Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe

by Sandra
Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe

In the heart of every home cook lies the yearning to bring flavors alive, not just to satiate hunger but to weave memories around the dining table that last a lifetime. Imagine the aroma of grilled chicken blending seamlessly with the fresh zest of basil and the creaminess of mozzarella—this is what the Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe promises. It’s not just a dish; it’s a gateway to exploring Italian cuisine within the comfort of your kitchen.

How to make Grilled Chicken Margherita

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a flavorful dish that combines the classic elements of a Margherita pizza with grilled chicken.

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6-8 oz each. This is the canvas for your masterpiece.
  • Salt & Pepper: To taste, these foundational seasonings enhance the natural flavours.
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for grilling the chicken, adding a subtle hint of fruitiness.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, to infuse the chicken with a warm, aromatic flavor.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Chop a handful, plus additional for garnish. This herb is Margherita’s soul.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons for that sweet yet tangy zing.
  • Ripe Tomatoes: 2 large, sliced. They add juiciness and a bright flavor contrast.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz, sliced or grated. It brings creamy, melty perfection to the dish.
  • Pesto Sauce: ½ cup, homemade or store-bought, to drizzle over your creation for that herby, nutty flavor.

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it warms up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Brush the chicken with olive oil and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), infusing it with a smoky flavor. During the last few minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
  3. Sautéed Garlic: While the chicken is grilling, heat a small pan over medium heat and add some olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce the heat, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This mixture will be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted. Top each with sliced tomatoes, a generous drizzle of the garlic-balsamic mixture, a spoonful of pesto, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil.
  5. Serve: Your Grilled Chicken Margherita is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while everything is wonderfully warm and the cheese is delightfully gooey.

Tips for Success

  • Marinating: For an even deeper flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in olive oil, minced garlic, and balsamic vinegar for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Cheese Selection: Fresh mozzarella will give you the best melting quality and flavor, but pre-shredded mozzarella can also work in a pinch.
  • Pesto: Homemade pesto is always a winner for freshness and flavor, but a good quality store-bought pesto can save time and still taste delicious.
  • Grilling: If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, a grill pan on the stove works great too. Make sure to press down on the chicken breasts for those perfect grill marks.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs beautifully with a side of light pasta, a fresh salad, or even some grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

What to serve with

With its Italian flair, the Grilled Chicken Margherita pairs beautifully with various side dishes, from vegetables to grains, enhancing the overall dining experience. Choosing the right accompaniments can balance the meal, complementing the flavors of the chicken, tomato, mozzarella, and basil.

1. Roasted Vegetables

A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition to your plate and complements the Italian flavors in the chicken. Consider roasting a mix of zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a simple yet flavorful side.

Instructions:
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Cut vegetables into uniformly sized pieces for even roasting.
  • Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.

2. Garlic Parmesan Risotto

Creamy and luxurious, risotto is a decadent side dish that’s particularly satisfying. A garlic Parmesan version echoes the Italian themes and the cheesy goodness of the chicken topping.

Instructions:
  • In a medium saucepan, heat chicken broth and keep it warm over low heat.
  • Sauté minced garlic in butter in another pan until fragrant.
  • Add Arborio rice to the garlic, cooking and stirring for a couple of minutes.
  • Gradually add warm broth, a ladle at a time, stirring often, allowing the rice to absorb the liquid before adding more.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and a bit of butter at the end for extra creaminess—season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Caprese Salad

Echo the tomato and mozzarella in your main dish with a simple Caprese salad. This light side dish adds a refreshing element to the meal, with fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of balsamic glaze complementing the Grilled Chicken Margherita perfectly.

Instructions:

  • Slice fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese.
  • Layer slices on a plate, alternating tomato and mozzarella.
  • Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves.
  • Drizzle with balsamic glaze and extra virgin olive oil—season with salt and pepper.

4. Couscous Salad

A couscous salad loaded with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a lemony dressing can add a refreshing, light side dish that contrasts nicely with the richness of the cheese and pesto in the main dish.

Instructions:
  • Prepare couscous according to package instructions and let it cool.
  • Mix in diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and parsley.
  • Dress with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

5. Grilled Asparagus

Grilling asparagus alongside your chicken can add a smoky, crisp component to your meal, and it’s a quick and efficient use of the grill.

