Craving Italian? Try This Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
How Many Carbs Are in Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Recipe?
👉 The carb content in the Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden recipe can vary slightly based on serving size and ingredients. On average, this dish contains around 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbs come from tomatoes, which have natural sugars, and any accompanying sides like pasta or bread.
Indulging in the delectable flavors of Italian cuisine is an experience that lingers in the hearts of food enthusiasts. Among the many culinary treasures that Italy offers, Olive Garden’s Chicken Margherita stands out as a beloved classic. The harmonious blend of succulent grilled chicken, ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and melted mozzarella creates a symphony of tastes that transport your palate straight to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean.
If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for the incredible flavors of this dish but wish to savor them from the comfort of your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat. In this culinary journey, we present a captivating rendition of the iconic Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden style, meticulously crafted to capture every nuance of the original.
Embark on this gastronomic adventure as we delve into the world of flavors, uncovering the secrets behind the Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden dish. Prepare to tantalize your senses and impress your taste buds as you take the first step towards becoming your own culinary maestro, delivering a plate of perfection that pays homage to the authentic Olive Garden experience.
Table of Contents
- What is Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?
- Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
- Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Recipe Tips
- Olive Garden Chicken Margherita Variations
- How to Serve Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Copycat
- How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden
- Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden FAQs
- Final Thoughts
What is Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Margherita?
Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken Margherita is a flavorful representation of Italian cuisine. This dish includes grilled chicken breasts topped with sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh basil pesto, and melted mozzarella cheese. A tangy lemon garlic sauce adds a delightful touch that complements the freshness of the ingredients.
The dish combines different textures and flavors: the char-grilled chicken, juicy tomatoes, and the herbal freshness of basil. Olive Garden has created this dish to transport diners to the sun-soaked landscapes of Italy, where each bite brings warmth and comfort.
You can recreate Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken Margherita in your own kitchen with a few simple steps and quality ingredients. Experience the same captivating flavors that have made this dish a beloved favorite.
Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Copycat Recipe
This restaurant-style dish captures the essence of classic Italian cuisine. Enjoy tender grilled chicken, topped with a luscious lemon butter sauce, ripe tomatoes, and melted cheese. Indulge in this flavor-packed creation that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy.
With melty mozzarella, tomatoes, and a slathering of pesto, you get all the colors and flavors of Italy on one plate! Grill the chicken in just 30 minutes, and if you prefer, use a grill pan indoors instead.
Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Ingredients
Chicken: The Olive Garden recipe for grilled chicken margherita uses boneless breasts. However, if you prefer, you can use cutlets, which cook faster and more evenly. Another option is boneless chicken thighs, as long as they are not too thick, to ensure thorough grilling.
Pesto: While you can choose store-bought pesto, we highly recommend homemade basil pesto. It’s quick, cost-effective, and bursts with flavor that will amaze your taste buds!
Italian Seasoning: Having this versatile seasoning is a must for any Italian recipe. However, if you have the time, it’s recommended to use fresh herbs instead.
Tomatoes: Spruce up your grilled chicken margherita with these delicious tomato toppings! Regular-sized tomatoes work well, but for a sweet and tangy flavor, go for juicy grape tomatoes. Rest assured, any ripe tomato will work!
Here are the exact measurements you will need for this delicious recipe:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 cup Italian salad dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup basil pesto
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ pound sliced mozzarella
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
How to Make Olive Garden Chicken Margherita
Pound the chicken gently until it reaches an even thickness. To avoid mess, place one chicken breast at a time in a sealable bag and use the flat side of a meat tenderizer to pound it.
Flatten the chicken breasts, divide them into four portions, then put them back into the bag. Add the Italian dressing, seal the bag, and shake well to coat the chicken. Let it marinate for about thirty minutes.
After, take out the chicken and pat dry. You can do the first two steps ahead and refrigerate the marinated chicken, covered with plastic, until ready to use.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. After a few minutes, when the skillet is hot, add the olive oil.
Pat dry the flattened chicken breasts using a paper towel. Sauté them until they turn lightly brown on each side, approximately 7 to 8 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and place it in the oven.
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then turn off the heat. Stir in the lemon juice.
After cooking the chicken, transfer it to the skillet along with the lemon garlic butter sauce. Top the chicken with one or two slices of mozzarella cheese and add the tomatoes to the pan.
Put the chicken back in the oven until the cheese melts and slightly browns. Take out the chicken and spread pesto on top.
Sprinkle with chopped basil and serve.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes four servings of grilled chicken margherita Olive Garden-style. Each serving contains the following:
- Calories: 705kcal
- Carbs: 9g
- Fat: 45g
- Protein: 24g
Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden Recipe Tips
Enjoy your grilled chicken margherita Olive Garden style using fresh mozzarella instead of sliced to enhance the flavor of the dish. Lay the mozzarella on the margherita chicken and cover the skillet with a lid. For a perfectly melty and browned cheese, you can also slide your skillet under an oven broiler.
