Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe
If there’s one dish that can win over just about every taste bud at your next cookout, it’s Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken. The juicy chicken gets bathed in a savory, zesty marinade that’s rich with sharp Parmesan and fragrant garlic, then kissed by the grill to develop irresistible flavor. Whether you’re looking to impress on a weeknight or serve something memorable at a weekend get-together, this is the recipe you’ll crave all summer long!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its short ingredient list—each item serves a deliciously specific purpose. From the punchy garlic to the nutty Parmesan, you’ll see just how easily pantry staples transform plain chicken into a mouthwatering main course bursting with flavor and color!
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless cuts soak up the marinade beautifully and grill up extra juicy.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps lock in moisture while grilling.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for bold, authentic flavor and a perfect cheesy finish.
- Garlic: Four cloves, finely minced, create that unmistakable aromatic punch.
- Lemon juice: Brings a bright, tangy contrast that tenderizes and balances the richness.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses subtle herby notes for depth and complexity.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavors and seasoning the chicken just right.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the other seasonings.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle for a burst of color and a hint of freshness at the end.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken
Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade
Start by grabbing a small bowl and whisking together the olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You’ll immediately notice the vibrant aroma—that’s the sign of a truly flavorful marinade coming alive!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken pieces in a large resealable bag or a wide shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, then seal the bag or cover the dish. Gently massage or turn the chicken so every bit is coated. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and let the marinade work its magic, or leave it up to 4 hours if you want extra flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
When you’re ready to cook, fire up your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature will ensure a gorgeous sear and that golden-grilled exterior without drying out the chicken. Don’t forget to oil the grates a bit to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Take the chicken out of the marinade and shake off any excess, discarding the unused marinade. Lay the pieces on the hot grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is beautifully charred and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The cheese and garlic will caramelize slightly for the ultimate, crave-worthy crust.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, transfer the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps all those tasty juices redistribute and guarantees juicy slices. Finish it off with a shower of chopped fresh parsley if you like!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken
Garnishes
You can keep it simple and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley over the top, or even add a little lemon zest for a pop of color and freshness. The contrast of fresh herbs and salty cheese gives every bite even more personality.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is a superstar when served alongside grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. It’s also wonderful with a twirl of pasta tossed in olive oil, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for comfort on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and tuck it into flatbreads with a drizzle of garlicky yogurt sauce, or pile it onto a big salad loaded with cherry tomatoes and cucumber. You can even serve leftovers cold, cut into cubes over pasta salad, for an easy meal prep win.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken, simply store pieces in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a lifesaver for weekday lunches and quick dinners.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap cooled portions tightly in plastic or foil, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen chicken will keep its texture and taste for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can dry out the chicken, but if you’re in a pinch, use low power and check often.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just keep in mind that bone-in cuts will take a bit longer to cook through on the grill. Adjust the grilling time and always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Is it possible to make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken in the oven?
Yes, when grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the marinated chicken at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes (depending on thickness), or until fully cooked and golden.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Definitely. You can whisk together the marinade up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, just add the chicken and proceed as usual.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer—insert it into the thickest part of the chicken and look for 165°F. You’re also looking for juices that run clear and firm, springy texture.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan from a bag?
Freshly grated Parmesan really gives the best melt and flavor, but if you’re short on time, pre-shredded will still work. The finer the cheese, the better it will blend into the marinade.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try out this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken and see firsthand how simple ingredients create something truly crave-worthy. Whether you serve it at a laid-back barbecue or just need to shake up your dinner routine, this recipe is sure to leave everyone reaching for seconds!
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Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic and Parmesan with this simple yet flavorful grilled chicken recipe. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal on a busy weeknight or for a weekend barbecue with friends and family.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Grill Chicken: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
- This chicken pairs perfectly with grilled vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- You can also use this recipe with bone-in chicken, just adjust the grilling time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
