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Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Category: Restaurant-Quality Entrées at Home

Enjoy golden, juicy chicken infused with garlic, parmesan, and a vibrant Italian herb blend. The marinade brings together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, honey, and chopped garlic, coating the chicken for deep flavor. After marinating, grill over high heat until perfectly cooked, topping with extra parmesan and parsley right before serving. This dish offers a savory, tangy balance and a satisfying finish, perfect with salads, pasta, or roasted vegetables. For different textures, pick thighs for juiciness or breasts for a lighter option. It’s straightforward to prepare on a grill, skillet, or in the oven.

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Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:31:30 GMT
A plate of chicken skewers with green herbs. Pin
A plate of chicken skewers with green herbs. | howtogourmet.com

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken is the perfect main dish for warm evenings or casual family dinners Its bold flavor comes from real parmesan and loads of fresh garlic plus a punch from Italian herbs and smoked paprika Every time I fire this up on the grill it disappears in a flash

This became a weeknight favorite after my first taste test My family started requesting it for every summer cookout

Ingredients

  • Parmesan cheese: Adds rich nutty flavor Use real Parmigiano Reggiano if possible and grate it yourself for best melt
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground adds depth and subtle tingle Look for peppercorns that smell strong for max freshness
  • Table salt: Essential for flavor and also helps the chicken stay juicy Use regular salt so the marinade blends well
  • Smoked paprika: Brings smokiness and color Spanish varieties are best for robust aroma
  • Italian herb blend: Rounds out the flavors with oregano basil and thyme A quality blend without additives tastes brightest
  • Garlic cloves: Chopped for garlic kick Fresh cloves matter here dried will not compare
  • Honey: Optional but gives a gentle sweetness Choose light runny honey
  • Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and helps tenderize chicken Fresh squeezed is a must
  • Olive oil: Lubricates and locks in moisture Go for extra virgin with fruity aroma
  • Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless and skinless work best Thighs stay extra juicy while breasts offer a leaner bite
  • Extra Parmesan: Melts on top at the end adding a golden finish
  • Fresh parsley: Gives color and refreshing herbal lift Use flat leaf for best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Marinade:
Combine olive oil lemon juice honey garlic Italian herbs smoked paprika salt pepper and parmesan in a bowl Stir well until smooth and creamy
Marinate the Chicken:
Add chicken pieces to the bowl Turn to coat every piece in the marinade Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes or up to four hours for more flavor
Preheat the Grill:
Heat your grill to high about two hundred to two hundred twenty degrees Celsius Brush the grates well with oil to prevent sticking
Grill the Chicken:
Lay the marinated chicken on the hot grill Cook about five to seven minutes per side until you see clear juices and the internal temperature hits seventy five degrees Celsius
Finish with Cheese:
During the last minute or two of grilling sprinkle additional parmesan on top so it melts into a cheesy crust
Rest and Serve:
Let chicken rest off the grill five minutes before slicing Top with more parmesan and fresh parsley for a bright finish
A plate of chicken skewers with herbs and spices. Pin
A plate of chicken skewers with herbs and spices. | howtogourmet.com

My favorite ingredient is the smoked paprika because it brings out a gentle barbecue note and blends so well with parmesan I still remember my kids sneaking pieces straight off the serving plate after their first taste

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently so the parmesan coating does not burn You can also slice leftover chicken and freeze for up to a month It is great for meal prep or tossing onto salads

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap honey with maple syrup for a different twist Craving extra heat Use chili flakes in the marinade Try this recipe with turkey cutlets or even tofu for a vegetarian option

Serving Suggestions

I love pairing this with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables It is fantastic sliced over pasta or folded into wraps for lunch

A plate of chicken skewers with herbs. Pin
A plate of chicken skewers with herbs. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural and Historical Context

Grilled chicken with parmesan and garlic takes inspiration from classic Italian flavors The combo of nutty cheese garlic and bright herbs is comforting yet crowd pleasing Many Mediterranean cultures marinate meats with citrus and olive oil for tenderness

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner texture. Both work well with this marinade.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to four hours helps the flavors soak in deeply before grilling.

→ What temperature should the chicken reach when cooked?

Cook until the internal temperature hits 75°C and the juices run clear for fully cooked, tender chicken.

→ Can I make this without a grill?

Yes! Sear in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.

→ What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

Try pairing with pasta, fresh salads, or roasted vegetables to balance the bold flavors of the chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken infused with garlic, parmesan, herbs, and lemon for flavor-packed results you'll love.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Total Time
30 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian

Yield: 4 Servings (700–900 grams chicken, serves approximately 4 portions)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Marinade

01 25 grams Parmesan cheese, finely shredded
02 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
03 0.5 teaspoon table salt
04 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
05 1 teaspoon Italian herb blend
06 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
07 15 ml honey
08 30 ml fresh lemon juice
09 60 ml extra virgin olive oil

→ Chicken and Finishes

10 700–900 grams boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
11 Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
12 Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, Italian herb blend, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan in a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth.

Step 02

Place chicken in the marinade, ensuring full coverage. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 03

Preheat grill to 200–220°C. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Step 04

Remove chicken from marinade and arrange on the hot grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked, internal temperature reaches 75°C and juices run clear.

Step 05

During the last 1–2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle additional Parmesan on the chicken to allow it to melt.

Step 06

Let chicken rest off the grill for 5 minutes. Top with freshly chopped parsley and more Parmesan before serving.

Additional Notes

  1. If grill is unavailable, use a large skillet over medium heat or bake at 200°C for 20–25 minutes.
  2. For extra juicy results, select chicken thighs; for a lighter option, choose breasts.
  3. Pairs well with pasta, salads, or roasted vegetables.

Required Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Grill
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (Parmesan cheese).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 345
  • Fats: 18.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4.6 g
  • Proteins: 40.3 g