Freshness and simplicity are, for me, the essence of spring, and what better way to welcome the season than with a recipe that perfectly encapsulates both of those qualities? Naturally, I’m talking about today’s Bistro Style Grilled Chicken. This light and vibrant dish is a celebration of spring's bounty, featuring tender chicken tenderloins marinated in a medley of fragrant herbs, zesty lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese.

Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch with friends, or a light yet satisfying meal to enjoy al fresco, this Bistro Style Chicken fits the bill perfectly. However, what truly makes this dish shine is its effortless elegance and versatility. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a super simple prep process, you can impress your family and friends with a restaurant-quality meal that's bursting with Mediterranean flair.

So, fire up the grill, pour yourself a glass of chilled white wine (see the link to our white wine guide below!), and get ready to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean. Trust me when I say that your taste buds will thank you!

Now, without further delay, let's get grilling.

Recipe Overview – What to Expect

Wondering what to expect from this Bistro Style Chicken recipe? From taste and texture to ease of preparation and pairing suggestions, here’s what you can expect from this recipe:

What To Expect: This recipe aims to bring the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. It features tender chicken breast tenderloins marinated in a blend of fresh herbs, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese, resulting in a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.
Taste: The combination of Italian parsley, basil, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor profile that’s a mix of tangy, savory, and fresh zesty notes. Grilling the chicken infuses it with smoky flavors and a hint of barbecue char.
Texture: Thanks to the marinade, you can say goodbye to dry, bland chicken. This Bistro Style Chicken boasts a juicy and tender texture that's simply irresistible. The marinade helps infuse the chicken with moisture, while the grilling process locks that moisture in, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Whether served over crisp Romaine lettuce or tucked into a sandwich, this chicken will become a favorite based on texture alone.
Pairings: Serve the Bistro Style Chicken over a bed of fresh Romaine lettuce alongside sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired salad. Alternatively, pair it with roasted vegetables, couscous, or garlic mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. And don't forget to complement it with a refreshing glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon for the perfect finishing touch. More on pairing suggestions below.
Difficulty Level: Don't be intimidated by the medley of flavors, as this recipe is surprisingly simple to make. With just a handful of ingredients and basic cooking techniques, even beginner home chefs can whip up this recipe with ease. Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, you'll find that preparing Bistro Style Chicken is a breeze. Slice the chicken, marinade the chicken, and then grill it. That‘s all there is to it. So go ahead, channel your inner chef and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home!

Ingredient Checklist – Everything You’ll Need

The Chicken

2 lbs. boneless chicken breast tenderloins, sliced
- Note: You can also use chicken breast cut into strips or deboned chicken thighs if preferred.
- Tip: Tenderloins cook faster than whole chicken breasts, ensuring quicker grilling time.

For the Marinade

2-3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
- Note: Fresh parsley provides a bright and herbaceous flavor to the marinade. If unavailable, you can substitute with dried parsley, but reduce the amount to 1-2 teaspoons.
4-5 fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Note: Basil adds a fresh and aromatic note to the marinade. If you don't have fresh basil, you can substitute with dried basil, but only use about one teaspoon. Conversely, you can also substitute with a bit more parsley.
Juice of 1 lemon (about 4 tablespoons)
- Note: I do strongly recommend using fresh lemon juice for this recipe. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the marinade.
4 tablespoons olive oil
- Tip: The flavor of the olive oil will come through in this recipe, and for that reason I recommend using a decent extra virgin olive oil for its flavor and richness.
- Substitution: However, you ‘can’ use any cooking oil of your choice as a substitute, as the primary role of the oil is to carry the flavors of the other ingredients.
1 teaspoon salt
- Tip: Table salt is all you need for this recipe, but do feel free to get fancy with your favorite gourmet salt.
- Note: Put plainly, the salt helps to bind and balance the flavors of the marinade, while also serving to tenderize the chicken.
1 teaspoon sugar
- Note: Sugar works to balance the acidity from the lemon juice and adds a touch of sweetness to the marinade.
1 teaspoon coarse black pepper
- Tip: As usual, I recommend freshly ground pepper, and whether you use pre-ground or fresh ground, I do recommend using coarse ground.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Note: Dried oregano brings earthy and ‘dry floral’ notes to the marinade.
- Tip: If using fresh oregano, you can double the amount, but fresh oregano will result in a much more intense ‘oregano flavor.’
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Note: Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat to the marinade. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spiciness.
1/5 cup fresh grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
- Note: Freshly grated Parmesan or Romano cheese adds a savory and umami-rich flavor to the marinade. If preferred, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

