There’s a reason the Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken recipe has developed such a loyal following – it’s bold, juicy, and packed with flavor in every single bite.
This copycat version recreates that iconic steakhouse-style grilled chicken at home using a vibrant marinade made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, and whole grain mustard.
Whether you know it as grilled chicken on the barbie Outback-style or simply the best grilled chicken you’ve ever made in your own kitchen, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner and impressive enough for weekend entertaining – let’s get into it.
What Does Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Taste Like?
This Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken is bold, bright, and deeply savory with layers of flavor that build with every bite.
The marinade creates a beautifully caramelized crust on the outside – slightly smoky, faintly sweet from the brown sugar, and kissed with gentle heat from the chili flakes.
Inside, the chicken stays incredibly juicy and tender, with the lemon and garlic working together to keep the meat bright and aromatic.
The fresh parsley adds a clean, herby finish that lifts the whole dish. It’s the kind of grilled chicken that tastes like far more effort than it actually takes.
Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Kitchen Tools & Utensils
- Cutting board
- Meat mallet or rolling pin
- Small blender or mixer jar
- Large mixing bowl
- Plastic wrap or airtight lid (for marinating)
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Tongs
- Plate or resting rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation & Cooking Time
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best results)
Cooking Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes (minimum)
Servings: 2
Copycat Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are evenly flat. This crucial step ensures the chicken cooks evenly all the way through and stays tender and juicy rather than drying out on the outside before the center is done.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small blender or mixer jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chili flakes, dried oregano, garlic cloves, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Add the fresh parsley leaves and pulse briefly to fold in the herbs.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the flattened chicken breasts to a large bowl and pour the prepared marinade evenly over each piece, making sure every surface is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor and juiciness, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium heat until fully hot. Place the marinated chicken breasts directly onto the pan without adding any additional oil – the marinade already contains enough to prevent sticking. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until the edges look set, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until both sides are beautifully caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill pan and transfer to a clean plate. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving, giving the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat.
Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Customization & Serving Pairing Ideas
This Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken recipe is the kind of dish that works beautifully on its own but becomes truly extraordinary when you customize it to suit your mood or occasion. The bold, herb-forward marinade is a perfect canvas for creativity, and the chicken pairs effortlessly with a wide variety of sides, sauces, and presentations.
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are seven delicious ideas:
1. Serve it Outback-style on the barbie
Take this Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken on the barbie recipe outdoors and cook it on a charcoal or gas grill for authentic smoky char marks and that unmistakable open-flame flavor. The caramelized marinade reacts beautifully to direct grill heat, creating an even bolder crust with a subtle smokiness that a grill pan simply can’t fully replicate.
2. Pair it with garlic mashed potatoes
For a complete steakhouse-style plate, serve this grilled chicken alongside creamy garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, and a wedge salad with ranch dressing. It’s the kind of well-rounded, restaurant-quality dinner that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.
3. Slice it over a fresh salad
Let the chicken cool slightly, then slice it thinly over a crisp bed of romaine, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Drizzle with a lemon vinaigrette that echoes the flavors already in the marinade for a light, satisfying, high-protein meal.
4. Build a loaded chicken sandwich
Place the whole grilled chicken breast on a toasted brioche bun with garlic aioli, crispy lettuce, sliced avocado, and roasted red peppers for a bold, restaurant-style sandwich that’s far better than anything from a drive-through.
5. Turn it into a meal prep protein
This grilled chicken recipe marinade holds up exceptionally well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal meal prep option. Cook a larger batch, slice and portion into containers, and use it throughout the week in wraps, grain bowls, pasta salads, or alongside roasted vegetables.
6. Add a honey glaze
In the final 90 seconds of grilling, brush the chicken with a light honey and Dijon mustard glaze for a sweet, sticky caramelized finish that pairs perfectly with the chili flakes and lemon already in the marinade. It adds complexity and a beautiful golden color.
7. Spice it up for a Tex-Mex twist.
Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin to the marinade, then serve the finished chicken over cilantro-lime rice with black beans, pico de gallo, and sliced avocado for a vibrant Tex-Mex-inspired plate that uses the same base recipe in a completely new direction.
Expert Cooking Tips for Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe
Achieving truly exceptional Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken at home is all about understanding a few professional techniques that transform good grilled chicken into something genuinely memorable. From the way you prepare the meat to the moment you pull it off the heat, every step in this process matters more than you might think.
Follow these expert tips for perfect results every time:
1. Always pound the chicken to an even thickness
This is the single most important step in this entire recipe. Unevenly thick chicken breasts cook at different rates, leaving you with dry edges and an undercooked center. Pounding the breasts flat – ideally to about ¾ inch thick – guarantees even cooking, better marinade penetration, and a juicier final result every time.
2. Don’t rush the marinating time
The minimum 30 minutes allows the acid from the lemon juice and the fat from the olive oil to begin tenderizing and flavoring the meat. But for truly deep, restaurant-level flavor, push the marinating time to a full 2 hours. If you have more time, marinate overnight in the refrigerator for an even more intensely flavored grilled chicken recipe marinade result.
