Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Crust

Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken with Parmesan Crust

The juiciest, most flavorful chicken you’ll ever make — perfectly grilled, tangy, and topped with a creamy Parmesan crust that melts right in.  Perfect on its own or served with my Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta!

Ingredients

If you don’t have all the spices I used, here are a few easy substitutes that’ll still taste amazing:

  • Johnny’s Garlic Seasoning → use garlic salt or garlic powder + a little salt
  • Lemon Pepper → use black pepper + a squeeze of lemon juice
  • Sweet & Spicy Seasoning → use a little brown sugar + cayenne, chili powder or paprika
  • Sweet Chipotle Seasoning → use BBQ seasoning, taco seasoning, or just smoked paprika

Basically, as long as it's got garlic, pepper, something smoky or sweet, and a touch of lemon, you’re golden!

Parmesan Topping:

  • ½ cup Mayonnaise
  • ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • A pinch of the same seasonings from above

Instructions

1. Prep Your Space:
Start by covering your counter and cutting boards with plastic wrap — it’s a game changer!  Makes cleanup so much easier & keeps chicken juice from getting everywhere!  

2. Pound the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts between two layers of plastic wrap and use a mallet to pound them thin. This helps them cook evenly and stay super tender.

3. Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine your garlic, lemon pepper, sweet & spicy, and sweet chipotle seasonings.

4. Lemon Dip + Coat
Pour lemon juice into a shallow dish. Dip each chicken breast in the lemon juice, then coat both sides with your seasoning mix.

5. Grill It Up
Preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400°F).
Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 3–4 minutes per side (6–8 minutes total).
Before flipping, spray the top with a little cooking spray to prevent sticking.

6. Add the Parmesan Crust
Once flipped, spread about 1 tablespoon of the mayo-Parmesan mixture over each piece. Close the lid and cook another 2–3 minutes, until the topping is golden and the internal temperature reaches 160–162°F.

7. Rest + Serve
Remove from the grill and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this locks in all those delicious juices.

🔥 Pro Tips

  • Don’t skip pounding the chicken — it makes all the difference.
  • Let it rest before slicing (I know it’s hard to wait!).
  • Want extra flavor? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon right before serving.
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