If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors yet incredibly simple to prepare, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe. It perfectly marries the rich, savory essence of garlic and Parmesan cheese with the smoky, charred goodness of grilled chicken. Each bite is juicy, tender, and coated in a flavorful crust that will make you want to cook this again and again. Whether you’re hosting a weekend barbecue or just want a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is a surefire winner that brings warmth and comfort to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of straightforward ingredients, this recipe highlights how quality essentials create spectacular flavor. Each one plays a unique role, from enhancing juiciness and spice to adding a fresh, vibrant touch.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that grills beautifully and soaks up flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps marry the spices and keeps the chicken juicy during grilling.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings that unmistakable pungent kick and aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural chicken flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Provides a smoky sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds out the savory profile with gentle earthiness.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty topping that melts delightfully on the hot chicken.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, green brightness for both flavor and color contrast.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A splash of vibrant acidity to brighten every bite.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Grill
Start by heating your grill to medium-high and make sure the grates are clean and coated lightly with oil. This not only prevents sticking but also helps develop those signature grill marks that make the chicken look as good as it tastes.
Step 2: Ready the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and pat them dry. Removing excess moisture ensures the seasoning sticks better and the chicken sears perfectly, locking in all those juicy flavors.
Step 3: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. This simple yet powerful combination infuses the chicken with robust flavor and a hint of warmth from the paprika and onion powder.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Rub the olive oil and spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Letting the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes allows the flavors to soak in deeply before hitting the grill.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place the chicken on the grill grates with enough space between each piece. Grill for 5 to 7 minutes without moving the chicken so those gorgeous grill marks form. Then flip and continue grilling for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures perfectly cooked, juicy chicken every time.
Step 6: Rest and Finish
Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. This step locks in juices so the chicken stays moist. While resting, generously sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot chicken, letting it melt into a flavorful crust. Drizzle with fresh lemon juice and finish with chopped parsley for a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top is an easy way to add vibrant color and a herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of Parmesan and garlic. For extra zing, a few lemon wedges on the side invite everyone to add a fresh citrus squeeze.
Side Dishes
This garlic Parmesan grilled chicken pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, grilled or roasted vegetables, or fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, consider a cauliflower rice pilaf or a simple arugula salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides help balance the meal while complementing the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the chicken breasts and serving them over a bed of creamy risotto or tossed pasta to create a hearty main course. Rolling thin slices into wraps with fresh greens and a spread of hummus also makes a fantastic lunch option. The Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe is versatile and can easily adapt to your mealtime mood.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Clearly, you’ll have some leftovers—lucky you! Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken flavorful and ready to add to salads, sandwiches, or quick reheats.
Freezing
If you want to save the Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe for a longer time, wrap each breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen chicken will keep well for up to 2 months without losing much flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until warmed through to keep the chicken juicy and prevent drying out. Alternatively, use a microwave on medium power, covering the chicken to retain moisture. Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley after reheating brings back brightness and freshness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit fattier and can yield even juicier results. Just adjust the grilling time slightly, since thighs may need a little longer to cook through.
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, resting is key. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist, tender bite rather than dry chicken.
Can I make the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the garlic and spice mixture a few hours ahead or even the day before. Just mix it with the chicken right before grilling for the freshest flavor.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook this indoors?
Definitely! Use a grill pan on your stovetop or cook the chicken under the broiler. Both methods can achieve a lovely char and lock in flavor effectively.
How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and most accurate way is to use a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C), your chicken is perfectly cooked and safe to eat.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe is like inviting a burst of sunshine into your kitchen. It’s effortless, satisfying, and has that special quality that turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast. So fire up your grill and enjoy the simple joy of savoring juicy, flavorful chicken with a savory, cheesy twist that everyone will love.
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Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 25m
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken recipe offers succulent, boneless chicken breasts grilled to perfection with a flavorful blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Enhanced with a zesty lemon juice drizzle, this dish balances savory and fresh notes, making it ideal for a quick and tasty dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Topping and Garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking and to achieve perfect grill marks.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a clean cutting board and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture for better grilling.
- Make Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and onion powder, mixing well to evenly distribute the garlic and spices.
- Marinate Chicken: Rub the olive oil and spice mixture onto both sides of the chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor infusion.
- Rest Before Grilling: Let the chicken breasts sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to allow the seasoning to soak in and to ensure even cooking on the grill.
- Grill Chicken First Side: Place chicken breasts on the heated grill grates with enough space between them; cook without moving for 5-7 minutes to develop good grill marks.
- Grill Chicken Second Side: Flip the chicken and grill for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the grill and allow them to rest for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute, enhancing juiciness.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: While the chicken rests, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over each breast, letting it melt slightly from the residual heat.
- Drizzle Lemon Juice: Drizzle fresh lemon juice over the chicken to add a tangy brightness that complements the savory flavors.
- Garnish with Parsley: Scatter chopped fresh parsley on top as a vibrant garnish, adding a fresh herbal note.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy the flavorful Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken.
Notes
- Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled before grilling to prevent sticking.
- Patting the chicken dry helps achieve better searing and grill marks.
- You can use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting the chicken after grilling allows juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.
- For variation, you can add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
