🌿 Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
Ingredients:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix oregano, basil, thyme)
-
Salt & black pepper, to taste
-
2 medium tomatoes, sliced (or cherry tomatoes, halved)
-
8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
-
½ cup fresh basil leaves
-
1 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)
-
Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
-
Prepare the chicken
-
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
-
Rub with olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
-
-
Grill the chicken
-
Preheat grill (or grill pan) to medium-high.
-
Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
-
-
Add the toppings
-
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, place a slice of mozzarella on each chicken breast.
-
Cover grill (or pan) to let the cheese melt.
-
-
Finish with fresh flavors
-
Top with fresh tomato slices and basil leaves.
-
Drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired.
-
Serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.
-
❓Q&A
Q1: Can I make this without a grill?
✅ Yes, you can use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then broil to melt cheese.
Q2: What tomatoes work best?
✅ Roma or heirloom tomatoes add the best fresh flavor. Cherry tomatoes work well too, just halve them.
Q3: Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
✅ Fresh basil is best for authentic Margherita flavors, but if not available, sprinkle a little dried basil when seasoning the chicken.
Q4: What to serve with Grilled Chicken Margherita?
✅ Pair with garlic bread, roasted veggies, zucchini noodles, or a light pasta with olive oil & herbs.
Q5: Can I prep this ahead of time?
✅ Yes! You can marinate the chicken with oil, garlic, and seasoning up to 24 hours ahead. Grill fresh before serving.
