Name: Grilled Chicken Margherita
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487746H51M2S
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 4 slices fresh mozzarella cheese; 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced or chopped; Fresh basil leaves; Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a fresh, flavorful dish that brings together juicy grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil—all topped with a drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze. It’s light, summery, and perfect when I want something simple but full of flavor.

Grilled Chicken Margherita

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes classic Margherita pizza flavors and turns them into a healthy, protein-packed meal. The chicken is marinated for extra flavor, then grilled and topped with gooey cheese and vibrant toppings. It’s low-carb, easy to prepare, and fancy enough to serve for dinner guests—but quick enough for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic (minced)
Lemon juice
Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper
Fresh mozzarella slices
Fresh tomatoes (sliced or chopped)
Fresh basil leaves
Balsamic glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

I start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes.
I preheat the grill to medium-high heat and grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
During the last minute of grilling, I top each chicken breast with a slice of fresh mozzarella and close the lid to let it melt.
I transfer the grilled chicken to a plate and top it with fresh tomato slices and basil leaves.
I finish each piece with a generous drizzle of balsamic glaze and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 and takes about 40 minutes total—10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 10–12 minutes to grill.

Variations

When I want extra flavor, I add a touch of pesto under the mozzarella before melting. I’ve also used sun-dried tomatoes in place of fresh ones or arugula instead of basil for a peppery bite. For an oven version, I bake the chicken at 400°F and broil it briefly to melt the cheese.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F or microwave gently until heated through. I add fresh basil and balsamic glaze after reheating to keep those flavors bright.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought balsamic glaze?

Yes, I use it all the time for convenience. If I want to make it myself, I simmer balsamic vinegar until thickened and slightly sweet.

Can I use cherry tomatoes?

Absolutely. I halve or quarter them and scatter them over the chicken—it adds great texture and color.

What kind of mozzarella works best?

Fresh mozzarella slices melt beautifully and give the best flavor, but shredded mozzarella works in a pinch.

Can I make this in a grill pan?

Yes, I’ve made it indoors with a grill pan or skillet. I still get great sear marks and flavor.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

It is! It’s naturally low in carbs and fits well into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Margherita is one of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh, Italian-inspired flavors in a simple, healthy dish. I love the combo of grilled chicken, creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, and that sweet tang of balsamic glaze. It’s bright, beautiful, and bursting with flavor—everything I want in a summer dinner.