Grilled Chicken Margherita is a fresh, flavorful, and protein-packed dish that combines grilled chicken breast, juicy tomatoes, aromatic basil, and creamy mozzarella cheese. This easy-to-make recipe is inspired by the classic Margherita pizza but with a low-carb, high-protein twist.
If you love quick and healthy Italian-inspired meals, this Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even special occasions. Best of all, it takes under 30 minutes to prepare!
Key Benefits of Grilled Chicken Margherita
✅ High-Protein & Low-Carb – Great for muscle-building and weight management.
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes for busy weeknights.
✅ Fresh Ingredients – Uses simple, wholesome ingredients packed with flavor.
✅ Restaurant-Quality at Home – Tastes just like a gourmet Italian dish!
✅ Customizable – Easily adaptable for keto, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
Ingredients for Grilled Chicken Margherita
Base Ingredients (Essential for Flavor & Texture)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Toppings
- 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese (or shredded mozzarella)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze (for drizzling)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (for finishing)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ avocado, sliced (for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon honey (for a slightly sweet balsamic glaze)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for extra cheesiness)
How to Make Grilled Chicken Margherita
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking.
- Season both sides with olive oil, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
- Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
- In the last 2 minutes of grilling, place a mozzarella slice on each chicken breast and close the lid until it melts.
Step 3: Prepare the Tomato & Basil Topping
- In a bowl, mix halved cherry tomatoes, fresh basil leaves, 1 teaspoon olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Remove grilled chicken from the heat and plate.
- Spoon the tomato-basil mixture over each mozzarella-covered chicken breast.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over the top for added depth of flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Margherita
🔥 Use Fresh Mozzarella: It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.
🔥 Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken sit in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before grilling.
🔥 Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure juicy, tender chicken.
🔥 Make it Keto-Friendly: Skip the balsamic glaze or use a low-carb balsamic vinegar alternative.
🔥 Meal Prep Tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently to maintain flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Margherita
🍽️ With a Side Salad: Serve with a fresh Caprese salad or a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette.
🍽️ Over Zoodles: Place the chicken over zucchini noodles for a low-carb pasta alternative.
🍽️ With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crispy garlic bread or buttery parmesan rolls.
🍽️ Paired with Pasta: Toss with angel hair pasta and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.
Try This Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe Today!
This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress.
👉 Give it a try and let us know your favorite toppings! Comment below or tag us on social media. Enjoy your homemade Italian masterpiece! 🍽️
Common Questions & Answers
Q1: Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet or bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Q2: Can I use shredded mozzarella instead of fresh mozzarella?
Yes! While fresh mozzarella melts better, shredded mozzarella is a great substitute.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Q4: Can I use different meats?
Yes! Try this recipe with grilled turkey breast or pork chops for variety.
Grilled Chicken Margherita Recipe Recap
📌 Prep Time: 10 minutes
📌 Cook Time: 15 minutes
📌 Total Time: 25 minutes
📌 Servings: 4
📌 Calories: ~320 per serving
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Protein: 45g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fats: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make Grilled Chicken Margherita like a pro! This simple, flavorful dish brings together Italian flavors in a healthy, high-protein meal.
➡ Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our other quick & delicious chicken recipes!
Essential Cooking Tools & Equipment
🔥 Cast Iron Grill Pan (Best for Indoor Grilling)
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✔️ Why You Need It: This heavy-duty cast iron grill pan lets you achieve restaurant-quality grill marks and a smoky, charred flavor without an outdoor grill. It distributes heat evenly, ensuring your Grilled Chicken Margherita cooks perfectly every time.
🔥 Outdoor Gas Grill (Perfect for BBQ Lovers)
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✔️ Why You Need It: If you love outdoor grilling, this propane gas grill delivers high heat and smoky flavor, making your chicken juicy and perfectly grilled. It’s an excellent investment for grilling meats, veggies, and more.
🔥 Digital Meat Thermometer (Ensures Perfectly Cooked Chicken)
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✔️ Why You Need It: Never worry about undercooked or overcooked chicken again! This instant-read thermometer ensures your grilled chicken reaches the perfect internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy results.
Ingredients & Pantry Staples
🛒 Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Cold-Pressed & Organic)
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✔️ Why You Need It: This premium olive oil is perfect for marinating chicken, drizzling over fresh basil and tomatoes, and adding authentic Mediterranean flavor to any dish
🛒 Italian Seasoning Blend (Authentic Herbs & Spices)
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✔️ Why You Need It: Get the perfect blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme to season your chicken like an Italian chef. This seasoning mix saves time while ensuring bold, aromatic flavors.
Kitchen Accessories & Meal Prep Essentials
🍽️ Glass Meal Prep Containers (Perfect for Storing Leftovers)
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✔️ Why You Need It: These airtight glass containers help you store meal-prepped chicken while keeping it fresh. Great for quick and easy reheating!
🍽️ Silicone Basting Brush (For Evenly Coating Chicken with Olive Oil & Seasonings)
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✔️ Why You Need It: This heat-resistant basting brush helps you spread olive oil, seasonings, and marinades evenly over your chicken for maximum flavor.
🍽️ Wooden Serving Platter (Elegant & Rustic Presentation)
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✔️ Why You Need It: Elevate your plating by serving Grilled Chicken Margherita on a beautiful wooden board, just like in an Italian restaurant.
