APPS & SIDES

Grilled Chicken Margherita

Prep Time: 15minutes 

Cook Time: 8 mins

Total Time: 23houminute

Grilled chicken margherita is a fresh, flavorful, protein-packed main made better with a pellet grill. The addition of sweet smoke breathes new life into the classic. The chicken is tender, the melted cheese adds a layer of richness, and the pesto is super fresh, as are the juicy bursts of tomato you get in every forkful.

Ingredients

Serving Sizes

 

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons capers, optional
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Pesto

  • 1 ½ cups fresh basil, lightly packed
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or neutral oil

Equipment

  • Z Grills 1000D3E Wood Pellet Grill
  • Z Grills Apple Wood Pellets
  • Large Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Grill Mat
  • Knife
  • Probe Thermometer

Instructions

                                  • Step 1: Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel and pound each breast, so it is 1 inch thick. The breasts should be an even thickness so they cook evenly.
                                  • Step 2: Combine the oil, salt, garlic powder, dried herbs, and black pepper in a bowl.
                                  • Step 3: Add the chicken to the bowl with the oil and seasonings. Toss to coat, then leave the chicken to sit while you make the basil.
                                  • Step 4: Add all the pesto ingredients except the olive oil to a blender or food processor.
                                  • Step 5: Blend/process until the ingredients come together.
                                  • Step 6: Run the blender or food processor on low as you deliver the oil in a steady stream.
                                  • Step 7: Preheat your Z-Grills (preferably with branded apple wood pellets) or other wood pellet grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
                                  • Step 8: Transfer the chicken to the grates, close the lid, and cook for 4 minutes.
                                  • Step 9: Flip and cook for another 4 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
                                  • Step 10: Top each chicken breast with a slice of cheese, close the lid, and grill for another minute or two. Feel free to place the chicken on a grill mat to prevent mess.
                                  • Step 11: Plate each chicken breast, then divide the pesto between each breast. Follow with tomatoes, capers (if desired), and garnish with fresh basil.

Ingredients

Serving Sizes

 

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon dried marjoram
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 tablespoons capers, optional
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Pesto

  • 1 ½ cups fresh basil, lightly packed
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ¾ teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, or neutral oil

Equipment

  • Z Grills 1000D3E Wood Pellet Grill
  • Z Grills Apple Wood Pellets
  • Large Bowl
  • Tongs
  • Grill Mat
  • Knife
  • Probe Thermometer