Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts or thighs marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, then finished with salty, melted Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish combines fresh, vibrant flavors with a satisfying smoky char from the grill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 40-44 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Main Ingredient
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons extra grated Parmesan cheese for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey (if using), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prep the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 375-450°F. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the chicken on the preheated grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side without moving, until grill marks appear. Flip the chicken and continue grilling for another 5 to 7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Add Parmesan Topping: In the last 1 to 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle the extra grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken pieces. Close the grill lid briefly to let the cheese melt slightly and form a delicious crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will result in more tender and flavorful meat, but do not exceed 4 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the texture excessively.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the chicken in the oven for a similar effect.
- Honey is optional; omit if you prefer a fully savory profile.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
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