Description
This Juiciest Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken recipe combines tender, marinated chicken breasts or thighs with a flavorful mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Grilled to perfection and topped with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, this dish delivers a savory, zesty, and cheesy delight perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 8 chicken thighs
Marinade & Topping:
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons plain, full-fat Greek yogurt
- 6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally between 2 to 4 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Set your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400-425°F (204-218°C). Clean the grill grates and lightly oil them to prevent the chicken from sticking during cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Place the chicken on the hot grill. Grill breasts for 5-7 minutes per side, or thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, until perfectly cooked and grill marks appear.
- Check for doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safely cooked and juicy.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the chicken before serving. Serve with lemon wedges for an added zesty touch.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for 2-4 hours will enhance flavor and tenderness, but 30 minutes is sufficient if short on time.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
- If you don’t have an outdoor grill, this recipe can also be prepared on a stovetop grill pan or broiler with similar timing.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Serve alongside steamed vegetables, a salad, or your favorite grain for a complete meal.
