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Olive Garden Grilled Chicken

Helen T. Patterson
This Olive Garden Grilled Chicken Recipe is a restaurant-quality dish made with a flavorful Italian-style marinade.
Juicy, tender, and smoky, this grilled chicken is perfect for serving over fettuccine Alfredo, in salads, or with roasted vegetables.
With just a few simple ingredients and easy cooking methods, you can recreate this classic Olive Garden favorite right at home!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~250, Protein: ~35g, Total Fat: ~10g, Saturated Fat: ~2g, Carbohydrates: ~2g, Fiber: ~0g, Sugars: ~0g, Cholesterol: ~85mg, Sodium: ~400mg
Estimated based on one serving (assuming 4 servings per batch)
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl (for marinade)
  • 1 Whisk (to mix marinade)
  • 1 Ziplock bag or shallow dish (for marinating)
  • 1 Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)
  • 1 Grill or grill pan (for cooking)
  • 1 Tongs (for flipping chicken)
  • 1 Cutting board (for resting and slicing)

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken & Marinade

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional

For Serving (Optional)

  • 1 pound fettuccine pasta
  • 1 cup Alfredo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
  • Stir in grated Parmesan cheese (if using) for added richness.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  • Place the chicken breasts in a large ziplock bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them.
  • Coat the chicken evenly, ensuring it’s well covered.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours or overnight.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

  • Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F).
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
  • Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Avoid pressing down on the chicken, as this releases juices and can make it dry.

Step 4: Rest & Serve

  • Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve hot with your favorite sides—over pasta, in a salad, or alongside roasted vegetables.

Notes

  • Marinating Tip: If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is ideal for maximum flavor.
  • No Grill? You can cook this in a stovetop grill pan, bake it at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or air fry at 375°F for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Serving Suggestion: For an authentic Olive Garden-style meal, serve the grilled chicken with fettuccine Alfredo and garlic bread.
  • Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently to maintain juiciness.
Keyword Olive Garden Grilled Chicken