Grilled Chicken Margherita: 20-Minute Delicious and Healthy Recipe

My love for grilling started young, thanks to my grandmother. Summer evenings at her house were always filled with the smoky aroma of her famous barbecue chicken. I have such fond memories of those times. Now, I’m passing on that love of grilling to my twin daughters, Lily and Mia, but with a few of my own twists.

This Grilled Chicken Margherita is one of their absolute favorite meals. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and perfect for a warm-weather dinner on the patio. The best part? It’s a remarkably simple recipe to make, yet it’s so incredibly satisfying.

Why this Grilled Chicken Margherita is Special

This Grilled Chicken Margherita is more than just grilled chicken with some tomatoes and mozzarella thrown on top. The fresh basil, a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze, and a hint of garlic create a wonderful mix of flavors. It takes ordinary grilled chicken to a whole new level! Plus, it’s quick, healthy, and always a crowd-pleaser. Everyone I make it for asks for the recipe!

Ingredients for your Grilled Chicken Margherita

Chicken and Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium breasts). You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a pinch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Margherita Topping

• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced (I like the kind packed in water. You can also use shredded mozzarella in a pinch, but fresh is best!)
• 2 large ripe tomatoes, sliced (Roma or beefsteak tomatoes work well. If you don’t have fresh, you can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil – just drain them first)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze (you can find this in most grocery stores near the vinegar)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Preparing the Grilled Chicken Margherita

Marinating the Chicken

First, I combine all the marinade ingredients – olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper – in a small bowl. I whisk them together until they’re well mixed. Then, I place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag. I pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and give it a good shake to make sure the chicken is coated evenly.

I like to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If I have time, I’ll let it marinate in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. Longer is better! Every now and then, I flip the bag over in the fridge to ensure the marinade gets all over the chicken.

Grilling the Chicken

I preheat my grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, I lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in a little olive oil. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking.

Once the grill is hot, I place the chicken breasts on the grates. For chicken breasts about 1-inch thick, I grill them for about 5-7 minutes per side. If your chicken breasts are thicker, they might need a few more minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

For those beautiful grill marks, I resist the urge to move the chicken around too much. I let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping it. If I see any flare-ups, I simply move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill.

Assembling the Margherita Topping

During the last few minutes of grilling, I begin assembling the Margherita topping. I slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, and have my fresh basil leaves ready. Once the chicken is cooked through, I remove it from the grill and place it on a platter. I immediately top each chicken breast with the tomato and mozzarella slices. Then, I scatter the fresh basil leaves over the top and drizzle with balsamic glaze. This way, the basil stays fresh and the balsamic glaze warms slightly without burning.

Serving Grilled Chicken Margherita Ideas

When I’m serving this Grilled Chicken Margherita to guests, I like to make it look extra special. A large wooden cutting board or a platter with a rustic feel works beautifully. I arrange the chicken breasts slightly overlapping each other and garnish the platter with extra basil sprigs. Sometimes, I add a small bowl of balsamic glaze for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan cheese over the entire platter adds a touch of elegance. For a pop of color, consider adding some sliced cherry tomatoes or a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the chicken.

Tips and Variations for the Grilled Chicken Margherita

Making it Your Own

This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to get creative and make it your own! If you like a bolder flavor, try adding some shaved parmesan cheese along with the mozzarella. Provolone cheese would also be a delicious addition.

Grilled vegetables like onions, zucchini, or bell peppers make a fantastic topping. I sometimes roast red peppers and slice them up to add a sweet and smoky flavor. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or sprinkle some on top with the basil. If you enjoy a smoky taste, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade. The possibilities are endless!

Suggestions to serve the Grilled Chicken Margherita

This dish pairs well with so many different sides. I often serve it with a light and refreshing pasta salad, or some grilled vegetables like asparagus or corn on the cob. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is another great option.

For a more complete meal, I like serving the Grilled Chicken Margherita with some crusty bread to soak up all the delicious juices. It’s also wonderful served over quinoa or couscous for a healthier twist.

