Description
This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe features juicy chicken breasts topped with melted mozzarella, pesto, and a fresh tomato basil garnish. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to less than 1 inch thickness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp dried basil, 1/4 tsp dried thyme)
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup packed fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and juices run clear (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
- Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese, close the grill lid, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Prepare the Tomato Basil Topping:
- In a small bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with fresh lemon juice and the thinly sliced basil. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Dish:
- Place each grilled chicken breast on a plate. Spread about 3 tablespoons of pesto on each piece, followed by a scoop of the tomato basil mixture.
- Sprinkle with freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately, optionally garnished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a little extra zest, consider adding a squeeze of lemon over the finished dish before serving.
- Feel free to marinate the chicken for an hour or two for added flavor before grilling.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg