Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes is a vibrant, healthy dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean summer cooking in every bite. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in fresh basil, garlic, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection alongside sweet, caramelized tomatoes that burst with concentrated flavor. The combination of aromatic herbs, smoky grill marks, and the natural sweetness of fire-roasted tomatoes creates a meal that feels both elegant and comfortingly rustic. The fresh basil infuses the chicken with a bright, peppery flavor while the tomatoes develop a rich, almost jam-like quality on the grill that pairs beautifully with the succulent meat.
Serves: 4-6 people
About This Recipe
This one-pan grilling method makes dinner both simple and spectacular. The key is in the marinade, which tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with Mediterranean flavors, and the technique of grilling the tomatoes until they’re slightly charred and bursting with concentrated sweetness. Unlike heavy, sauce-laden dishes, this recipe lets the natural flavors of high-quality ingredients shine through. The result is a light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm evenings when you want something fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
For the basil marinade:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the chicken and tomatoes:
- 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 2 pounds mixed tomatoes (cherry, grape, or small Roma)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For serving:
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Lemon wedges
- Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating
- Gas or charcoal grill
- Grill basket or aluminum foil for tomatoes
- Meat thermometer
- Large serving platter
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Basil Marinade
In a food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse until the mixture forms a rough paste with small pieces of basil throughout. You don’t want it completely smooth, as the texture adds interest to the final dish.
Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. If the chicken breasts are very thick (more than 1 inch), pound them gently to an even thickness for more uniform cooking. Pour the basil marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Prepare the Tomatoes
While the chicken marinates, prepare your tomatoes. If using cherry or grape tomatoes, leave them whole. For larger tomatoes, cut them into wedges or thick slices. In a large bowl, toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Preheat the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high heat, about 400-450°F. Clean the grates thoroughly and lightly oil them to prevent sticking. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for medium-high direct heat.
Grill the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off but leaving the herbs and garlic that cling to the meat. Place the chicken on the hottest part of the grill and cook for 6-7 minutes without moving it, allowing beautiful grill marks to form. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Add the Tomatoes
About 10 minutes before the chicken is done, add the seasoned tomatoes to the grill. You can use a grill basket for small tomatoes or place larger pieces directly on the grates. Grill the tomatoes for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re lightly charred and starting to soften and release their juices.
Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist, tender meat. While the chicken rests, finish grilling the tomatoes if needed until they’re beautifully caramelized.
Serve and Garnish
Slice the chicken diagonally into thick pieces and arrange on a large serving platter. Surround with the grilled tomatoes and their accumulated juices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, provide lemon wedges on the side, and drizzle with a little extra olive oil. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
Grilling Tips for Perfect Results
Temperature Control: Keep one area of your grill at medium-high heat for the chicken and a slightly cooler area for the tomatoes if they’re cooking too quickly.
Don’t Move Too Soon: Let the chicken develop proper grill marks before flipping. This usually takes 6-7 minutes and creates better flavor and appearance.
Watch the Tomatoes: Small tomatoes cook quickly and can go from perfectly charred to burnt in just a minute or two, so keep a close eye on them.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a complete salad, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato juices. It’s also excellent over pasta, rice, or quinoa for a heartier meal.
Make-Ahead Options
The chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours ahead, making this perfect for entertaining. You can also prep the tomatoes earlier in the day and keep them covered at room temperature until ready to grill. The entire dish can be served at room temperature, making it ideal for outdoor gatherings.
Seasonal Variations
Summer: Use a variety of heirloom tomatoes in different colors for a stunning presentation.
Fall: Add some sliced red onions and bell peppers to the tomato mixture for extra depth.
Year-Round: When fresh tomatoes aren’t at their peak, use cherry tomatoes which tend to be more consistently flavorful.
Storage and Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken and tomatoes keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They’re delicious cold in salads, sandwiches, or grain bowls. You can also chop the leftovers and use them as a topping for pizza or pasta.
Ingredient Tips
Use the freshest basil you can find, as it makes a significant difference in flavor. If your basil starts to wilt, you can revive it by trimming the stems and placing them in water like flowers. For the best tomato flavor, choose tomatoes that are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape on the grill.
