Sep 05 2026
RestaurantsVillaggio GrilleGrilled Chicken Recipe

Grilled Chicken Recipe

Inspired by Villaggio Grille
Time1h 30m
Serves4

Served with Scalloped Garlic Potatoes, Garlic Sauteed Green Beans

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Grilled Chicken

Method

Grilled Chicken

  1. 1

    Marinate chicken

    In a bowl, combine 3 tbs olive oil, 2 tbs lemon juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp salt and 0.75 tsp black pepper. Whisk until emulsified. Place 4 chicken breasts (patted dry) in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour marinade over them, ensuring even coating. Marinate 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

  2. 2

    Preheat and prepare grill

    Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates or brush the pan lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

  3. 3

    Grill chicken

    Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off. Grill chicken breasts 5–6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part reads 160°F (71°C). Avoid overcooking; residual heat will raise temperature slightly.

  4. 4

    Rest and finish

    Transfer grilled chicken to a plate, top each piece with about 1/2 tbs butter (optional) and tent loosely with foil. Let rest 5–7 minutes before serving; final internal temp should be ~165°F (74°C).

Scalloped Garlic Potatoes

  1. 5

    Prep and preheat

    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a 9x9-inch or similar baking dish lightly with 1 tbs butter.

  2. 6

    Make garlic cream sauce

    In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbs butter. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté 30–45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in 2 tsp flour and cook 30 seconds. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, bringing to a gentle simmer while whisking to avoid lumps. Cook 3–4 minutes until sauce slightly thickens. Stir in 1 cup grated Gruyère (or cheddar) and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Add 1 tbs fresh thyme, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper and a pinch (1/8 tsp) nutmeg; taste and adjust seasoning.

  3. 7

    Assemble

    Arrange a single layer of thinly sliced potatoes in the prepared dish, overlapping slightly. Spoon a portion of the garlic cream sauce over the potatoes to coat. Repeat layering until all potato slices are used, finishing with sauce on top. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired.

  4. 8

    Bake

    Cover dish tightly with foil and bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking another 20–25 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife and top is golden. If top browns too slowly, place under broiler 1–2 minutes, watching closely.

  5. 9

    Rest

    Remove from oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to thicken and set.

Garlic Sautéed Green Beans

  1. 10

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb trimmed green beans and blanch 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry. (If short on time, you may skip blanching and sauté raw beans, cooking a minute or two longer in the pan.)

  2. 11

    Sauté

    Heat 1 tbs olive oil and 1 tbs butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until butter foams. Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the drained green beans and toss to coat. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender-crisp and garlic is golden (not burned).

  3. 12

    Season and finish

    Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Remove from heat and stir in 1 tsp lemon zest and 2 tbs toasted sliced almonds if using. Taste and adjust seasoning, then transfer to a serving dish immediately.

More from Villaggio Grille