The sizzling sound of juicy chicken hitting the hot Blackstone griddle, releasing the intoxicating aroma of roasted garlic and melting parmesan cheese – this Irresistible Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. This restaurant-quality dish brings together the perfect balance of savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and perfectly grilled chicken for a meal that’s impressive yet surprisingly simple. You’ll learn how to achieve that coveted golden crust while keeping the chicken tender and juicy, all with the magic of outdoor griddle cooking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe stands out from ordinary chicken dishes for multiple reasons. First, the Blackstone griddle creates an unmatched sear that locks in moisture while developing a gorgeous caramelized exterior – something difficult to achieve in a regular pan. The contrast between the crispy, parmesan-crusted exterior and the juicy, tender interior creates a textural masterpiece.
The flavor profile hits all the right notes – savory garlic, rich parmesan, and a hint of herbs create depth without overwhelming the natural flavors of the chicken. Plus, the visual appeal of those beautiful grill marks makes this dish Instagram-worthy.
Best of all, despite its impressive results, this recipe is accessible to cooks of all skill levels. The Blackstone griddle’s large, flat surface makes flipping and monitoring your chicken easier than traditional grilling, and the straightforward preparation means you’ll spend less time cooking and more time enjoying.
Ingredients
For the Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), pounded to even thickness
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (avoid pre-shredded for best melting)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
The star ingredients are the fresh garlic, which infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor, and the Parmesan cheese, which creates a savory crust when it hits the hot Blackstone surface. Using freshly grated cheese ensures proper melting and maximum flavor.
Pro Tips
Temperature Control: The secret to perfect Blackstone garlic chicken is proper temperature management. Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F) for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This ensures an immediate sear when the chicken hits the surface, locking in juices. If you notice excessive smoking or blackening, reduce heat slightly.
Chicken Preparation: Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½-inch) before cooking. This crucial step ensures even cooking throughout, preventing the thinner parts from drying out while thicker parts remain undercooked. A meat mallet or heavy rolling pin works perfectly for this task.
Timing Your Parmesan: Add the Parmesan cheese during the final 2-3 minutes of cooking. Adding it too early will cause burning, while adding it too late won’t allow proper melting. Watch for the cheese to turn golden and crispy at the edges – this creates that irresistible flavor that makes this garlic Parmesan chicken recipe so special.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even ½-inch thickness. This ensures they’ll cook evenly on your Blackstone. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels – this is crucial for achieving that perfect sear you’re looking for. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Create the Garlic Parmesan Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated. This flavor-packed mixture will become the signature coating for your Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Set aside about ¼ cup of the mixture for topping later.
Step 3: Preheat Your Blackstone Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat and allow it to preheat for 10-15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a few drops of water dance and quickly evaporate on the surface. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil across the cooking surface, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place your seasoned chicken breasts on the hot griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows that beautiful golden crust to develop. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the second side. Your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F when fully cooked.
Step 5: Add the Garlic Parmesan Topping
During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add a small pat of butter on top of each chicken breast, then sprinkle the reserved Parmesan-garlic mixture over each piece. Cover with a dome lid if you have one (or create a makeshift tent with aluminum foil) to help the cheese melt perfectly into a golden crust.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the Blackstone chicken from the griddle and let it rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish that complements the rich garlic and Parmesan flavors.
Variations
Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken: For heat lovers, transform this garlic Parmesan chicken Blackstone recipe by adding ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the Parmesan mixture. For even more heat, drizzle the finished chicken with hot honey before serving. The sweetness balances the spice while maintaining the garlic-Parmesan profile.
Herb-Garden Version: Create a fresh summer variation by adding 2 tablespoons each of finely chopped fresh basil and oregano to the Parmesan mixture. Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest after cooking for a bright, herbaceous version that’s perfect for warm-weather dining. This variation works beautifully with grilled summer vegetables on the side.
Gluten-Free/Keto-Friendly: This Blackstone chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly. To make it even more keto-appropriate, increase the Parmesan to 1½ cups and add 2 tablespoons of almond flour to the mixture for an even crispier crust without added carbs.
Storage and Serving
Store leftover Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, avoid the microwave which can make the chicken rubbery. Instead, place it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through, which helps maintain the crispy exterior.
This garlic Parmesan chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, allowing the peppery greens to cut through the richness of the chicken. For a heartier option, try serving over buttered fettuccine or with roasted rosemary potatoes that can cook right alongside the chicken on your Blackstone.
For an elegant presentation, slice the chicken on a bias and fan it over a bed of creamy polenta or risotto, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without a Blackstone griddle?
Yes! While the Blackstone gives an ideal sear, you can adapt this garlic Parmesan chicken recipe for a cast-iron skillet or regular grill. With a skillet, use medium-high heat and add an extra minute of cooking time per side. On a regular grill, cook over medium heat with the lid closed.
How can I tell when my chicken is done without a thermometer?
The chicken should feel firm but still have a slight spring when pressed. Clear juices (not pink) should run out when pierced with a fork. However, a meat thermometer is the most reliable method, ensuring your Blackstone chicken reaches 165°F.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier but need slightly longer cooking time (about 6-7 minutes per side) due to their higher fat content.
Why isn’t my Parmesan getting crispy?
Make sure your griddle is hot enough before adding the cheese. Also, freshly grated Parmesan crisps better than pre-shredded varieties, which contain anti-caking agents that can inhibit proper melting and crisping.
Can I marinate the chicken beforehand?
While not necessary, you can marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for up to 2 hours for extra flavor. Just be sure to pat it dry before cooking to achieve the best sear.
Conclusion
This Irresistible Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe is comfort food elevated to new heights — juicy, tender chicken with a golden, crispy Parmesan crust that sizzles with garlic flavor. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion, while still being simple enough for busy schedules. Whether you’re a seasoned Blackstone pro or just getting started with outdoor cooking, this recipe proves that a few quality ingredients and the right technique can create truly restaurant-worthy results right in your backyard.
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Irresistible Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Description
Juicy chicken meets garlic-parmesan heaven on the Blackstone. One bite and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this crispy, flavor-packed recipe in your life.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), pounded to even thickness
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness between plastic wrap. Pat dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside ¼ cup for topping later.
- Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat (375-400°F) for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle 2 tablespoons olive oil across the cooking surface.
- Place seasoned chicken on the hot griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- During the final 2 minutes, place a small pat of butter on each chicken breast and sprinkle with reserved Parmesan-garlic mixture. Cover with a dome lid or foil tent to melt the cheese.
- Remove chicken from griddle and rest for 3-5 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.