Kid-Friendly Adaptations

My twin daughters, Lily and Mia, love this dish, but sometimes they prefer it with a few modifications. For younger children, I recommend cutting the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. You can also serve the toppings separately and let them build their own mini Margherita chickens. Sometimes, Lily and Mia just want the chicken with cheese and a little bit of tomato.

If your kids aren’t fans of balsamic glaze, you can leave it off entirely or just drizzle a small amount on the side. They might prefer a simple sprinkle of Italian seasoning instead. Lily and Mia also enjoy dipping their chicken in a little bit of ranch dressing – hey, whatever gets them to eat their veggies!

A Fun Twist: Margherita Chicken Skewers

For a fun and easy variation, especially for parties or when cooking for kids, try making Grilled Chicken Margherita Skewers! I cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and marinate them as usual. Then, I thread the chicken onto skewers along with cherry tomatoes, small mozzarella balls (bocconcini), and folded basil leaves. I grill the skewers for a few minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are slightly softened. Finally, I drizzle them with balsamic glaze. Lily and Mia love these!

Nutritional Information of Grilled Chicken Margherita

This Grilled Chicken Margherita is not only delicious but also a relatively healthy meal option. One serving (one chicken breast with toppings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 350-400
• Protein: 35-40 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams

I want to point out that these numbers are estimates and can vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, the specific ingredients you use, and the portion sizes of your toppings. For example, using chicken thighs instead of breasts will increase the fat content.

One of the reasons I love grilling is that it’s a healthier cooking method compared to frying. Grilling allows excess fat to drip away, reducing the overall fat content of the dish. It also requires less added oil, which further reduces calories and fat. So, you can enjoy those delicious smoky flavors while making a healthier choice for yourself and your family. Grilling also helps preserve the nutrients in the chicken and vegetables. It’s a win-win!

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Enjoy lobster ravioli with red or white sauce alongside a vibrant Mediterranean cucumber salad.

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FAQ

What is chicken margarite?

It’s a common misspelling! The dish is actually called Chicken Margherita. It features grilled chicken breast topped with the fresh flavors of mozzarella cheese, juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The inspiration comes from the classic Margherita pizza.

How many calories are in Olive Garden grilled chicken Margherita?

While I don’t have the exact calorie count for Olive Garden’s version, restaurant recipes can differ significantly from homemade ones. They often use more oil, butter, and other ingredients that can increase the calorie count. For an estimate of the calories in my Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe, check out the Nutritional Information section above.

How many calories in a margarita grilled chicken?

As mentioned before, the calorie count in a Grilled Chicken Margherita can vary quite a bit depending on the ingredients used and how it’s prepared. My recipe tends to be on the lighter side, and you can find the estimated nutritional information in the Nutritional Information section.

Why is it called Margherita?

The name “Margherita” comes from Queen Margherita of Savoy, the Queen consort of the Kingdom of Italy in the late 1800s. The story goes that she grew tired of French haute cuisine and requested a more simple meal. A pizza was created for her with the colors of the Italian flag: red (tomatoes), white (mozzarella), and green (basil). My Grilled Chicken Margherita shares those same fresh, vibrant colors and flavors.

Is grilled chicken better than fried?

Yes, generally speaking, grilled chicken is a healthier option than fried chicken. Grilling uses less oil than frying, resulting in a lower fat and calorie content.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover Grilled Chicken Margherita, I recommend storing the chicken and toppings separately to keep everything fresh. I place the grilled chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The toppings (mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) should also be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents the tomatoes from making the chicken soggy and the basil from wilting.

When you’re ready to reheat the chicken, you have a few options. For the best results, I prefer reheating it in the oven. I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken in a baking dish, and cover it with foil to keep it moist. I heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

If you’re short on time, you can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Place it on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can make the chicken dry.

Another option is to reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. I add a little bit of olive oil or chicken broth to the skillet to prevent sticking and keep the chicken moist. I heat it for a few minutes per side, until warmed through. Once the chicken is reheated, I add the fresh toppings and enjoy!

Conclusion

This Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe has become a weeknight staple in our home. It’s so simple to put together, relatively healthy, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. Lily and Mia ask for it all the time! I hope your family enjoys this dish as much as we do. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and share your own variations and serving suggestions in the comments – I’m always looking for new ideas!

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