Grilled Chicken Margherita Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to less than 1 inch thickness
02 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
03 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
04 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried basil, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme)
06 -
4 slices mozzarella cheese
07 -
½ cup basil pesto
08 -
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
10 -
½ cup packed basil leaves, very thinly sliced
11 -
Cracked black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine chicken, salt, pepper, olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
02 -
Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. Top each piece with a slice of mozzarella cheese and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted.
03 -
In a separate bowl, toss cherry tomatoes, lemon juice, and fresh basil leaves together.
04 -
Top each chicken breast with about 3 tablespoons of pesto, a scoop of the tomato mixture, and some freshly cracked black pepper. Serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Using fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the tomato topping.
02 -
Homemade basil pesto can be substituted with store-bought pesto for convenience.
03 -
Close the grill lid after placing mozzarella cheese to help it melt faster and retain the chicken's moisture.
04 -
Italian seasoning can be substituted with Herbs de Provence for an alternative flavor profile.