grilled chicken margherita
Try this delicious Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe for a healthy, flavorful meal with tender chicken, fresh basil, and mozzarella. Perfect for any occasion
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A little olive oil helps keep the chicken moist and adds a touch of richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: This simple seasoning enhances the savory depth of the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A must-have mix of dried herbs that will give your chicken that signature Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a nice color to the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
For the Margherita Topping
- 4 slices of fresh mozzarella: This creamy cheese melts perfectly and creates the signature Margherita effect on top of the chicken.
- 2 medium tomatoes sliced: Go for ripe, juicy tomatoes—they’re the perfect complement to the chicken and mozzarella.
- Fresh basil leaves: Add these fragrant leaves right before serving for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Balsamic glaze optional: For a tangy-sweet finish, drizzle a bit of balsamic glaze over the chicken before serving.
Optional Additions
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon can really brighten up the dish and give it an extra burst of freshness.
- Red chili flakes: For a touch of heat sprinkle on some chili flakes to balance the rich flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Instructions
Season the Chicken
- Start by preparing your chicken breasts. Drizzle each side with olive oil for moisture and a little richness. Then, generously season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Massage the seasoning into the chicken to ensure it’s well coated.
Preheat the Grill
- While the chicken absorbs the flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will give you those perfect grill marks and ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
Grill the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the hot grill. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown with those delicious grill marks. If you’re using a grill pan, press the chicken down lightly for those crisp edges.
Melt the Mozzarella
- With the chicken almost done, top each piece with a slice of fresh mozzarella. Close the grill lid (or cover with foil on the grill pan) for about 2-3 minutes to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
Top with Fresh Ingredients
- Once the mozzarella is melted and gooey, it’s time to add the finishing touches. Layer on fresh tomato slices and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves. For a bit of sweetness and tang, drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Grilled Chicken Margherita immediately, while the cheese is still warm and creamy. Pair it with a side of roasted veggies, a light salad, or even a bed of pasta to complete your meal. Don’t forget to squeeze a little lemon juice for an extra burst of freshness just before serving!
Pro Tips
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the seasoning and olive oil for 30 minutes before grilling.
- If you’re cooking more than one batch, keep the cooked chicken warm by placing it in a low oven (200°F or 90°C) while you finish grilling the rest.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Calcium: 120mg
- Iron: 1.5mg