When it comes to experiencing the authentic taste of Italy from the comfort of your kitchen, there are a few dishes that capture the essence of Italian cuisine as wonderfully as the Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita. This dish, a beloved favorite for many who frequent Olive Garden, is a testament to the simple yet profound flavors that Italian cooking proudly stands by. With succulent grilled chicken breasts topped with a vibrant array of fresh tomatoes, melting mozzarella, and rich basil pesto, all drizzled with a zesty lemon garlic sauce; this dish has garnered such popularity.
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How to make Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita
Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita is a flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh, melted mozzarella cheese, sliced tomatoes, and basil drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The dish is inspired by the classic Italian Margherita pizza flavors, with the combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella, but served as a protein-rich entrée.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken and Toppings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Basil Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (can substitute with walnuts)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Preparing the Basil Pesto:
- Combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor or blender.
- Pulse while gradually adding the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Preparing the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but not browned.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them lightly with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- In the last minute of grilling, top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and let it melt slightly.
Assembly:
- Place the cooked chicken on a serving plate.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes over the chicken.
- Generously drizzle basil pesto over the top.
- Spoon the lemon garlic sauce around or over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Tips for Success:
- Chicken Preparation: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and grilling.
- Grill Marks: Allow the chicken to cook undisturbed on the grill for those sought-after grill marks.
- Quality Ingredients: Choose the freshest tomatoes and basil, as they are key to the dish’s vibrant flavor.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for high-quality fresh mozzarella for the best melt and taste.
What to serve with
When serving Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita at home, you can pair it with sides that complement its Italian flair and enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some palate-pleasing suggestions that harmonize beautifully with the main dish:
1. Traditional Pasta: Simple and classic, a side of pasta such as angel hair or spaghetti tossed in a light olive oil or garlic butter sauce can be a great accompaniment. This allows the pasta to absorb the flavors of the chicken and pesto without overpowering the main dish.
2. Fresh Salad: Balance the hearty Grilled Chicken margarita with a crisp, fresh salad. A traditional salad like an Insalata Caprese, made with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drenched in balsamic glaze, would echo the flavors of the main dish. Alternatively, a simple mixed green salad with Italian vinaigrette can add a refreshing touch.
3. Roasting vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplants can deeply enhance their flavors and provide a great side to the chicken. The charred edges and tender insides pair perfectly with the savory elements of the dish.
4. Garlic Bread: There’s hardly a more beloved Italian side than garlic bread. Its crispy, buttery exterior, soft inside, and pungent garlic flavor make it ideal for sopping up any remaining lemon garlic sauce from the chicken.
5. Risotto: For a more indulgent side, consider serving a creamy Parmesan risotto. This rich, comforting dish complements the lighter grilled chicken and mozzarella, adding another layer of luxurious flavor to the meal.
6. Herbed Potatoes: You might also consider oven-roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary, thyme, and garlic. This aromatic and satisfying option is a no-fuss side dish that complements the herbaceous qualities of the Margherita.
Ingredients Substitutes
Using ingredient substitutes, Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita can be adaptable to various dietary needs or preferences. Here’s how to tweak the recipe with alternative ingredients without compromising on the rich and fresh flavors that define this dish.
Substitutes for the Main Ingredients:
Chicken
- Vegetarian Option: Portobello mushrooms or thick slices of eggplant can be great substitutes for chicken if you’re aiming for a vegetarian version. Grill them the same way you would the chicken.
- Other Meats: Try thin pork chops or turkey breasts for a different kind of meat, adjusting cooking times as needed.
Mozzarella Cheese
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Use vegan mozzarella cheese, which is available in many health food stores. Some brands melt better than others, so you might need to experiment to find one that works well for grilling.
- Other Cheeses: If you’re simply out of mozzarella, provolone or fontina are good alternatives with a similar meltability and mild flavor.
Substitutes in the Basil Pesto:
Basil
Alternative Greens: Arugula or spinach can be substituted for basil for a different but equally vibrant pesto. The flavor profile will change, but it will still complement the dish nicely.
Pine Nuts
Nuts and Seeds: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds are all good alternatives for pine nuts in pesto, each bringing its unique flavor and texture.
Parmesan Cheese
- Vegan Option: Nutritional yeast can be used instead of Parmesan to create a vegan pesto. Additionally, vegan Parmesan cheese products might work.
- Other Cheeses: Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for Parmesan, offering a slightly sharper taste.
Substitutes in the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
Lemon Juice
Acidity Substitutes: In the absence of fresh lemons, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can add the necessary acidity to the sauce.
Olive Oil
Other Oils: If olive oil is not an option, avocado oil or another vegetable oil can be a good substitute, especially for the sauce. However, the olive oil in the pesto is key to its traditional flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe brings a piece of Italy to your dining table. It celebrates the simplicity of Italian cooking, highlighting how a few well-chosen ingredients can create a dish filled with rich and harmonious flavors.
More Chicken Recipes:
- Chicken Nugget Recipe
- Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Sauce Recipe
- Homemade Taco Bell Chicken Nuggets Recipe

Ingredients
For the Chicken and Toppings:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
For the Basil Pesto:
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (can substitute with walnuts)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparing the Basil Pesto:
- Combine basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor or blender.
- Pulse while gradually adding the olive oil until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Preparing the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, but not browned.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
Grilling the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Season chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. Brush them lightly with olive oil.
- Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- In the last minute of grilling, top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and let it melt slightly.
Assembly:
- Place the cooked chicken on a serving plate.
- Arrange sliced tomatoes over the chicken.
- Generously drizzle basil pesto over the top.
- Spoon the lemon garlic sauce around or over the chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.