Description
Juicy Grilled Chicken Margherita topped with melted fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, balsamic cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil. This colorful, restaurant-style chicken dinner is easy enough for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 ounces fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, for serving
Instructions
- Clean the grill grates, then lightly brush them with oil. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, about 400°F to 425°F.
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts and turn them until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on the first side.
- Flip the chicken and grill for 2 minutes. Place the sliced mozzarella on top of each chicken breast.
- Close the grill lid and continue cooking until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer the chicken to a clean plate or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, combine the cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinegar, sliced basil, and a small pinch of salt in a bowl.
- Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of pesto over each mozzarella-topped chicken breast.
- Spoon the balsamic tomato mixture over the chicken. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper and serve immediately.
Notes
- Pound very thick chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For the best texture, reheat the chicken in an air fryer at 375°F for 6 to 8 minutes.
- You may also reheat it in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Store the tomato topping separately when possible and add it after reheating.
- Nutrition values are estimates and will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts and the brands of mozzarella and pesto used.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 61 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg