Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Get ready to meet your new favorite summer meal: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These beauties are savory, juicy, and packed with a combination of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The chicken is perfectly marinated, grilled to smoky perfection, and finished with a blanket of melty Parmesan that forms a gorgeous golden crust. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for a tasty weeknight dinner, or need a dish for your next potluck, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers absolutely deliver on both flavor and fun.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are what makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers truly shine. Each one adds its own little magic: from rich olive oil and punchy garlic to the nutty, salty bite of Parmesan. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus a tip for getting the best out of each component.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Go for boneless, skinless pieces cut into 1-inch cubes for juicy, tender skewers every time.
- Olive oil: This not only keeps your chicken moist but helps all those seasonings stick and soak in while marinating.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic packs the most punch and is the signature flavor of this whole dish.
- Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the chicken and seasons it from the inside out.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and gentle heat.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a taste of the Mediterranean and balances the garlic with earthy herbs.
- Paprika: Lends a touch of subtle smokiness and beautiful color to your skewers.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for a meltier, more flavorful crust on the skewers.
- Fresh parsley: A pop of green and a finishing herbal note take these skewers over the top.
- Wooden or metal skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents burning on the grill.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Make the Flavorful Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a large bowl. This simple blend packs so much flavor — the olive oil softens the chicken, while the garlic and seasonings infuse the meat during marinating. Don’t skip on the garlic; it’s really the heart of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add your diced chicken pieces to the bowl and toss everything gently, making sure all the pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want maximum flavor. The longer it sits, the better — the chicken will be even more delicious and juicy when grilled.
Step 3: Prep the Grill and Skewers
While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to cook.
Step 4: Thread and Grill
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each piece so the heat can circulate. Arrange the skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and you see those mouthwatering grill marks.
Step 5: Add That Parmesan Finish
During the last couple minutes of grilling, sprinkle a generous amount of Parmesan cheese over the skewers. The cheese should sizzle, melt, and start to form a crisp, golden crust — it’s the finishing touch that makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers truly memorable.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the finished skewers to a serving platter and shower them with plenty of chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve them warm, and watch them disappear in no time!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is classic, but you could also add a squeeze of lemon for brightness or a few shavings of extra Parmesan just before serving. These little touches don’t just look pretty — they add flavor and a bit of flair to your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
Side Dishes
These skewers are stunning alongside garlic rice, fluffy quinoa, or your favorite grilled vegetables. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness, making it a complete meal you’ll want to make again and again. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair well with just about any summer side, so feel free to get creative.
Creative Ways to Present
Slide the cooked chicken off the skewers and pile it onto toasted flatbreads, or tuck it inside pita pockets with a tangy yogurt sauce. For parties, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bite-sized on mini skewers with a side of herby dipping sauce. They’re as versatile as they are delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make fantastic next-day lunches or snacks — just be sure to let them cool completely before storing to keep them from getting soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze the uncooked, marinated chicken pieces for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, thread onto skewers, and cook as usual. Freezing after the chicken’s grilled isn’t recommended, as the Parmesan crust tends to lose its texture, but it’s possible if needed.
Reheating
Warm up leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers either in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or on a grill pan over medium heat until they’re heated through. This helps the Parmesan stay a little crispy and the chicken juicy — avoid using the microwave if you can, as it may turn the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic option because they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook uniformly on the skewers.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can! Arrange the prepared skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked and the cheese gets golden and crisp.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
A minimum of 30 minutes is great in a pinch, but if you have the time, let it marinate for up to 4 hours. The extra marinating time really lets the seasonings permeate the chicken for the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers you’ve ever tasted.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and grill just before your guests arrive for fresh, hot skewers with that irresistible Parmesan crust.
What’s the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This extra step keeps them from charring on the grill, and helps your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers stay picture-perfect!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to put a new spin on your grilling routine, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the way to go. They’re deliciously simple, crowd-pleasing, and sure to become a repeat request in any kitchen. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if you start making them all year round!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes (excluding marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken marinated in garlic and herbs, grilled to perfection, then topped with melted Parmesan cheese. A delicious main course that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Marinade:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Additional:
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add chicken, coat, and marinate in the fridge for 30 mins to 4 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Grill skewers for 10–12 mins, turning occasionally, until cooked through and charred.
- Add Parmesan: Sprinkle Parmesan over skewers in the last few minutes of grilling.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Serve with garlic rice, grilled vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Cook in the oven at 425°F for 20 minutes as an alternative method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
