Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken transforms humble chicken tenderloins into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort. The combination of the buttery garlic parmesan sauce with perfectly grilled chicken creates a meal that feels indulgent but is incredibly simple to prepare.

I first made this recipe when I got my Blackstone griddle last summer and it quickly became our family's most requested dinner. My teenage son who typically avoids anything with "visible herbs" actually asks for seconds of this chicken every time.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: 2 pounds creates the perfect portion for a family of four with potential leftovers
• Olive oil: helps bind the spices to the chicken and prevents sticking
• Butter: forms the luxurious base for the garlic parmesan sauce
• Fresh garlic: provides bold flavor that jarred varieties simply cannot match
• Parmesan cheese: use freshly grated for best melting and flavor
• Hot sauce: adds a gentle background heat without overwhelming the dish
• Red pepper flakes: provide customizable spice level
• Fresh parsley: brightens the rich sauce with color and fresh flavor
• Paprika: adds beautiful color and subtle smokiness
• Garlic and onion powder: create depth of flavor in the marinade

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the marinade:

Combine the paprika garlic powder onion powder salt pepper and olive oil in a small bowl. This spice mixture creates the foundation of flavor for the chicken. Make sure to mix thoroughly until you have a smooth paste.

Marinate the chicken:

Place chicken tenderloins in a zip lock bag and pour the marinade over them. Massage the bag gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Allow to marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator though even 20 minutes will impart good flavor if you are short on time.

Prepare the garlic parmesan sauce:

Melt the stick of butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Once melted add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the parmesan cheese hot sauce red pepper flakes and chopped parsley. Remove from heat immediately to prevent the garlic from burning. The residual heat will melt the cheese perfectly.

Preheat the griddle:

Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high approximately 375°F. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken but not so hot that the outside burns before the inside cooks.

Cook the chicken:

Place the marinated chicken tenderloins on the hot griddle surface leaving space between each piece. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to develop a golden crust. Flip each piece and immediately baste with 1/3 of the prepared garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes then flip and baste the other side.

Finish cooking:

Continue flipping and basting every few minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The total cooking time should be about 12 to 15 minutes depending on the thickness of your tenderloins. The multiple flips ensure even cooking and help the sauce create a delicious glaze.

Serve and enjoy:

Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and pour the reserved garlic parmesan sauce over the top. The contrast between the grilled exterior and the fresh sauce creates magical flavor layers.

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My favorite part of this recipe is watching the butter sauce hit the hot griddle with a satisfying sizzle. That moment always reminds me of why outdoor cooking brings so much joy it engages all your senses from the sound of food cooking to the incredible aroma that fills the air.

Perfect Pairings

This garlic parmesan chicken pairs beautifully with so many side dishes. For a complete meal try it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the sauce. For a heartier option roasted potatoes or buttery pasta make excellent companions. Even vegetables like asparagus or broccoli taste amazing when drizzled with a spoonful of the extra garlic parmesan sauce.

No Blackstone No Problem

While this recipe shines on a Blackstone griddle you can easily adapt it for other cooking methods. A cast iron skillet works wonderfully indoors and gives a similar sear. You can also use a regular grill just be careful of flareups from the butter sauce. For an oven method bake the marinated chicken at 425°F for about 20 minutes then brush with the sauce during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Make Ahead Options

This chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance which actually improves the flavor. The garlic parmesan sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently before using. The cooked chicken also maintains its moisture and flavor well making excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.

Tailoring The Heat Level

One of the beauties of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice level to suit your preferences. For a milder version reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and use a less spicy hot sauce like Frank's RedHot. If your family enjoys heat increase the red pepper flakes or substitute a spicier hot sauce like Tabasco or sriracha. You can even divide the sauce and make a spicy version for adults and a milder one for children.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Chicken tenderloins are ideal for this recipe as they cook evenly and quickly, ensuring juicy results.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

To decrease spice, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce. For extra heat, add more of these ingredients to taste.

→ What’s the best way to prevent chicken from sticking to the griddle?

Ensure the griddle is well-oiled and fully heated before placing the chicken to prevent sticking and achieve a good sear.

→ Can I use this method without a Blackstone griddle?

Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan or a regular frying pan as an alternative to the Blackstone griddle.

→ What can I serve with Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken?

This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or garlic butter pasta for a complete meal.