There’s something irresistible about grilled chicken that’s been marinated just right – especially when it’s coated in garlic, lemon, herbs, and plenty of Parmesan.
This Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken is my summer go-to.
It’s smoky, juicy, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Perfect balance of garlic, herbs, lemon, and cheese
So easy to prep with pantry staples
Deliciously juicy with a slight char from the grill
A family-friendly hit every single time
Great for meal prep or backyard BBQs
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Olive oil & lemon juice – A tangy base that helps tenderize the chicken.
Honey (optional) – Adds subtle sweetness to balance the acidity.
Garlic cloves – Fresh and punchy for deep flavor.
Italian seasoning & smoked paprika – Adds warmth and a savory kick.
Parmesan cheese – Salty, nutty, and melts beautifully on top.
Chicken breasts or thighs – Choose what you love – both grill well!
Fresh parsley – Brightens the whole dish just before serving.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Marinate at least 30 minutes – but longer (up to 4 hours) gives the best flavor.
Pat chicken dry slightly before grilling for better sear.
Don’t skip resting time after grilling – it locks in the juices.
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness (165°F).
Grill Parmesan topping for 1–2 minutes so it melts slightly but doesn’t burn.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Step 1: 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.
Add chicken and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prep the Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, until internal temperature hits 165°F and juices run clear.
Step 4: Add Parmesan Topping
During the final 1–2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top of the chicken to allow it to melt slightly.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Transfer chicken to a plate. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and more Parmesan if desired.
What to Serve It With
Roasted vegetables or a fresh summer salad
Garlic bread or grilled corn
Over pasta or creamy mashed potatoes
With a glass of chilled white wine or lemon iced tea
Variations / Substitutions
Swap chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer extra juiciness
Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra tang
Add red chili flakes for a spicy kick
Try pecorino romano instead of Parmesan for sharper flavor
Air-fry or bake if you don’t have a grill
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Reheat gently in the microwave or oven
Great for slicing over salads or sandwiches
Not ideal for freezing once cooked (cheese texture may change)
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
Yes, but freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends better.
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely – bake at 400°F for about 25–30 minutes, depending on thickness.
Do I need to use honey?
No, it’s optional – it just helps balance the acidity and saltiness.
What herbs can I use instead of Italian seasoning?
Try dried oregano, thyme, or basil individually.
Should I pound the chicken before marinating?
If the pieces are thick or uneven, pounding helps cook evenly and stay juicy.
How do I prevent sticking on the grill?
Oil the grates and avoid flipping too early – let a crust form first.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate ahead and grill just before serving. Or grill and reheat gently.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken brings together the best of bold garlic flavor, zesty lemon, and the salty richness of Parmesan.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend BBQ or just need a satisfying dinner, this recipe always delivers juicy, crowd-pleasing results with minimal fuss.
Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey optional
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- More Parmesan for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Whisk marinade ingredients in a bowl.
- Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high. Oil grates.
- Remove chicken from marinade, grill 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan during the last 1–2 minutes.
- Rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/grilled-garlic-parmesan-chicken/
Notes
- Marinating Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. However, even 30 minutes will give it a great flavor boost.
- Grilling Tip: Make sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking, and avoid flipping the chicken too often to ensure it cooks evenly.
