Description
Succulent grilled chicken margherita brings Italian summer flavors to your plate with fresh mozzarella, basil, and juicy tomatoes. Weeknight dinners become a Mediterranean escape when this simple yet elegant dish lands on your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Cheese and Sauce:
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) basil pesto
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 cup fresh basil
- 1/2 cup (80 g) cherry tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with olive oil, ensuring even coverage of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor infusion.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat around 400°F, creating distinct grill marks and sealing in natural juices during 6-8 minute cooking intervals.
- Carefully flip chicken midway through grilling, monitoring internal temperature and achieving perfect golden-brown exterior without charring.
- During final cooking moments, layer fresh mozzarella cheese atop each chicken breast, closing grill lid to create a gentle melting environment.
- While cheese melts, quickly prepare vibrant topping by combining diced cherry tomatoes, fresh chopped basil leaves, and bright lemon zest.
- Drizzle prepared chicken with aromatic basil pesto, creating a harmonious blend of Mediterranean flavors.
- Artfully arrange tomato-basil mixture over melted cheese, garnishing with additional fresh basil leaves for visual appeal and enhanced herbal notes.
Notes
- Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and tender results.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a better grilling crust.
- Marinate chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil for extra flavor depth if time allows.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier, more authentic Margherita-style finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg