Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce and Potatoes
This Mediterranean-inspired dish combines juicy grilled chicken, tender roasted potatoes, and a luxuriously creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. The savory depth of garlic, the richness of Parmesan, and the brightness of Mediterranean herbs bring this comforting, wholesome meal to life. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings!
Time Estimate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Juice of 1/2 lemon
For the Potatoes:
1.5 lbs (700g) baby potatoes, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon rosemary or thyme
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce:
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk (or half & half for creamier texture)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, rosemary or thyme, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
Season and Grill the Chicken
While potatoes roast, pat chicken dry and marinate with olive oil, oregano, thyme, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
Add Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
Assemble and Serve
Plate grilled chicken with a side of roasted potatoes.
Generously drizzle garlic Parmesan sauce over the chicken.
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
Make it ahead:
You can marinate the chicken and prep the potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.
Use chicken thighs:
For juicier results, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great substitute for breasts.
Make it creamier:
Substitute milk with half & half or heavy cream for a richer sauce. Or add a spoonful of cream cheese for a thicker texture.
Add vegetables:
Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the potatoes for a more colorful, Mediterranean-style plate.
Make it gluten-free:
Use gluten-free flour for the sauce, or skip the flour entirely and thicken the sauce with cornstarch (mix 1 tsp with 1 tbsp water and stir in after milk).
Add Mediterranean flair:
Top with crumbled feta, kalamata olives, or sun-dried tomatoes before serving for extra bold flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
A: Yes! Bake the seasoned chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Definitely. Reheat grilled or rotisserie chicken and pour the garlic Parmesan sauce over the top.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q: Can I freeze the sauce?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it. Note that cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed—just reheat and whisk to bring it back together.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: ~460
Protein: ~38g
Fat: ~20g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~580mg
Calcium: ~180mg
(Values may vary based on exact ingredients and serving sizes.)
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Cream Sauce and Potatoes is the perfect balance of comfort and bold flavor. The tender, juicy chicken pairs beautifully with the crispy, herbed potatoes and a silky, garlicky cream sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this recipe brings hearty satisfaction with a Mediterranean twist.