Looking for a way to upgrade your weeknight dinner or wow at your next backyard gathering? This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is just what you need! Tender chicken gets bathed in a zesty, garlicky marinade, then grilled to juicy, golden perfection and showered with freshly grated Parmesan. Each bite bursts with savory, tangy flavors and just the right hint of herby goodness. Trust me, you’ll want to make this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken again and again—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that feels gourmet yet is a total breeze to prepare!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples come together here to create magic—each ingredient is handpicked to make the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken shine! Their combination is what gives this dish its succulent texture, rich layers of flavor, and irresistible golden color.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless pieces for tender, speedy grilling and ultimate juiciness.
Olive oil: Infuses the marinade with richness and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, salty depth you’ll crave—use fresh-grated for the best melt and flavor.
Garlic cloves: Three cloves give the marinade its bold, aromatic kick that no one can resist.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the meat, balancing out the richer flavors.
Italian seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs to the party—think oregano, basil, and thyme, all in one.
Salt: Enhances every ingredient and lets their flavors shine through.
Black pepper: Just enough for warmth and a little bite.
Chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, green finish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
Extra Parmesan (optional): Because you can never have too much Parmesan, right?

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Step 1: Whisk Up the Marinade

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and whisking together your olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This quick marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with rich flavor and tenderness. Give it a good whisk so the cheese doesn’t clump—every bit should be beautifully blended.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts or thighs into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over them. Toss or flip the chicken so every piece gets well coated. Seal it up and let the chicken chill out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, up to 8 hours delivers even more flavor. During this rest, the lemon juice and seasonings work their magic.

Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a charcoal grill, let the coals get nice and ashy. Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking—trust me, there’s nothing sadder than losing that golden crust to the grill!

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Lay the chicken pieces on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden and lightly crisp, and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Try not to move them around too much; this helps those enticing grill marks develop.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once cooked, let the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This quick pause keeps all those delicious juices locked in. Finish with a flurry of chopped parsley and more Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Garnishes

Give your Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken a touch of fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan before serving. That green and gold combo is beautiful and adds a fresh, nutty finish. For an extra special touch, a dash of lemon zest wakes up all those savory notes.

Side Dishes

This dish plays well with just about anything! Try pairing with grilled veggies for a low-carb feast, a simple arugula salad for freshness, or toss some cooked pasta with olive oil for a heartier meal. Garlic bread is always a hit if you feel extra indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken into a showstopper by slicing it over a big salad, tucking it into sandwiches or wraps, or dicing and tossing it onto flatbreads. Skewer the chicken before grilling for fun kabobs, or serve family-style on a big platter for everyone to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftovers at their tasty best, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to four days—perfect for meal prep or easy lunches!

Freezing

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken freezes beautifully. Just slice or leave whole, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. It’ll keep its flavor and texture up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when you’re ready for round two.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat chicken gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. If you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too—just cover the chicken with a damp paper towel so it stays moist.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even bake the chicken on a rack in the oven at 425°F. You’ll still get loads of flavor and a golden crust.

Is this recipe keto-friendly or low carb?

Yes, Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is naturally low in carbs and fits beautifully into a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Just double-check any sides or extra sauces if you’re tracking macros.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken?

Let it rest first, then use a sharp knife to slice against the grain. This helps retain juiciness and gives you those beautiful, tender strips everyone loves.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces?

Definitely! Bone-in thighs or drumsticks work great—just adjust grilling time, cooking them a bit longer to ensure they’re cooked through.

How can I add extra heat to the chicken?

A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the marinade does wonders, or try serving with a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. The heat plays so well with the garlicky, cheesy flavors!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s dependable, dazzling, and downright delicious, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken. It’s the kind of recipe that inspires requests for seconds and happy, satisfied smiles. Fire up the grill and give it a try—you just might find your new signature dish!

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy dish perfect for a summer barbecue. Tender chicken is marinated in a mixture of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Marinade:

1/4 cup olive oil
3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish (optional):

Chopped parsley
Extra Parmesan for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken in a resealable bag or dish, pour marinade over it, seal, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Grill Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.