What is chicken Margherita Olive Garden?

Grilled Chicken Margherita is a popular entrée on Olive Garden’s Lighter Italian Fare menu. It features grilled chicken breasts topped with fresh mozzarella , basil pesto , cherry tomatoes , and a drizzle of lemon garlic sauce . It’s inspired by classic Margherita flavors (tomato, basil, mozzarella), but served on a protein-rich chicken base instead of dough or pasta — making it a clean, low-carb alternative to traditional Italian comfort food.

How many calories in Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden?

A full serving contains 540 calories , with an impressive 52 grams of protein , only 8 grams of carbs , and 32 grams of fat . It’s one of the most balanced, macro-friendly entrees on their menu — perfect for low-carb eaters and those tracking protein intake.

Is grilled chicken Margherita from Olive Garden keto friendly?

Yes — it’s very keto-friendly . With just 8g of carbs and 32g of fat, it fits well within most keto macro guidelines. To keep it keto at the restaurant: Skip any sides like pasta or breadsticks Ask for double vegetables instead Opt out of any additional sugary dressings or sauces

Why is it called Margherita chicken?

The “Margherita” label refers to the traditional Italian trio of fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil — first popularized by Pizza Margherita. When these flavors are layered over grilled chicken, it becomes “Margherita chicken.” It’s not related to the drink — that’s a totally different margarita.

What margarita mix does Olive Garden use?

This question often comes up due to the name, but Grilled Chicken Margherita has nothing to do with margaritas (the drink). It doesn’t include any margarita mix or alcohol. However, if you're asking about Olive Garden’s bar menu — they typically use a proprietary citrus blend for their margaritas, mixed with tequila and triple sec.

What is a good grilled chicken marinade?

A great grilled chicken marinade balances acid (like lemon) , fat (olive oil) , and aromatics (garlic, herbs) . For this dish, try this simple clean mix: 3 tbsp olive oil Juice of 1 lemon 2 cloves garlic, minced Salt + pepper Optional: dried oregano or chili flakes Marinate for at least 30 minutes to boost flavor and keep the chicken tender when grilling.

Grilled Chicken Margherita Olive Garden – Best Healthy Copycat Recipe (2025)

Description

This protein-packed, low-carb Grilled Chicken Margherita is a healthy Olive Garden copycat. Juicy grilled chicken breasts are topped with melty mozzarella, fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and lemon-garlic flavor — all in under 25 minutes.

Ingredients

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tbsp olive oil

1 lemon (zest and juice)

2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

4 slices fresh mozzarella

4 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved

¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 tsp olive oil (for skillet or grill pan)

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Instructions

1. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ¾ inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin for uniform cooking.

2. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes.

3. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high and lightly oil the surface. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F.

4. Top each cooked chicken breast with mozzarella slices. Cover for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.

5. Spoon pesto over chicken, then top with cherry tomatoes and torn basil. Add a little lemon zest to finish.

6. Serve hot with low-carb sides like zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash, or a green salad.

Notes

Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat, or make it dairy-free with vegan cheese.

Store pesto separately for best reheating results.

Marinate the chicken in advance for deeper flavor.

Perfect for meal prep or a healthy Italian-style dinner option.

Prep Time: 10
Cook Time: 14
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Italian-American