For a saucier version of Olive Garden chicken margherita, here’s a tip: after frying the garlic, stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to the pan. Next, add the lemon zest and juice, along with ½ cup of water or chicken stock. Let it simmer, reduce, and thicken into a dreamy, creamy lemon butter sauce!
Olive Garden Chicken Margherita Variations
The margherita chicken is already pretty perfect, but you can easily enhance it by adding your favorite pizza toppings, such as sliced black olives, pepperoni, or pineapple. You can even go all out and combine all three for an explosion of flavors!
Try using various green vegetables to create a delicious pesto. You can enhance the traditional basil and garlic combination by adding veggies such as broccoli or spinach. There are countless possibilities to make a flavorful sauce that will delight your taste buds!
To add flavor, sear the chicken with a mix of olive oil and butter. For an extra kick, experiment with a winning combo of provolone and mozzarella cheese.
Give this recipe a try with pasta! Begin by sautéing small chicken pieces. While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce as usual. Next, combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and generously layer it with pesto, cheese, and tomatoes, then bake it in the oven.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden
Chicken margherita pairs beautifully with a variety of delectable sides! For a simple yet fabulous option, consider serving it alongside a loaf of freshly baked bread.
Indulge in the delectable lemon sauce perfectly absorbed by a serving of roasted vegetables, elevating their flavor to new heights. Alternatively, you can explore the art of crafting homemade pasta!
If you’re looking to add a refreshing touch to your meal, a delightful tomato basil salad is just waiting to be made. With the simple addition of Olive Garden Italian dressing, you’ll have a perfect accompaniment to your dish.
Lastly, enhance your meal with an assortment of veggies! Chicken margherita pairs perfectly with any vegetable you can think of. From diced eggplant and squash to mushrooms and a generous handful of spinach, the grilled chicken breast is simply irresistible.
How to Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden
To store leftover grilled chicken margherita, remove the toppings and keep it in a covered container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for 4-5 days.
For optimum results when reheating grilled chicken margherita, it is recommended to use an oven following these steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Arrange the chicken on a baking tray and gently drizzle water along the edges. As the water transforms into steam, it works its magic to prevent the chicken from drying out, ensuring moist and juicy perfection.
- Place the tray in the oven and cover it with aluminum foil. Allow it to bake for approximately 10 minutes or until it becomes hot and ready to serve.
- Enhance your dish by adding either reserved or fresh tomatoes along with freshly sliced basil as a garnish.
Another option is to reheat it in a skillet along with the sauce, before adding the pesto and mozzarella.
Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden FAQs
Is Olive Garden’s Chicken Margherita Keto-Friendly?
The original Chicken Margherita dish at Olive Garden may not be keto-friendly due to the use of tomatoes, which contain natural sugars. However, you can make a keto-friendly version with some adjustments.
This copycat recipe aligns with keto principles, having only 10 grams of net carbs. By using high-quality ingredients and reducing carb-rich elements, you can enjoy the flavors of Chicken Margherita while staying within your keto dietary guidelines.
Can You Eat Keto at Olive Garden?
Yes, you can follow a keto-friendly diet at Olive Garden by making smart menu choices. Choose dishes that are low in carbs and high in healthy fats and proteins. For example, go for grilled meats like steak or chicken with non-starchy veggies like broccoli or spinach on the side.
Remember to ask for sauces or dressings on the side and skip high-carb items like pasta, breadsticks, and sugary sauces. Use this Olive Garden keto guide for a satisfying meal that fits your diet when dining out.
Final Thoughts
As we explore the process of recreating Olive Garden’s Grilled Chicken Margherita recipe, we discover more than just a delicious meal. It’s a celebration of flavors that stand the test of time and place. Italian cuisine captivates us not only with its ingredients but also with the emotions it stirs. Our goal is to bring the essence of this dish to your home, paying homage to its magic.
Enjoy the culinary tradition of homemade Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden style. This dish combines char-grilled chicken, sun-kissed tomatoes, basil, and zesty lemon garlic sauce, capturing the essence of Italian cooking.
Whether you’re enjoying a meal with loved ones or relishing flavors in solitude, this pursuit highlights your dedication to the art of gastronomy. As you savor the satisfaction of recreating Olive Garden’s beloved dishes, remember that the kitchen is your canvas, and you’re the artist crafting memories, one plate at a time.
Get ready to recreate the culinary masterpiece of Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden! With your creativity and our guidance, enjoy the authentic Italian experience in the comfort of your own home whenever you want.