Welcome to the world of scrumptious Grilled Chicken Margherita! This delightful recipe features succulent, juicy chicken breasts adorned with the classic Italian flavors of mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. Perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with minimal effort. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes and a few simple ingredients, this classic Grilled Chicken Margherita will quickly become a favorite at your dining table. Whether you’re hosting friends or whipping up a meal for your family, this easy and homemade recipe promises a burst of flavors with each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Best way to make Grilled Chicken Margherita at home: Follow our straightforward steps to achieve restaurant-quality results every time.
- Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita for beginners: With only a handful of ingredients, this recipe is as approachable as it is delicious.
- Ready in only 30 minutes: Quick to prepare and even quicker to impress!
- Perfect for meal prep: Leftovers can be stored for a convenient, tasty meal later.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Margherita
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For a plant-based option, substitute with portobello mushroom caps. - 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
Low-fat mozzarella can be used to reduce calories. - 2 cups fresh basil leaves
Essential ingredient for Grilled Chicken Margherita, giving it a vibrant flavor. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Grape tomatoes can be used as an alternative. - 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
For a homemade version, simmer balsamic vinegar with a touch of honey until thick. - 3 tablespoons olive oil
Avocado oil is a great alternative for high heat cooking. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For a gluten-free Grilled Chicken Margherita, ensure all products used are certified gluten-free.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions for Maximum SEO Value
How to Make Grilled Chicken Margherita – Step by Step
Prepare the Chicken
Step 1: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensuring that the grill is hot enough will give the chicken a nice sear, sealing in the juices.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all components are fully integrated. This will be our flavor-packed marinade.
Step 3: Rub the olive oil mixture generously all over the chicken breasts. Let them sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
Grill the Chicken
Step 4: Place the marinated chicken breasts on the grill. Let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You should achieve a juicy, perfectly cooked chicken when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: During the last 2 minutes of grilling, carefully layer each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella cheese and cherry tomato halves. Close the grill lid to allow the cheese to melt beautifully.
Assemble the Dish
Step 6: Once the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the grill.
Step 7: Top each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves, drizzle them with balsamic glaze, and let your masterpiece rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.
Best Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe – Easy and Flavorful Pro Tips for Making the Best Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Can I make Grilled Chicken Margherita ahead of time? Absolutely! Marinate the chicken up to a day in advance to infuse more flavor.
- What is the secret to the best Grilled Chicken Margherita? The key lies in fresh ingredients and a hot grill! This ensures that all flavors remain vibrant and the chicken remains juicy.
Best Ways to Serve Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Serve it with: Garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Perfect pairing: A glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade complements the Mediterranean flavors perfectly.
Enhance your dining experience by serving this with our Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction or Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information for Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Carbs: 8g
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 20g
For a low-carb Grilled Chicken Margherita, keep an eye on the quantity of balsamic glaze applied. This dish is rich in protein, offering a fulfilling experience while remaining health-conscious.
Storage & Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze for up to a month, ensuring you separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Best reheating method: Use an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to retain texture and flavor.
FAQs for Grilled Chicken Margherita
Q1: Can I freeze Grilled Chicken Margherita?
Yes, you can freeze it after cooling it completely to preserve its flavors and quality for up to a month.Q2: What can I use instead of mozzarella cheese in Grilled Chicken Margherita?
Try using provolone or a dairy-free alternative if you’re avoiding cheese.Q3: Is it safe to grill frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw chicken first for even cooking to ensure it cooks to the correct internal temperature.Q4: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for that signature taste, but dried basil can be used in the marinade if needed.Related Recipes for Grilled Chicken Margherita
Grilled Chicken Margherita
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A delightful grilled chicken dish topped with fresh mozzarella, basil, and cherry tomatoes, drizzled with balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup balsamic glaze
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Rub the olive oil mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- During the last 2 minutes of grilling, layer each chicken breast with slices of mozzarella cheese and cherry tomato halves. Close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
- Once the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through, remove from the grill.
- Top each chicken breast with fresh basil leaves and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with a fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of balsamic glaze according to taste preference.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Grilled Chicken, Margherita, Easy Recipe, Healthy Eating, BBQ Recipes