This Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita is juicy and packed with flavor! Topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, it’s like summer on a plate. Perfect for any night!
I love how simple it is to make. Just grill the chicken, add toppings, and voilà! It’s a great way to impress your family without breaking a sweat! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they grill well. If you prefer dark meat, use thighs instead. They’re juicier and can add extra flavor!
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps with grilling and adds flavor. If you’re out, you can use vegetable oil or avocado oil without losing much taste.
Fresh Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella gives that creamy texture. If you can’t find it, shredded mozzarella works, but let it melt properly for gooey deliciousness.
Cherry Tomatoes: You can use any tomatoes you have on hand, but cherry tomatoes are sweet and burst with flavor. If you’re looking for a bit of spice, add diced jalapeños!
Basil Pesto: This adds a rich taste, but if you’re allergic to nuts, try a homemade version with spinach or skip it altogether and just use fresh basil.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to ensure it stays juicy. Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness; this helps it cook evenly. Also, always preheat your grill beforehand for those lovely grill marks!
- Cook on medium-high heat and don’t flip it too often—allow it to sear on one side.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking.
- Top with cheese towards the end of cooking time so it melts perfectly.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to keep those juices in.
Using these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken every time!
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 black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- Optional: extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take you about 10 minutes of preparation and around 15 minutes of grilling time. So, you can have this mouthwatering grilled chicken on your table in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While the grill heats up, take the chicken breasts and pound them to an even thickness of about 3/4 inch. This helps ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Season the Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix your olive oil with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Brush each chicken breast with this mixture, making sure they are well-coated with flavor on both sides.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. To be safe, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Melt the Mozzarella:
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, add 2 slices of fresh mozzarella on top of each chicken breast. Close the grill lid and let the cheese melt beautifully over the chicken.
5. Assemble and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on serving plates. Spoon some basil pesto over the melted cheese, then sprinkle with the quartered cherry tomatoes and sliced fresh basil.
6. Final Touches:
If you like, drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil over the top and add some freshly ground black pepper for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious grilled chicken margherita!
This recipe captures all the fantastic Margherita flavors in a quick and easy grilled form, making it a perfect dinner choice for any night of the week!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Chicken Margherita
Can I Use Skin-On Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that skin-on chicken may not grill as evenly as skinless. If you choose to use skin-on breasts, be sure to grill them skin-side down first until crispy, and then flip to finish cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or reheat in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe Without a Grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the chicken in a stovetop grill pan or an oven. For the oven method, bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) on a baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, adding the mozzarella in the last few minutes to melt.
What Else Can I Add as Toppings?
The beauty of this dish is its versatility! You can add sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or even a balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor. Get creative with your toppings to suit your taste!
