This Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe is everything you crave in a summery main dish: juicy grilled chicken layered with melty mozzarella, garden-fresh tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy drizzle of balsamic glaze. It’s the kind of meal that captures the breezy joy of eating al fresco, bursting with flavor and color in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends, whipping up a weeknight dinner, or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe is wonderfully satisfying, gluten-free, and so easy to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is at the heart of this recipe, and each ingredient is a star in its own right. Start with pantry staples and a few fresh picks to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and vibrant color that make the Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe truly shine.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts are perfect for grilling—they cook quickly and soak up seasonings beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and keeps the chicken juicy as it grills.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with a mellow garlicky kick that complements the Italian-inspired toppings.
- Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings herby warmth and depth to every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning your meat and balancing the overall flavors.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture is classic Margherita and irresistible atop hot grilled chicken.
- Tomatoes: Choose ripe, juicy tomatoes for maximum sweetness and color.
- Fresh basil leaves: Torn or whole, basil delivers that unmistakable fresh-herb aroma and pop of green.
- Balsamic glaze: Adds a tangy-sweet finish; use store-bought or homemade for a silky drizzle.
- Lemon wedges (optional): For a bright squeeze of fresh citrus just before serving.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Grill and Chicken
Start by preheating your outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, so it’s sizzling hot and ready for those gorgeous grill marks. Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness if needed—this guarantees they’ll cook evenly and stay juicy. Brush each breast with olive oil on both sides, making sure they’re lightly coated for moisture and flavor. Sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, massaging the seasoning in for maximum taste.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken breasts on the hot grill, laying them flat and giving them space. Grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the chicken is beautifully browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Don’t rush—great grilling is all about patience for that savory, smoky flavor.
Step 3: Add the Mozzarella
During the last minute or two of grilling, carefully lay a slice of fresh mozzarella on each piece of chicken. Close the grill lid for a minute, just enough for the cheese to become dreamy and melty. The contrast of bubbling cheese on smoky chicken is pure magic for this Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe!
Step 4: Rest and Finish with Toppings
Transfer the chicken to a platter and let it rest for a couple minutes—this helps the juices settle so every bite is perfectly moist. Top each breast with a generous layer of tomato slices and plenty of fresh basil leaves. Right before serving, drizzle with a spiral of balsamic glaze for that sweet, tangy kick. Add lemon wedges on the side if you want a splash of brightness.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with torn fresh basil and an extra drizzle of balsamic glaze just before bringing it to the table. For a restaurant feel, add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and maybe even a crack of pepper on top. A lemon wedge on the side looks gorgeous and lets everyone boost the freshness to their liking.
Side Dishes
This Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe pairs beautifully with a simple mixed greens salad, grilled vegetables, or even a tangle of zucchini noodles. For a heartier meal, try roasted potatoes or garlic bread to soak up those juices. The flavors play well with both light and rustic sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken and layering it over buttery polenta, or serve it family-style on a big platter with the toppings and sides arranged artfully around it. For a twist, serve each chicken breast over toasted sourdough, crostini-style, as a show-stopping appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Store the chicken, tomatoes, and basil separately if possible to preserve their textures, and add a fresh drizzle of balsamic glaze when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken (without the toppings) for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then top with fresh slices of mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil just before serving the next time you prepare the Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe.
Reheating
Warm the chicken gently in the oven or on the stovetop over low heat. Add the mozzarella near the end so it melts again, then top with fresh tomatoes and basil before serving. Avoid microwaving if you can, as this can make the cheese rubbery and the chicken less juicy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well if you prefer their richer flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the grilling time slightly since thighs often take a bit longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to make balsamic glaze at home?
Simply simmer balsamic vinegar in a saucepan until it thickens and reduces by half. You can add a touch of honey or brown sugar for sweetness. It’s super easy and adds lovely depth to the Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe.
How do I keep the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is well preheated and brush it lightly with oil before cooking. Also, don’t move the chicken too early—let it naturally release once it forms a golden crust on the underside.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Yes! A grill pan on the stovetop works wonders if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. The charred edges and melted cheese will still shine in your Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe.
What other cheeses can I use?
If you’re out of fresh mozzarella, slices of provolone or fontina work nicely for that creamy, melty texture. You can even try a sprinkle of grated parmesan for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe is an invitation to savor summer, no matter the season. The simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Try it soon and watch it become a new favorite in your kitchen—sharing it is almost as much fun as eating it!
Print
Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Italy with this Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and grilled to perfection, then topped with melted mozzarella, fresh tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Topping:
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- 2 medium tomatoes (sliced)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Prepare Chicken: Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Grill Chicken: Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Add Toppings: Place mozzarella on each breast during the last minutes of grilling to melt. Remove from grill and let rest.
- Finish Dish: Top chicken with tomato slices, basil leaves, and balsamic glaze before serving.
- Serve: Serve hot with optional lemon wedges and sides.
Notes
- Pound chicken to even thickness for quicker cooking.
- Try cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes as variations.
- Balsamic glaze can be store-bought or homemade.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
