Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes is the essence of summer grilling—light, fresh, and flavorful. A simple marinade of balsamic vinegar, fresh basil, and garlic infuses the chicken with bright, herby goodness, while grilled plum tomatoes add a sweet, smoky finish. It’s the perfect no-fuss dinner for a warm evening.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 8 plum tomatoes

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)

Directions

1. In a blender, combine balsamic vinegar, basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and 4 of the plum tomatoes (cut into quarters). Blend until smooth.

2. Halve the remaining 4 tomatoes for grilling.

3. In a bowl, combine chicken with 2/3 cup of the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, turning occasionally. Reserve remaining marinade for serving.

4. Preheat grill and oil the grates. Drain chicken and discard used marinade.

5. Grill chicken over medium heat, covered, for 4–6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

6. Grill halved tomatoes, covered, over medium heat for 2–4 minutes per side until lightly browned.

7. Serve chicken and tomatoes with reserved marinade.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 177

• Fat: 5g (1g saturated fat)

• Cholesterol: 63mg

• Sodium: 171mg

• Carbohydrates: 8g (7g sugars, 1g fiber)

• Protein: 24g

• Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 vegetable, ½ fat

A Recipe Rooted in Simplicity and Seasonal Goodness

The magic of Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes lies in its simplicity. It’s the kind of recipe that makes the most of summer’s bounty without overcomplicating things. Balsamic vinegar brings a gentle acidity that tenderizes the chicken while enhancing the sweetness of the tomatoes. Fresh basil adds brightness and herbaceous depth, and garlic rounds out the flavor with subtle warmth.

This is a dish that celebrates seasonal eating and cooking with intention. Everything is prepared in a single blender and on the grill—meaning cleanup is easy and the cooking process is stress-free. It’s ideal for backyard barbecues, picnics, or quick weeknight meals on the patio.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe checks all the boxes for a satisfying and easy summer dinner. It’s fast, healthy, and packed with flavor, using everyday ingredients that come together to create something unexpectedly elegant. Here’s what makes it shine:

The marinade is incredibly versatile and can be used for vegetables or other proteins like shrimp or tofu.
Grilling the tomatoes brings out their natural sugars, which contrast beautifully with the tangy vinegar.
The chicken stays juicy and tender, making it ideal for slicing and serving over salads, pastas, or grains.
It’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and high in protein—making it suitable for a range of dietary preferences.
This meal also looks beautiful when plated, making it a great option for hosting guests or impressing family without hours in the kitchen.

A Health-Conscious Choice Without Compromise

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes is not only delicious—it’s also nutritionally balanced. Each serving is just 177 calories but delivers a generous 24 grams of protein, making it great for supporting muscle health and staying full longer. With just 5 grams of fat (only 1 gram saturated), it’s a heart-healthy choice as well.

The dish is low in sodium and carbs, with most of the 8 grams of carbohydrates coming from the tomatoes and the natural sugars in the balsamic vinegar. Basil offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while garlic is known for its immune-supportive properties. This is a meal you can feel great about eating regularly, knowing it nourishes your body as much as it pleases your palate.

Perfect for Grilling Season—and Beyond

While it’s particularly suited for summer grilling, this dish can easily be adapted year-round. If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, use a grill pan or broiler to get that charred effect. You can even roast the tomatoes in the oven at a high temperature to achieve similar caramelization.

It’s also a recipe that can serve many purposes. Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a light salad. Dice the leftovers and add them to a wrap or pasta. Serve it alongside couscous, quinoa, or grilled vegetables for a Mediterranean-style feast. The options are endless, and every one of them is just as flavorful as the next.

Flavor and Texture That Speak for Themselves

This dish is a study in contrast and balance. The chicken is juicy and savory with a herbaceous crust, while the tomatoes are soft and lightly charred, bursting with flavor from the grill. The reserved marinade, which doubles as a dressing or drizzle, adds just the right amount of tang and moisture to bring everything together on the plate.

The texture of the grilled tomatoes pairs beautifully with the firmer chicken, offering a satisfying mouthfeel and a burst of summery flavor in every bite. The balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors makes this dish uniquely craveable while still feeling light and refreshing.

Tips for Success

Use fresh basil and ripe plum tomatoes for the best flavor and texture. If your tomatoes are a little underripe, grilling will help bring out their sweetness.
Don’t skip the step of reserving some marinade for serving—it acts as a sauce and ties all the elements together.
Allow the chicken to marinate for at least one hour to absorb maximum flavor, and make sure to turn it halfway through for even coating.
Oil the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking, especially with the delicate tomatoes.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes is versatile when it comes to side dishes. For a fresh and simple meal, serve it with a tossed green salad, grilled corn, or roasted asparagus. You could also pair it with couscous, orzo, or farro tossed in olive oil and lemon juice for a heartier meal.

It also works well with a creamy potato salad, garlic bread, or even a chilled pasta salad with mozzarella and basil to continue the summer theme. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled rosé will complement the herb and vinegar notes beautifully. Lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with fresh basil and lemon slices also make refreshing non-alcoholic pairings.

Variations and Additions

This recipe is a wonderful canvas for customization. Try swapping the chicken breasts for thighs, drumsticks, or even skewers for a more casual presentation. Add red onion or bell peppers to the grill for extra color and flavor. You could even turn it into a grain bowl or serve it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.

Want a bit more richness? Add a dollop of basil pesto or a sprinkle of feta cheese before serving. For added spice, include a dash of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade.

Conclusion

Grilled Basil Chicken and Tomatoes is a celebration of summer’s best flavors—simple, vibrant, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together, whether around the grill or at the dinner table, and it reminds us that great food doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary. With its herbaceous aroma, juicy grilled chicken, and sweet, blistered tomatoes, this dish captures the essence of sunshine and fresh air in every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests on the weekend, this is a recipe that’s guaranteed to impress without stress. Fresh, fast, and flexible—it’s everything you want in a go-to warm-weather meal.