps, but be sure to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Basil Pesto?
If you don’t have basil pesto on hand, you can use store-bought sun-dried tomato pesto or even a homemade version using spinach or arugula with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, just drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle fresh basil leaves for a lighter option!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate and season the chicken ahead of time. Just cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just grill as directed. As for the toppings, prepare them ahead, but add them right before serving to keep everything fresh!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on a stovetop over low heat until heated through. You can add a splash of olive oil to keep it moist!
