Description
This Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken recipe features tender, juicy bite-sized chicken pieces seasoned with Cajun spices and coated in a rich, flavorful garlic Parmesan butter sauce. Perfectly grilled to achieve a smoky char, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan cheese), grated
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the chicken evenly and develop a nice char.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, making sure the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Flavorings to Sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Continue cooking for 1–2 minutes while stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Season Chicken: Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated for balanced flavor.
- Grill Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces on the preheated grill or grill pan. Cook for 6–8 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Coat Chicken in Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken pieces from the grill and immediately toss them in the prepared garlic Parmesan sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Serve the garlic Parmesan grilled chicken immediately, optionally garnished with extra parsley and Parmesan cheese for added freshness and presentation.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internal temperature for safe consumption.
- If you don’t have Parmigiano Reggiano, you can substitute with another hard Parmesan cheese but avoid pre-grated varieties for best flavor.
- The red pepper flakes add a mild heat—omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Chicken thighs provide juicier results, but chicken breasts work well too.
- For indoor cooking, a grill pan works as a great alternative to an outdoor grill.