For the Garnish

2 scallions, chopped
- Note: Scallions add a mild onion flavor and vibrant color to the dish. If scallions are unavailable, you can substitute with thinly sliced red or white onion.
Fresh Romaine lettuce leaves
- Note: Romaine lettuce leaves provide a crisp and refreshing base for serving the grilled chicken. Alternatively, you can use other types of lettuce such as iceberg or mixed greens.
Red onion, sliced thin
- Note: Red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the dish. If preferred, you can use yellow or white onion as a substitute.
Crumbled feta cheese
- Note: Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy and salty element to the dish, complementing the flavors of the grilled chicken. If desired, you can substitute with goat cheese or blue cheese.
Calamata olives
- Note: Calamata olives offer a briny and rich flavor to the dish, adding a Mediterranean touch. If unavailable, you can substitute with other varieties of black olives.

Pairing Suggestions – Completing the Meal

Here are my top picks for pairing this Bistro Style Grilled Chicken.

Grilled Vegetables: Serve the chicken alongside grilled vegetables such as eggplant, red onion, zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms, tossed with olive oil, oregano, and grating cheese. Then grill either over an open flame or stove top in a cast iron pan. The smoky flavors from the grill will perfectly complement this Mediterranean-inspired chicken.
Mediterranean Salad: For a fresh and vibrant pairing, consider a simple Mediterranean salad fresh and vibrant salad with ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta cheese, and olives. Toss with a simple vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs.
Couscous or Quinoa: A simple couscous or quinoa salad would serve beautifully. Consider a quinoa salad tossed with mixed beans, celery hearts, cilantro, and scallions.
Greek Yogurt Sauce: Naturally, this chicken would pair deliciously with Greek-style yogurt sauce. Simply combine Greek yogurt with minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, and salt. Serve the chicken with a dollop of this sauce for added creaminess and flavor.
White Wine: Pair the chicken with a crisp and refreshing white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The bright acidity and fruity notes of the wine complement the Mediterranean flavors of the dish. For a complete overview of either wine, see our complete guide here.

Variations – Getting Creative

Here are some simple ways to get creative with this simple recipe. From simple herb swaps to veggie and cheese alternatives, the suggestions below are sure to get your creative juices flowing.

Herb Substitutions: Experiment with different herbs in the marinade to customize the flavor profile of the chicken. Instead of parsley and basil, try using cilantro, thyme, rosemary, or dill for a unique twist.
Spice Blend: Adjust the level of heat by adding or reducing the amount of red pepper flakes in the marinade. You can also incorporate other spices such as paprika, cumin, or smoked paprika. Mix and match spices to find your own personal blend.
Cheese Variations: Swap out the Parmesan or Romano cheese in the marinade for other types of cheese like Asiago, Pecorino, or Gruyère, or mix and match cheeses!
Vegetable Additions: Mix diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms into the marinade for added flavor. For a spicier marinade, dice up hot chilies (with the seeds) and add those into the marinade. Not only that, but these vegetables will caramelize beautifully on the grill alongside the chicken.
Swap out the Chicken: This recipe works great for lean pork, lean beef, or even tofu. Naturally, you will need to adjust the cooking time, but they all work. Also, as mentioned above, instead of chicken breast tenderloins, you can use other cuts of chicken such as thighs or drumsticks.
Marinating Time: Experiment with the marinating time to achieve your desired flavor intensity. You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.