If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly blends smoky grilled flavors with gooey, cheesy indulgence, this Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender, marinated chicken breasts with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb topping and rich marinara, this recipe delivers comfort and excitement on every bite. It’s a fresh spin on a classic favorite that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend celebrations, bringing all the warmth and cheesy goodness you crave without the heavy frying. Get ready to impress everyone at your table with this irresistible Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe that’s as delightful to eat as it is simple to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic garlic and herb marinade to the crisp Parmesan breadcrumb topping, every element has a role to play in crafting this mouthwatering dish.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Pounding them to even thickness ensures they cook uniformly, keeping the chicken juicy and tender.
- Lawry’s Garlic & Herb marinade: Adds a vibrant, savory layer that infuses the chicken with irresistible flavor.
- Marinara sauce: The classic tomato base that gives the recipe its familiar Italian soul and a tangy finish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, creating that iconic cheesy top layer everyone loves.
- Panko bread crumbs: Deliver a light and crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken.
- Garlic salt: Boosts the savory notes and gives depth to the breadcrumb crust.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty flavor and sharpness, enriching the crumb topping.
- Melted butter: Helps the breadcrumbs crisp up to golden perfection under the broiler.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by pouring the Lawry’s Garlic & Herb marinade over the pounded chicken breasts. Let them soak up those vibrant flavors by chilling in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you have the time. This step is essential as it tenderizes the chicken and imparts a savory fragrance that will shine through after grilling.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Fire up your grill and cook the marinated chicken breasts for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they’re fully cooked through. Grilling not only locks in the juicy tenderness but adds that irresistible smoky note which elevates this Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe to the next level. Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Parmesan Crumb Topping
While the chicken grills, mix together panko bread crumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan, and melted butter in a small bowl. This mixture will toast under the broiler to form a golden, crunchy crust that perfectly complements the tender chicken and melted cheese layers.
Step 4: Warm the Marinara Sauce
Gently heat your marinara sauce in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Warm sauce spreads more easily and melds beautifully with the cheese and breadcrumb topping when layered, uniting all the flavors seamlessly in each bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Broil
Transfer the grilled chicken to an oven-safe dish or rimmed baking sheet. Spread about two tablespoons of your marinara sauce evenly over each breast, followed by a generous sprinkling of shredded mozzarella. Top this with the Parmesan breadcrumb mixture. Position the rack in the center of your oven, preheat the broiler, and place the dish under to broil until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumb topping turns a delightful golden brown. This final touch creates all the irresistible texture contrasts in the Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley add a splash of vibrant green that brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also enhance the richness and aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve your chicken over a bed of al dente spaghetti or your favorite pasta to soak up every drop of sauce. Garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad makes a perfect accompaniment, balancing the richness of the dish with crunch and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating each grilled chicken breast atop a nest of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-packed meal. For a fun twist, slice the chicken to serve as a hearty sandwich filling with fresh mozzarella and basil on ciabatta bread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freeze the cooked chicken with sauce and topping in a freezer-safe container. It’s best used within 2 months to enjoy the full texture and flavor after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, which helps maintain the crispy topping. You can also microwave it, though the texture may soften slightly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs will add a little extra juiciness and flavor, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
You don’t have to. Marinating for 30 minutes still imparts great flavor, but if you have time, an overnight marinade deepens the taste wonderfully.
Is it possible to make this recipe without a grill?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or even bake it in the oven; just watch for doneness and adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Certainly! Homemade sauce will add a personal touch to the Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe and can be tailored to your preferred flavor profile.
What’s the best way to get the breadcrumb topping crispy?
Using melted butter mixed with the breadcrumbs and broiling the assembled dish ensures a golden, crispy crust that contrasts perfectly with the melty cheese.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe truly has it all: juicy grilled chicken, melty cheese, savory sauce, and a crunchy topping that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together easily enough to brighten up any weeknight. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own family favorite!
Print
Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A delightful Grilled Chicken Parmesan recipe featuring marinated, grilled chicken breasts topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella, and a Parmesan breadcrumb crust, finished under the broiler for a crisp golden topping. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures make this dish a classic Italian-American favorite for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness)
- 1 (12-oz) bottle Lawry’s Garlic & Herb marinade
Toppings
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tsp garlic salt
- â…“ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the Lawry’s Garlic & Herb marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, to infuse flavor deeply into the meat.
- Prepare the Parmesan Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, garlic salt, shredded Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix thoroughly so the crumbs are evenly coated and will crisp nicely when broiled.
- Heat Marinara Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into a medium saucepan and warm over medium heat until heated through. Keep warm for serving.
- Preheat Oven Broiler: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat the broiler to prepare for finishing the chicken with a golden crust.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and grill on medium-high heat for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is fully cooked through.
- Assemble for Broiling: Transfer the grilled chicken breasts to an oven-safe casserole dish or rimmed baking sheet. Spread about 2 tablespoons of the warm marinara sauce evenly over each breast. Then layer with shredded mozzarella cheese, and finally sprinkle the Parmesan crumb topping evenly over the cheese.
- Broil the Chicken: Place the assembled chicken under the preheated broiler and cook for 2-4 minutes, watching closely until the cheese melts and the crumb topping turns a light golden brown.
- Serve: Serve each chicken breast hot, ideally over pasta with additional warm marinara sauce if desired, for a classic and comforting meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F.
- If you don’t have Lawry’s Garlic & Herb marinade, any garlic herb marinade can be substituted.
- Panko crumbs help create a crispier topping than regular bread crumbs.
- Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese and crumbs.
- Serving over pasta adds to the meal but is optional.
