I have always enjoyed recreating my favorite restaurant meals at home, and this Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe is one of my very favorites! It is super easy to make, incredibly tasty, and surprisingly easier to create at home than you would think. Anytime I make this copycat recipe, it always reminds me of the Chicken Margherita that Olive Garden serves-fresh, light, and delicious.
What I love most is that it feels indulgent and yet is lower in fat. The marinade does all the heavy lifting here as it fully infuses the chicken with flavors of garlic, fresh herbs, lemon and even a splash of dry white wine. A meal that looks as good as it tastes, and it all comes together with little to no stress.
If you like to serve balanced meals, it also pairs beautifully with a side like our Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe. Together, you could eat a restaurant-quality dinner at the dinner table at home!
Why You’ll Love Olive Garden Grilled Chicken
There are countless reasons why I love this Olive Garden Grilled Chicken. First, it’s so light, fresh, and bursting with flavor that you will feel good eating it without feeling too full. This recipe proves that simple ingredients really can make something special.
The marinade of garlic and herbs is the magic here because it gives the chicken a tender, juicy bite every time! When you add in creamy provolone, bright tomatoes, and fresh basil, you have the perfect balance of creaminess and freshness.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it is so easy to make. From a weeknight dinner to weekend guests, this dish will impress you without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients Required for Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe
Before you start, make sure you have all the following ingredients listed below for this Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe.
For the Marinade:
- 4 large garlic cloves, roughly pressed
- 1 tsp fresh thyme (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp dry white wine
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded evenly)
- 4 slices provolone cheese (non-smoked)
- 2 Roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl & whisk
- Ziploc bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Baking dish
- Oven
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook time: 25 minutes
How To Make Olive Garden Grilled Chicken
Just follow these easy steps to make your own Olive Garden Grilled Chicken at home
1. Preparing the Marinade
Take a bowl to whisk 4 crushed cloves of garlic, a handful fresh thyme (or dried if you can’t find fresh), a little basil, a little oregano; salt, cracked black pepper, and olive oil, lemon juice, and a splash of dry white wine.
2. Prepare the Chicken
To tenderize chicken breast, pound 4 chicken breast evenly or use your preferred method. Place them in a zip-top bag, pour the marinade on the chicken and push out as much air as you can. Seal the zip top bag and shake/move the chicken around until it is coated in the marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. Start Grilling
Heat up a grill pan over medium-high heat (or a grill if you prefer). When the pan is hot, take the chicken out of marinade and partially grill the chicken breast in the pan until you see the grill marks, then flip and grill until seared. Do not cook all the way through; you are just looking for partial grilling.
4. Assemble for Baking
Put the grilled chicken breast in a baking pan. On top of each chiken, add 1 slice of provolone cheese and a thinly sliced tomato. Lightly sprinkle with some garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and oregano.
5. Bake the chicken
Put the pan in the oven on 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
6. Add fresh basil & serve
Just before serving, top the chicken with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes like orzo, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
How to Store Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Properly?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 325°F until heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry out the chicken. This dish does not freeze well due to the cheese and tomato topping.
What to Pair and Serve with Olive Garden Grilled Chicken
1. With Orzo Pasta
I love serving this chicken over fluffy orzo. The pasta soaks up the juices from the chicken, making every bite flavorful.
2. Alongside Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are always a winner. The grilled herbs from the chicken balance perfectly with the buttery potatoes.
3. On Top of a Fresh Garden Salad
When I want something lighter, I slice the chicken and lay it over greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
4. With Olive Garden Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This pairing is heavenly! The rich, velvety mushroom sauce draped over the grilled chicken makes the dish restaurant-worthy.
5. Next to Steamed Broccoli
Simple, healthy, and classic. The freshness of broccoli complements the herbed chicken so well.
6. With Buttered Garlic Bread
A slice of warm, crispy garlic bread on the side never disappoints. It helps scoop up the cheesy tomato topping.
7. Served with Lemon Rice Pilaf
The zesty rice makes the whole meal bright and refreshing. It’s one of my go-to sides when I make this.
8. Over Creamy Alfredo Pasta
When I crave comfort food, I place the grilled chicken on top of Alfredo pasta. It’s indulgent and so filling.
9. With Roasted Vegetables
Carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers roasted in olive oil taste amazing next to the chicken’s smoky flavor.
10. As a Sandwich
Sometimes, I tuck a grilled chicken breast with the cheese and tomato into ciabatta bread. It makes the perfect hearty sandwich.
My Personal Experience With this Recipe and Some Tips
I loved making this Olive Garden grilled chicken recipe! The marinade was so fresh, and the chicken came out juicy with just the right herbs. Adding tomato, cheese, and basil made it taste like a fancy dinner, but it was super simple to do at home.
Tips for Success
1. Pound the chicken so it cooks evenly.
2. Use fresh garlic and herbs if you can.
3. Don’t skip the 30-minute marinade-it makes the chicken tasty.
4. Grill just enough for nice marks, not all the way.
5. Use non-smoked provolone cheese for the best flavor.
6. Add the basil right before serving for a fresh taste.
FAQs on Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about the Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe.
1. What does Olive Garden put on their grilled chicken?
Olive Garden’s grilled chicken is typically seasoned with a blend of Italian herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. For dishes like their Chicken Margherita, the chicken is topped with fresh mozzarella, basil pesto, grape tomatoes, and a lemon garlic butter sauce.
2. What are the ingredients for grilled chicken?
The basic ingredients for grilled chicken include:
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Optional: garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, or your favorite herbs and spices
Marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs can enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. What is a good seasoning for grilled chicken?
A flavorful seasoning mix for grilled chicken can include:Garlic powder,Onion powder, Paprika, Dried oregano, Salt and pepper
This combination offers a balanced taste that complements the natural flavors of the chicken.
4. What are the ingredients in Chicken Margherita?
Chicken Margherita typically includes:Grilled chicken breasts, Fresh mozzarella cheese, Basil pesto, Grape tomatoes, Lemon garlic butter sauce
These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both light and flavorful.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used as an alternative. They are juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
6. How do I marinate the chicken?
To marinate the chicken, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and any desired herbs in a bowl. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours, to allow the flavors to infuse.
7. Can I make the lemon garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The lemon garlic butter sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat gently before serving to maintain its smooth consistency.
8. What sides pair well with grilled chicken?
Grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with: Steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, Garlic bread or crusty rolls, Pasta dishes, such as orzo or spaghetti, A fresh garden salad
These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and create a well-rounded meal.
9. Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Yes, grilling the chicken outdoors adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The most accurate way to check if the chicken is cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken; it should read 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, the juices should run clear, not pink.
Making this Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe at home is such a rewarding experience. The chicken comes out juicy, flavorful, and beautifully tender every time, and the fresh herbs, provolone, and tomato topping make it feel restaurant-quality. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for guests. Pair it with a side like our Olive Garden Broccoli Recipe, and you have a complete, healthy, and delicious meal. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your experience and favorite sides-you’ll love serving this at your next dinner!
I’d love to hear your thoughts-leave a comment on the blog and let me know How it came out! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook and YouTube for more delicious updates. Your support truly means everything to me.