Grilled Chicken Margherita with Pesto & Mozzarella

Grilled Chicken Margherita with Pesto & Mozzarella

Make this juicy Grilled Chicken Margherita for an easy weeknight meal packed with flavor! This Margherita Chicken features tender grilled chicken topped with melted mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, and a vibrant tomato topping.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American (with Italian influence)

Keyword: Grilled Chicken Margherita

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Calories: 405kcal

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to under 1 inch thick for even cooking)
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or mix ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp basil, ¼ tsp thyme)
4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese
½ cup basil pesto (store-bought is fine, but homemade is next-level!)
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Make sure every piece is well coated—this step locks in all the flavor!
Grill to Perfection: Heat your grill (or stovetop grill pan) to medium-high. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until beautifully charred and cooked through.
Melt That Mozzarella: Just before removing the chicken from the grill, top each piece with a slice of mozzarella. Close the lid for about a minute, letting that cheese turn into a glorious, melty blanket.
Fresh Tomato Topping: While the chicken is grilling, mix cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and basil in a small bowl. This fresh topping adds brightness to every bite!
Assemble & Serve: Place the grilled chicken on a plate, spread about 3 tablespoons of pesto on each piece, then spoon over the tomato-basil mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of cracked black pepper. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Margherita

Homemade Pesto? Yes, Please! If you have 5 minutes, try making your own pesto—it’s fresher, bolder, and completely customizable. Swap pine nuts for cashews or walnuts for a twist!
Lemon Makes a Difference! Fresh-squeezed lemon juice is the secret to a bright, zesty tomato topping. But if you’re out, bottled lemon juice or even lime will do in a pinch.
For Maximum Cheese Melt: After adding the mozzarella, close the grill lid for a minute—it helps the cheese melt faster while keeping the chicken juicy.

What to Serve With It?

Pair this flavorful dish with garlic butter pasta, roasted veggies, or a crisp side salad. And if you really want to impress, serve with warm, crusty bread to mop up all that pesto goodness.

Bon appétit!

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