Prep 20 minutes
Cook 15 minutes
Total 35 minutes
Serves 6
Celebrate spring by firing up the grill and gathering around a light, fresh meal. This tomato olive grilled chicken is bright, savory, and herb driven, making it a perfect pairing for Sterling Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir.
Juicy grape tomatoes, Kalamata olives, green olives, garlic, and basil create a Mediterranean inspired topping that complements the wine’s creamy texture and vibrant acidity.
Why Carneros Pinot Noir Works
Sterling Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir offers:
-
Bright red fruit
-
Fresh acidity
-
Silky texture
-
Balanced structure
The wine’s acidity cuts through the olive oil and savory components, while its fruit character complements the tomatoes and herbs.
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken
-
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 6 ounces each
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 pint organic grape tomatoes
-
¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives
-
½ cup pitted green olives
-
2 cloves garlic, pressed
-
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
-
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Orzo Side Dish
-
¼ cup pine nuts
-
6 ounces whole wheat orzo
-
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
2 green onions, sliced
-
½ teaspoon lemon zest
-
½ teaspoon kosher salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Grilled Chicken
-
Preheat grill to medium high heat.
-
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness using your hand or a meat mallet. Lightly coat with cooking spray and season with salt and pepper.
-
Grill chicken, covered, for 4 to 5 minutes per side or until fully cooked.
-
While chicken cooks, pulse tomatoes, olives, garlic, olive oil, basil, and red wine vinegar in a food processor 2 to 3 times until coarsely chopped.
-
Spoon the tomato olive mixture over the grilled chicken and serve immediately.
Orzo Side Dish
-
Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
-
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain well.
-
In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, olive oil, toasted pine nuts, green onions, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Serve alongside the grilled chicken with a glass of Sterling Vineyards Carneros Pinot Noir.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why pair Pinot Noir with grilled chicken?
Pinot Noir has moderate tannins and bright acidity, making it versatile with lighter proteins like chicken while still complementing savory toppings.
What temperature should Carneros Pinot Noir be served at?
Serve slightly below room temperature, around 55 to 60 degrees, to highlight freshness and balance.
Can this recipe be made indoors?
Yes. The chicken can be cooked in a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium high heat.
What other wines pair with tomato olive chicken?
Chardonnay with bright acidity or a lighter bodied Cabernet Sauvignon can also work well.