3. Bring the chicken to room temperature before grilling
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking. Cold chicken placed directly onto a hot grill pan cooks unevenly, with the outside charring before the inside reaches a safe temperature. Letting it come closer to room temperature ensures a more even, consistent cook.
4. Get the grill pan genuinely hot before adding the chicken
A properly preheated grill pan is the key to those beautiful caramelized grill marks and a flavorful crust. If the pan isn’t hot enough, the chicken will steam rather than sear, and you’ll lose the Maillard reaction that creates so much of the flavor in this dish. Test readiness with a drop of water – it should evaporate immediately on contact.
5. Flip only once
Resist the urge to move or flip the chicken repeatedly. Placing the chicken down and leaving it undisturbed for the full 4 minutes allows a proper sear to form. Flipping too early tears the crust and prevents those clean, caramelized grill marks that make grilled chicken on the barbie Outback-style so visually impressive and texturally satisfying.
6. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy
The most reliable way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked – not over, not under – is to check the internal temperature. Pull it off the heat when it reaches 160°F (71°C) and let the residual heat carry it to the food-safe 165°F (74°C) during the resting period. This prevents the dry, rubbery texture that comes from overcooking.
7. Never skip the resting step
Resting is not optional. When you cut into chicken immediately after grilling, all those flavorful juices run straight out onto the cutting board and are lost. Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 full minutes lets the muscle fibers relax and reabsorb those juices, resulting in noticeably juicier, more tender slices with every single serving.
Storage & Reheating Guidance
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals covered with a damp paper towel. Leftover chicken also works beautifully cold, sliced over salads or tucked into wraps.
Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe
There’s a reason the Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken recipe has developed such a loyal following – it’s bold, juicy, and packed with flavor in every single bite. This copycat version recreates that iconic steakhouse-style grilled chicken at home using a vibrant marinade made with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, and whole grain mustard.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves
- ¼ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are evenly flat. This crucial step ensures the chicken cooks evenly all the way through and stays tender and juicy rather than drying out on the outside before the center is done.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a small blender or mixer jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, chili flakes, dried oregano, garlic cloves, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, black pepper, and salt. Blend until smooth and well combined. Add the fresh parsley leaves and pulse briefly to fold in the herbs.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Transfer the flattened chicken breasts to a large bowl and pour the prepared marinade evenly over each piece, making sure every surface is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor and juiciness, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill pan over medium heat until fully hot. Place the marinated chicken breasts directly onto the pan without adding any additional oil – the marinade already contains enough to prevent sticking. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side until the edges look set, then flip and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until both sides are beautifully caramelized and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the chicken from the grill pan and transfer to a clean plate. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving, giving the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals covered with a damp paper towel. Leftover chicken also works beautifully cold, sliced over salads or tucked into wraps.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 360
Common Queries & FAQs
When you give this Outback Steakhouse Grilled Chicken Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.
What is Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken on the barbie?
Outback Steakhouse’s “Chicken on the Barbie” is one of the restaurant’s most popular menu items – a marinated, flame-grilled chicken breast seasoned with bold herbs and spices and served with a choice of sides. This copycat recipe closely replicates that signature flavor using a homemade marinade featuring olive oil, lemon, garlic, chili flakes, oregano, and whole grain mustard.
How long should I marinate chicken for the best flavor?
For a solid base of flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For the best possible result – juicier, more tender, and more deeply flavored – aim for 1 to 2 hours. If you plan ahead, marinating overnight in the refrigerator is perfectly safe and produces the most intensely flavored grilled chicken. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours, as the acid in the lemon juice can begin to break down the texture of the meat.
Can I cook this recipe on an outdoor grill instead of a grill pan?
Absolutely, and for the most authentic Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken on the barbie recipe experience, an outdoor grill is actually preferred. Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates lightly, and cook the marinated chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The open flame adds a genuine smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
How do I keep grilled chicken from drying out?
Three things prevent dry grilled chicken: pounding the breasts to an even thickness before marinating, not overcooking past 165°F internal temperature, and always resting the chicken for at least 5 minutes after it comes off the heat. The olive oil and lemon juice in this grilled chicken recipe marinade also work as natural tenderizers, helping keep the meat moist throughout the cooking process.
What sides go well with Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs beautifully with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, steamed broccoli, seasoned rice, roasted sweet potatoes, a crisp Caesar salad, or grilled corn on the cob. For a full steakhouse-inspired spread, serve it with coleslaw and a warm dinner roll on the side.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes – boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute and are actually more forgiving than breasts because their higher fat content keeps them moist even if slightly overcooked. Adjust the cooking time to approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side, and always verify with a meat thermometer that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Is this grilled chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. All the marinade ingredients – olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, chili flakes, oregano, brown sugar, parsley, and salt – contain no gluten. Whole grain mustard is typically gluten-free as well, but always check your specific brand’s label to confirm, as formulations can vary.
This Outback Steakhouse grilled chicken recipe is proof that bold, restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t require a reservation – just the right marinade and a hot grill pan. Juicy on the inside, caramelized on the outside, and layered with garlic, lemon, and herbs, it’s a dish that earns a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors barbie-style or cooking on a stovetop grill pan, the result is consistently spectacular. Try it tonight, and don’t be surprised when it becomes the most-requested meal in your household.
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