Grilled Chicken Margherita

Grilled Chicken Margherita is one of my favorite light and flavorful dishes to make when I want something that’s fresh, satisfying, and quick to prepare. Inspired by the classic Italian Margherita pizza, this recipe pairs juicy grilled chicken with melty mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil for a simple yet delicious meal that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes just a handful of ingredients and turns them into something that feels restaurant-worthy. The grilled chicken provides a smoky, savory base, while the tomatoes and basil add freshness and brightness. Melted mozzarella gives it that perfect creamy finish. It’s a great way to enjoy healthy, clean flavors with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• Olive oil

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Fresh mozzarella slices

• Cherry tomatoes or Roma tomatoes, sliced

• Fresh basil leaves

• Balsamic glaze (optional, for drizzling)

Directions

1. I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.

2. I rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

3. I grill the chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

4. During the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, I place a slice of mozzarella on each piece of chicken and close the lid to let it melt.

5. Once off the grill, I top each chicken breast with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.

6. If I’m using balsamic glaze, I drizzle it over the top just before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15–20 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers in place of tomatoes for a different spin. If I want extra flavor, I marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for a few hours before grilling. I’ve also used provolone or burrata instead of mozzarella when I want to change it up.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, just until heated through. I usually add fresh basil after reheating so it stays vibrant.

FAQs

Can I make this in a skillet instead of a grill?

Yes, I’ve pan-seared the chicken with great results. I use a cast-iron skillet for a good sear and cover it briefly to melt the cheese.

What kind of tomatoes work best?

I usually go with cherry or Roma tomatoes because they’re firm and flavorful, but heirlooms work beautifully too in peak season.

Can I use dried basil?

Fresh basil really makes a difference here, but in a pinch, I’ve used a light sprinkle of dried basil or Italian seasoning.

Is this recipe low-carb?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein, which makes it perfect for a keto or low-carb meal.

What sides go well with it?

I often serve it with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a bright, simple, and satisfying meal that I love making when I want something healthy and flavorful without a lot of fuss. It brings together fresh ingredients and classic Italian flavors in a way that always feels special, whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests.

Grilled Chicken Margherita

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grill
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

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Description

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a fresh and flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring juicy grilled chicken topped with melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil—perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 4 slices fresh mozzarella
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes or 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp balsamic glaze (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. During the last 2–3 minutes of grilling, top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella and close the lid to melt.
5. Remove chicken from grill and top with sliced tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
6. Drizzle with balsamic glaze if using and serve immediately.

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Notes

• Use a cast-iron skillet if grilling isn’t an option.
• Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs for extra flavor.
• Swap tomatoes for grilled zucchini or roasted red peppers for variation.
• Add fresh basil after reheating leftovers to maintain flavor and color.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 95mg