Easy Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Want to give a delicious Italian classic a healthy summer makeover? This grilled chicken parmesan recipe is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken parm – with all the cheesy goodness but a lighter, smokier twist that's perfect for outdoor dining! Instead of the traditional deep-frying, we're taking this beauty to the grill.

Trust me, the smoky char adds an amazing flavor you just can't get from the oven, while cutting down on oil. Imagine juicy chicken parmesan recipe breasts with that perfect grill marks, topped with just enough seasoned breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch you love. The fresh mozzarella gets all melty and delicious on top, while our bright tomato sauce – packed with fresh herbs – brings everything together without overwhelming the chicken's natural flavors.

A delicious Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese, and garnished with fresh parsley. This cheesy, comforting dish is packed with bold Italian flavors and perfect for a hearty homemade meal.

Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Picture this: perfectly Grilled Chicken Parmesan that's still super juicy inside, topped with melty mozzarella that gets those irresistible browned spots from the grill. Add our rich marinara sauce and some fresh basil, and you've got a dish that's lighter but still totally crave-worthy. And the best part? It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for when friends come over.

Whether you serve it over your favorite pasta, next to some grilled summer veggies, or stuff it in a crusty roll for an epic sandwich, this grilled chicken parmesan recipe gives you the best of both worlds. It's like catching up with an old friend who's gotten a cool new makeover – familiar and comforting, but with a fresh, healthy spin that makes it perfect for those warm summer evenings. Ready to fire up the grill and give it a try?

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Parmesan Instructions
Equipment For Grilled Chicken Parmesan
Storage and Reheating
Recipe Variations
Serving Suggestions
Top Tip
Grandma's Magic Touch:
FAQ
HOW DID YOUR GRILLED CHICKEN PARMESAN TURN OUT?
Related
Pairing
Easy Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Ingredients

the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Fresh ingredients for a Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe, featuring raw chicken breasts, garlic cloves, olive oil, salt, black pepper, dried herbs, and ground spices on a wooden cutting board. These seasonings create a flavorful base for the dish, ensuring juicy and well-seasoned grilled chicken before adding marinara sauce and melted cheese.

the Topping:

1 ½ cups marinara sauce
8 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil leaves
Red pepper flakes (optional, for serving)

Fresh ingredients for a Grilled Chicken Parmesan Recipe, including rich marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes. These classic Italian flavors come together to create a delicious, cheesy, and saucy dish perfect for a hearty and comforting meal.

Grilled Chicken Parmesan Instructions

Let's get grilling! Here's how to make this delicious chicken parm right on your grill - I promise it's easier than you think!

First Up - Getting Your Chicken Ready:

Start by making your chicken breasts nice and even - pop them between plastic wrap and give them a gentle pound until they're about ½ inch thick. This is your secret to perfectly cooked chicken!
Mix up some flavor magic - combine olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Brush this tasty mixture all over your chicken and let it hang out for 15-20 minutes while your grill heats up.

Getting Your Grill Ready:

Give those grill grates some love - clean them and brush with oil to prevent sticking.
Heat things up to medium-high (375-400°F).
Create a cool zone and a hot zone on your grill - trust me, you'll need both!

Time to Grill:

Start on the hot side - place your chicken over direct heat.
Give it 5-6 minutes until you see those gorgeous grill marks.
Flip and cook another 4-5 minutes.
Move to the cooler side - this is where the magic happens!

The Grand Finale:

Top each piece with marinara sauce (about ⅓ cup).
Layer on that fresh mozzarella (2-3 slices).
Sprinkle with Parmesan (2 tablespoons each).
Close the lid and let everything get melty and delicious (3-4 minutes).

Equipment For Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Gas or charcoal grill
Meat mallet or rolling pin
Instant-read thermometer
Grill tongs
Basting brush
Aluminum foil (optional, for tenting)

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover grilled chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the chicken won't be quite as crispy.

Recipe Variations

Pesto Twist: Replace marinara sauce with fresh basil pesto for a different flavor profile
Low-Carb Version: Use sugar-free marinara sauce and add extra Parmesan instead of mozzarella
Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade and top with spicy marinara
Mediterranean Style: Top with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach before adding the cheese

Serving Suggestions

Serve your grilled chicken parmesan over:

Al dente spaghetti or zucchini noodles
Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
Grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers
Crusty Italian bread to soak up the sauce

Top Tip

Pound the chicken to an even thickness for consistent cooking

Let the chicken rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before grilling

Use fresh mozzarella for the best melting quality

Don't move the chicken around while it's grilling – this ensures proper grill marks

Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness (165°F internal temperature)

Grandma's Magic Touch:

This grilled chicken parmesan recipe carries all the love of an Italian grandmother's kitchen with some modern, healthier twists. Just like Nonna taught us, we massage the herbs gently into the chicken and use only fresh mozzarella and real Parmigiano-Reggiano – no shortcuts! While we're grilling instead of frying, her secret tips still make this dish special: that extra pinch of garlic and her perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio keep all the traditional flavors alive.

First, she always said to massage the herbs into the chicken gently – no rushing! And that pinch of extra garlic? That's pure Nonna magic right there. She'd be amazed to see us grilling instead of frying, but even she couldn't resist the smoky flavor it adds to her beloved recipe.

Just like Grandma insisted, we're using only fresh mozzarella and real Parmigiano-Reggiano – no shortcuts! And her secret tip for the perfect sauce-to-cheese ratio? "Layer with love," she'd say, "but don't drown the chicken – let it shine!"

This grilled chicken parmesan recipe might be lighter than Grandma's original version, but every bite still tastes like Sunday dinner at her house. It's where old-world wisdom meets modern cooking – and trust me, even Nonna would approve of these delicious results!

FAQ

What is the difference between chicken Parmesan and chicken parmigiana?

Chicken Parmesan and chicken parmigiana are actually the same dish! "Chicken Parmesan" is simply the American name for the Italian-American dish "Chicken Parmigiana." Both refer to breaded chicken cutlets topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese. The name variation comes from regional differences and American adaptation of Italian cuisine.

What's the difference between chicken piccata and chicken Parmesan?

Chicken piccata and chicken Parmesan are two distinct Italian-American dishes. Chicken Parmesan features breaded chicken topped with tomato sauce and melted cheese, while chicken piccata is made with thin chicken cutlets in a light lemon-butter-caper sauce without breading or cheese. They have completely different flavor profiles and cooking methods.

Why is it called chicken parm if it's made with mozzarella?

Chicken Parmesan gets its name from the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese traditionally used in the dish, not because it's the main cheese. While mozzarella provides the melty top layer, Parmesan cheese is crucial for flavor and is usually mixed into the breading or sprinkled on top. Our grilled version uses both cheeses for authentic taste.

Why is it called chicken parm if it's made with mozzarella?

HOW DID YOUR GRILLED CHICKEN PARMESAN TURN OUT?

How did your Grilled Chicken Parmesan turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of smoky grilled flavors, melty cheese, and savory marinara sauce. If you're a fan of Italian-American classics with a modern twist, be sure to try our Salisbury Steak Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!

Did you make this Grilled Chicken Parmesan? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments.

Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation!

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Why You'll Love This Grilled Chicken Parmesan