Grilled Chicken Margherita
Description
Grilled Chicken Margherita is a delicious twist on the classic Italian Margherita pizza, but with juicy grilled chicken as the star. Tender, smoky chicken breasts are topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and melted mozzarella cheese, finished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a perfect balance of flavors. It’s a light yet satisfying dish ideal for lunch or dinner, bringing together the freshness of a salad with the richness of Italian flavors.
Total Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (optional for deeper flavor)
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total: 60 minutes
Servings
Serves 2–3
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~1 lb / 450g)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red chili flakes (optional for mild heat)
For the Topping:
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup fresh mozzarella, sliced or torn into small pieces
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)
1 tsp olive oil (for drizzling)
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and chili flakes.
Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Cover and let marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
3. Grill the Chicken
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
4. Add Margherita Toppings
Slice the grilled chicken into thick strips or leave whole.
Top each chicken breast with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella slices.
Cover the grill or place under a broiler for 2–3 minutes until the cheese melts.
5. Garnish & Serve
Drizzle with balsamic glaze and a little olive oil.
Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top.
Serve immediately, optionally with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or garlic bread.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken for 20–25 minutes, then add toppings and broil for 2–3 minutes to melt the cheese.
Q2: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Simply reheat gently and add the tomato, mozzarella, and basil toppings.
Q3: What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?
Fresh burrata or provolone works well. Avoid overly hard cheeses as they won’t melt nicely.
Q4: Can this be made vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with thick slices of grilled eggplant or portobello mushrooms.
Q5: How can I make balsamic glaze at home?
Simmer ½ cup balsamic vinegar with 1 tbsp honey over low heat for 10–15 minutes until thickened.
- Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 2)
NutrientAmount
Calories:350 kcal
Protein:38 g
Carbohydrates:6 g
Sugars:4 g
Fat:18 g
Saturated Fat:7 g
Fiber:1 g
Sodium:720 mg