Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken
This Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and loaded with cheesy, garlicky goodness. The golden crust, made with Parmesan and breadcrumbs, gives it the perfect crunch, while grilling adds a smoky depth of flavor. It’s easy to make, quick to cook, and guaranteed to impress—whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a backyard cookout. Serve it with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or pasta for a meal that hits the spot every time! Enjoy💖
Ingredients
Ingredients for Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken
For the Chicken:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 4 smaller ones)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter for extra richness
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Parmesan Crust:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated works best
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs for a softer crust
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced fresh garlic for stronger flavor
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika adds a slight smokiness, but optional
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if you like a little heat
Optional for Serving:
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges adds a fresh, zesty finish
Key Substitutions:
- No grill? Use a grill pan or bake at 400°F 200°C for 20-25 minutes.
- Low-carb? Skip the breadcrumbs and use extra Parmesan.
- Dairy-free? Swap Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative or crushed nuts for crunch.
Instructions
How to Cook Grilled Parmesan Crusted Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise so they cook faster and more evenly.
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel (moisture prevents crispiness).
- Drizzle both sides with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
Step 2: Make the Parmesan Coating
- In a shallow bowl, combine:
- Parmesan cheese
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika (optional but adds a nice smoky flavor)
- Red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick)
- Mix everything together so every bite has that cheesy, crispy goodness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Press each piece of chicken into the Parmesan mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Press firmly so the crust sticks—we want max crispiness!
Step 4: Heat Up the Grill
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F / 190-200°C).
- Lightly oil the grates so the chicken doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the grill and don’t move it for 6-7 minutes. This helps form that golden crust.
- Flip gently with tongs and cook for another 6-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If the crust starts browning too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes—this keeps it juicy.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and squeeze some lemon juice over the top for extra flavor.
- Now grab a fork and dig in—you just made some seriously good chicken!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use freshly grated Parmesan and press the coating firmly onto the chicken.
- If baking, cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes and broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
- Want a low-carb version? Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.