Instructions:
  • Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  • Grill over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp.
  • Optionally, finish with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients Substitutes

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a simple dish with classic ingredients: grilled chicken breasts topped with mozzarella cheese, fresh tomatoes, and basil, often finished with balsamic glaze. However, suppose you need to substitute some ingredients due to allergies, dietary preferences, or availability. In that case, there are plenty of options that can still maintain the delicious flavors of the original recipe.

Chicken Breast

  • Turkey Breast: Turkey can be a good substitute for chicken because of its texture and flavor. It’s also lean and cooks well on the grill.
  • Pork Loin: If poultry is not an option, a thin pork loin steak can be a suitable alternative. Make sure to tenderize it well for best results.
  • Portobello Mushrooms: For a vegetarian version, large Portobello mushrooms can be a fantastic replacement. They have a meaty texture and soak up flavors well during grilling.

Mozzarella Cheese

  • Vegan Mozzarella: There are many plant-based mozzarella options available that melt well and offer a similar mild flavor.
  • Provolone Cheese: If you’re looking for another type of cheese, provolone is a good alternative. It melts well and has a slightly sharper flavor.
  • Ricotta: For a softer cheese option, ricotta can work. It won’t melt the same way but can provide a creamy texture.

Tomatoes

  • Roasted Red Peppers: If tomatoes are off the menu, consider using roasted red peppers. They provide a sweet flavor and juicy texture that contrasts nicely with the melted cheese.
  • Pesto: Spread a thin layer of pesto over the chicken before adding the cheese for a burst of flavor if tomatoes aren’t an option.

Fresh Basil

  • Spinach: If basil isn’t available, baby spinach can be a subtle replacement, adding a similarly mild and slightly peppery taste.
  • Arugula: For a peppery flavor, arugula can be a great substitute for basil.
  • Pesto: If fresh herbs are hard to find, a dollop of basil pesto can incorporate the herbaceous flavor typical of Margherita.

Balsamic Glaze

  • Reduced Balsamic Vinegar: If you don’t have a balsamic glaze, you can reduce balsamic vinegar yourself by simmering it until it thickens.
  • Honey Reduction: For a different kind of sweetness, you can reduce honey with a little bit of apple cider vinegar to drizzle over the chicken.

Additional Flavor Enhancers

  • Olive Oil: If you prefer a different kind of oil, avocado oil can work well due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
  • Garlic Powder: If fresh garlic isn’t available, using garlic powder in the seasoning can add a similar flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: If fresh herbs are not available, a sprinkle of dried Italian seasoning over the chicken can enhance the herbal notes for more depth of flavor.

Final Thoughts

With this detailed guide, making Grilled Chicken Margherita at home becomes not just a culinary endeavor but a joyous journey in crafting a meal that’s bound to impress.

More Chicken Recipes:

Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe

Grilled Chicken Margherita

Serves: 4 Prep Time: Cooking Time:
Nutrition facts: 650 calories 39 grams fat
Rating: 5.0/5
( 1 voted )

Ingredients

  • Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & Pepper
  • Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons 
  • Garlic: 2 cloves
  • Fresh Basil Leaves
  • Balsamic Vinegar: 2 tablespoons 
  • Ripe Tomatoes: 2 large, sliced. 
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 8 oz, sliced or grated. 
  • Pesto Sauce: ½ cup

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. While it warms up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Brush the chicken with olive oil and place it on the grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), infusing it with a smoky flavor. During the last few minutes of cooking, top each chicken breast with a slice of mozzarella cheese and close the grill lid to melt the cheese.
  3. Sautéed Garlic: While the chicken is grilling, heat a small pan over medium heat and add some olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add the balsamic vinegar and reduce the heat, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. This mixture will be drizzled over the finished dish for an extra layer of flavor.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the chicken breasts to a serving plate once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted. Top each with sliced tomatoes, a generous drizzle of the garlic-balsamic mixture, a spoonful of pesto, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil.
  5. Serve: Your Grilled Chicken Margherita is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve immediately while everything is wonderfully warm and the cheese is delightfully gooey.

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