Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe for Juiciest Results

Juicy and tender garlic parmesan grilled chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will spark your taste buds.

Aromatic herbs and zesty cheese blend seamlessly with succulent meat for an unforgettable meal.

Marinades work magic in creating depth and complexity of flavor.

Each bite guarantees a perfect balance between crispy exterior and moist interior.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this classic protein into something extraordinary.

Grill masters and home cooks alike can master this straightforward yet impressive dish with confidence.

Let’s fire up those coals and create something seriously delicious that everyone will love.

Why Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Hits the Mark

• Deliver a family-friendly meal that satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its cheesy, garlicky goodness.
• Impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish that requires simple grilling techniques and just a few ingredients.
• Prepare ahead by marinating chicken up to 4 hours, making it perfect for busy weeknights and advance planning.

Ingredients to Make Parmesan Chicken on the Grill

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and mild meat that absorbs marinade flavors perfectly, best when fresh and boneless.

• Olive Oil, Honey, Lemon Juice: Liquid base that tenderizes chicken and adds bright, balanced flavors, choose extra virgin olive oil for best taste.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, robust flavor profile, fresh cloves recommended over pre-minced.

• Parmesan Cheese, Parsley: Sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich umami, fresh parsley brings color and light herbal notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Other Seasonings: Classic seasoning blend that enhances chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground pepper for maximum flavor.

Grilling Garlic Parmesan Chicken at Home

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine olive oil, zesty lemon juice, golden honey, minced garlic, and your favorite seasonings. Sprinkle in freshly grated Parmesan cheese to create a mouthwatering blend. Toss the chicken pieces into this flavorful mixture, ensuring every nook and cranny gets coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken soak up those incredible flavors in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 4 hours.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Crank up your grill to a sizzling medium-high heat. Grab a paper towel or brush and lightly coat the grill grates with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. This trick ensures those beautiful grill marks without any messy mishaps.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip away. Place the chicken on the hot grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The chicken should look golden brown and the juices should run clear.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

During the final 1-2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle an extra handful of Parmesan cheese over the top of each chicken piece. Watch as it melts slightly, creating a crispy, cheesy crust that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Gently transfer the grilled chicken from the grill to a serving platter. Let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in those delicious juices. For a final touch, garnish with some freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

Tips That Lock in Juicy Chicken Flavor

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the mixture for at least 4 hours to develop deep, rich flavors that penetrate every inch of the meat.
• Prevent Sticking Strategies: Lightly oil the grill grates before cooking to ensure easy chicken removal and beautiful grill marks without tearing.
• Temperature Triumph: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it's safely cooked while maintaining juicy tenderness.
• Cheese Melting Mastery: Sprinkle Parmesan during the last few minutes of grilling to create a deliciously crispy, golden cheese crust without burning.
• Resting Ritual: Allow grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, which helps redistribute juices and keeps the meat incredibly moist and flavorful.

Store and Reheat Grilled Chicken Like a Pro

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping moisture and flavor intact.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature and adding a splash of chicken broth to retain moisture.
• Cut chicken into smaller pieces before refrigerating to help it cool faster and reheat more evenly.

Tasty Sides to Match Parmesan Chicken

• Select a crisp, unoaked white wine that complements the garlic and Parmesan notes, balancing the chicken's rich flavors without overpowering the delicate grilled meat.
• Prepare a colorful side dish of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus roasted with olive oil, matching the dish's Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and adding nutritional variety.
• Whip smooth potatoes with roasted garlic and a touch of Parmesan, echoing the recipe's cheesy and garlicky profile while providing a comforting, velvety accompaniment.
• Toss peppery arugula with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan, mirroring the chicken's bright lemon undertones and adding a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the grilled protein.

Grilled Chicken Recipes with a Twist

• Low-Carb Herb Version: Replace honey with fresh chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary for a keto-friendly marinade that reduces sugar content while maintaining robust flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or ground cashews to create a similar umami taste for lactose-intolerant individuals or those avoiding dairy products.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate Greek yogurt into the marinade and add oregano, mint, and za'atar spice blend for a Middle Eastern-inspired chicken preparation with tangy Mediterranean notes.
• Oven-Baked Option: For those without a grill, bake marinated chicken at 425F for 2025 minutes, flipping halfway through and sprinkling cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking to achieve similar caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken FAQs Answered

• What makes the marinade special?

The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, and Parmesan, which tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with rich, tangy flavors that enhance the meat’s natural taste.

• Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This versatile marinade works great with pork chops, turkey breasts, and even fish like salmon. The combination of ingredients complements many protein types.

• Do I need a grill to make this chicken?

No, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake in the oven at 425F. Just ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165F and gets a nice golden exterior.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should read 165F (75C). Also, the juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan grilled chicken brings Mediterranean flavor to dinner tables with its irresistible blend of herbs and cheese. Crispy exterior and juicy interior promise a delightful meal that satisfies hungry guests seeking bold, comforting flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds (0.68 to 0.91 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) lemon juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon (21 grams) honey
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Garnish Ingredients:

• Additional Parmesan cheese for topping
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade by vigorously blending olive oil, zesty lemon juice, golden honey, minced garlic, aromatic seasonings, and finely grated Parmesan in a mixing vessel.
2. Submerge chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring complete coating. Seal container and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating optimal cooking environment with moderate flame intensity.
4. Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent potential adhesion and ensure smooth cooking surface.
5. Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, which prevents flame flare-ups during grilling.
6. Position chicken carefully on preheated grill, maintaining consistent placement for even heat distribution.
7. Cook chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior and maintain succulent interior.
8. Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating safe consumption and perfect cooking.
9. During final cooking moments, delicately sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over chicken, allowing gentle melting and creating rich flavor profile.
10. Remove grilled chicken from heat, letting it rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices and enhance overall tenderness.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and optional extra Parmesan cheese for elevated presentation and complementary taste.

Notes

• Enhance marinade depth by adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra aromatic complexity.
• Reduce honey for low-carb diets or substitute with sugar-free alternative like stevia to maintain sweetness without extra calories.
• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before marinating, preventing dry edges and undercooked centers.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by checking Parmesan cheese’s ingredients and using certified gluten-free seasonings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg