Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is a juicy, flavorful dish that brings bold, savory flavor to the table with just a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for grilling season—or anytime I want something quick, easy, and packed with garlic and cheesy goodness. Whether I serve it with salad, veggies, or pasta, this chicken always comes out tender, smoky, and full of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple to prep, full of rich, garlicky flavor, and perfect for weeknight dinners or backyard cookouts. The Parmesan creates a crust-like coating on the chicken that’s absolutely irresistible, while the garlic and herbs soak in during marination. It’s high-protein, low-carb, and so versatile—I never get tired of making it.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• Olive oil

• Garlic, minced

• Grated Parmesan cheese

• Italian seasoning or dried parsley

• Lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Salt

• Black pepper

directions

1. I combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make a flavorful marinade.

2. I place the chicken in the marinade, coat it well, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

3. I preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.

4. I grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

5. I let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, 30 minutes to marinate, and 15 minutes to cook—so it’s ready in under an hour with minimal effort.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat. I’ve also used fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil when I have them. If I’m not grilling, I cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or bake it at 400°F for about 20 minutes. For extra Parmesan flavor, I sprinkle a bit more on top right after grilling.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the chicken in a skillet or oven at 350°F until heated through. It also tastes great cold, sliced into salads or wraps.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but I adjust the grilling time to ensure it cooks all the way through—usually 25–30 minutes total depending on the cut.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best texture and flavor, but pre-grated works too if I’m short on time.

Can I cook this in a skillet?

Definitely. I use a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat, cooking each side until golden and cooked through.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating is optional but adds a lot of flavor. If I’m short on time, I still coat the chicken with the mixture before grilling.

What sides go well with this?

I love serving it with roasted vegetables, Caesar salad, garlic bread, or over pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is one of those no-fail meals I turn to again and again. It’s flavorful, quick, and endlessly versatile—perfect for any season or occasion. Whether I’m grilling outdoors or inside on a pan, it’s always a juicy, cheesy hit.