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Grilled Chicken Margherita

Grilled Chicken Margherita features juicy, evenly cooked chicken breasts marinated with olive oil, balsamic, garlic, and Italian herbs, then finished with melty mozzarella, basil pesto, and a bright cherry tomato–basil topping. The contrast of smoky grill notes, rich cheese and pesto, and fresh, tangy tomatoes makes it a standout for warm-weather dinners and casual entertaining.

  • Prep20 mins
  • Cook10 mins
  • Serves4
  • DifficultyEasy
Grilled Chicken Margherita
  1. 1

    Using the smooth side of a meat mallet, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, whisk the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt. Pour over the chicken, coat evenly, and marinate for 4 to 8 hours.

  3. 3

    In a small bowl, mix the cherry tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

  4. 4

    Preheat an outdoor grill to medium heat; lightly oil the grate.

  5. 5

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill with the lid closed for 4 minutes. Flip the chicken and grill for 3 to 4 minutes more. Place a slice of mozzarella cheese and 1 tablespoon of pesto on each breast, then add the cherry tomatoes. Close the grill lid and continue grilling until the cheese melts and the chicken is no longer pink inside, about 3 more minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Using a spatula, carefully transfer the chicken to a serving platter.

About This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Margherita is an Italian dinner recipe made with 12 ingredients. It takes about 30 mins, serves 4, and is rated easy. Key ingredients include Balsamic Vinegar, Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomato, and Fresh Basil. Each serving provides about 904.18 kcal, and is a good source of protein.

Recipe Questions

What is Grilled Chicken Margherita?
It is an Italian recipe made with 12 ingredients, usually served for dinner or lunch.
What is Grilled Chicken Margherita made of?
The main ingredients are Balsamic Vinegar, Basil Pesto, Cherry Tomato, Fresh Basil, Garlic. The full list of 12 is above.
How long does it take to make Grilled Chicken Margherita?
About 30 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 10 mins to cook.
How many calories are in one serving?
One serving provides about 904.18 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
Is Grilled Chicken Margherita easy to make?
This recipe is rated easy, with 12 ingredients and 5 steps.

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