Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Get ready to be hooked on the irresistible flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs! Succulent chunks of chicken are kissed with olive oil, fresh garlic, a flurry of Parmesan, and just the right herbal zing, then grilled to golden perfection. These kebabs are not just juicy and savory, but also loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you serve them for a sunny backyard BBQ or a cozy weeknight dinner, you’ll love how effortlessly these skewers transform dinnertime into a party. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs are sure to become your new favorite grill-friendly showstopper.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs truly special is how just a handful of simple ingredients work together so beautifully. Each item brings its own character to the marinade and final taste—making this dish not only easy, but absolutely delicious. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for tenderness and quick grilling.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the marinade cling to each cube of chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for bold, aromatic flavor—don’t skimp on this!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated finely so it melts into every nook, giving that savory, nutty depth.
- Italian seasoning: A balanced herbal mix that infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean flair.
- Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and lovely golden color on the grill.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors into sharp focus.
- Black pepper: A bit of heat and bite to complement the cheese and garlic.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and used for garnish, it adds a pop of color and freshness just before serving.
- Lemon wedges: Optional, but that final squeeze of citrus really brightens up the finished kebabs.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs
Step 1: Mix Up the Flavorful Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, freshly minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well blended—this is where the magic begins, as all the seasonings come together for a truly aromatic base.
Step 2: Coat and Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the same bowl. Toss thoroughly to ensure each piece is generously coated in the garlicky, cheesy marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—if you have extra time, letting it sit up to 4 hours will create even deeper flavor.
Step 3: Prep the Grill and Skewers
While the chicken marinates, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes (this step keeps them from charring). Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, making sure it’s nice and hot for those beautiful grill marks that make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs so tantalizing.
Step 4: Thread and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between each for even cooking—no crowding here. Place them on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is deeply golden and registers 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the finished kebabs to a platter. Sprinkle with plenty of freshly chopped parsley, and if you like, top with a few squeezes of lemon. Serve hot and watch everyone flock to the table!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs
Garnishes
A finishing touch of vibrant green parsley instantly brightens up every skewer, both for flavor and for looks. For a little extra punch, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs with lemon wedges on the side—it adds a fresh, zesty burst that’s simply mouthwatering.
Side Dishes
Pair these kebabs with simple sides that let the garlic and Parmesan flavors shine. Fluffy basmati rice, lemony couscous, or warm pita bread work beautifully. Add a fresh Greek salad or grilled veggies for extra color and crunch, and you’ve got a balanced, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs in a fan shape on a big wooden board with extra parsley, grilled veggies, and dips like tzatziki. Or, slide pieces off the skewers into a sandwich wrap with crisp lettuce and creamy dressing for a fun, casual twist. Even tossed onto a leafy salad, these kebabs turn simple greens into something special!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, remove the chicken from the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors are just as bold and satisfying even a day or two later—perfect for lunchboxes or quick meals.
Freezing
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs freeze surprisingly well. Let them cool completely, then store the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment if needed, and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven or in a covered skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist. You’ll be amazed at how the garlicky-cheesy flavors hold up!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more juiciness and flavor to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs, and they work beautifully on the grill. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and proceed as you would with breasts.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for just 30 minutes makes a big difference, but if you can spare up to 4 hours, the chicken soaks up even more garlicky Parmesan flavor. Avoid going much longer to keep the texture tender.
Is it possible to cook these in the oven?
Yes! If grilling isn’t an option, bake the kebabs on a foil-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. You can marinate the chicken the night before, and even thread them on the skewers several hours in advance. Grill just before serving to keep them hot and juicy for your guests.
What vegetables pair well on kebabs with the chicken?
Try adding bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or red onion between the chicken pieces—they add extra color, sweetness, and variety, making each bite of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs even more fun.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to fire up the grill and make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs soon! There’s just something unbeatable about that combination of cheesy, garlicky goodness and smoky heat. It’s always a huge hit at gatherings, yet easy enough for any weeknight—and trust me, you’ll want to make it again and again!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer grilling. Tender chicken marinated in a garlic-herb mixture, threaded onto skewers, and grilled to perfection. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces.
- Grill the Kebabs: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken is fully cooked.
- Serve: Transfer kebabs to a platter, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 kebabs
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
