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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare outdoor grill by heating to medium-high temperature, creating optimal cooking environment with moderate flame intensity.
- Lightly brush grill grates with oil to prevent potential adhesion and ensure smooth cooking surface.
- Extract chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to cascade off, which prevents flame flare-ups during grilling.
- Position chicken carefully on preheated grill, maintaining consistent placement for even heat distribution.
- Cook chicken for approximately 5-7 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve beautiful golden-brown exterior and maintain succulent interior.
- Verify chicken’s doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating safe consumption and perfect cooking.
- During final cooking moments, delicately sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese over chicken, allowing gentle melting and creating rich flavor profile.
- Remove grilled chicken from heat, letting it rest momentarily to redistribute internal juices and enhance overall tenderness.
- 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