If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with bold, savory flavor and delivers serious weeknight wow-factor, look no further than Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic. This recipe brings together juicy chicken, aromatic garlic, and nutty Parmesan, all caramelized to perfection on the grill or under the broiler. Whether you’re hosting friends for a backyard cookout or just want to shake up your dinner routine, these skewers are guaranteed to be the star of the table. Every bite is golden, garlicky, and delightfully cheesy—the kind of meal you’ll want to put on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about making Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic is how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor, crispiness, and color, ensuring every skewer is truly irresistible.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for tender, juicy skewers that soak up every bit of flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the coating stick and adds a subtle richness to the chicken as it cooks.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the chicken with robust, aromatic depth—don’t skimp!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty goodness that crisps up beautifully on the grill.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): For those who love extra crunch, a handful of breadcrumbs adds irresistible texture.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs rounds out the flavors and gives a nod to classic Italian inspiration.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a gentle smoky warmth and a gorgeous golden hue to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the marinade.
- Black pepper: A little freshly ground pepper provides a subtle, peppery kick.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the finished skewers with color and freshness.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon right before serving lifts the cheesy, garlicky flavors to new heights.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic
Step 1: Preheat Your Grill or Broiler
Start by firing up your grill to medium-high heat, or preheating your oven’s broiler. A hot grill or broiler is key to getting that beautiful golden color and a bit of char on your Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs (if you want that extra crunch), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good whisk so the flavors are evenly distributed. This flavorful marinade is what makes these Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic truly shine.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Add your cubed chicken pieces into the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the cheesy, garlicky mixture. Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes while you prep the grill allows the flavors to soak in.
Step 4: Thread the Skewers
Carefully thread the coated chicken cubes onto your prepared skewers, spacing them just enough so each piece cooks evenly. Don’t crowd them too tightly; a little breathing room helps the heat circulate and ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Grill or Broil the Skewers
Place the skewers on the hot grill or under the broiler. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown, lightly crisped, and cooked through (internal temperature should hit 165°F or 74°C). The Parmesan will get gorgeously caramelized, and the garlic will become sweet and mellow.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your sizzling Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with lemon wedges for that bright, zesty finish. Get ready for rave reviews!
How to Serve Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic
Garnishes
Finish your skewers with a shower of fresh parsley for color and a burst of herby freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice over the top right before serving wakes up all the flavors—don’t skip it! For an extra touch, a little extra grated Parmesan never hurts.
Side Dishes
Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic are wonderfully versatile and pair beautifully with a wide range of sides. Try them with a crisp green salad, some grilled summer vegetables, or a fluffy rice pilaf. They’re also fantastic alongside garlic bread or a bowl of chilled pasta salad for a picnic-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, arrange the skewers on a large platter with the lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley for easy sharing. For a fun twist, serve them de-skewered over a bed of arugula, or tuck the chicken pieces into pita pockets with a dollop of tzatziki or garlicky yogurt sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container to keep them juicy and flavorful. They’re great for meal prepping—simply reheat and enjoy with your favorite sides.
Freezing
To freeze, let the skewers cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the garnishes and add fresh parsley and lemon after reheating.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat the skewers in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 10 minutes). You can also microwave in short bursts, but the oven method helps maintain the crispy, cheesy coating that makes Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic so special.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and follow the recipe as written. The flavor will be just as delicious.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all. Just use your oven’s broiler or roast the skewers at 425°F (220°C) for 15 to 18 minutes, turning once. You’ll still get that beautiful golden color and cheesy crust.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply omit the breadcrumbs or use your favorite gluten-free alternative. The Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic will still turn out crispy, cheesy, and totally satisfying.
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken for up to 8 hours in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, and your Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic will be even more delicious when you’re ready to cook.
What’s the best way to prevent the skewers from burning?
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This step helps keep them from burning on the grill or under the broiler.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic are sure to become a new favorite. Give them a try the next time you want something a little different—you’ll love every cheesy, garlicky, golden bite!
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Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Broiling
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic offer a flavorful and easy-to-make main course perfect for grilling or broiling. Juicy chicken breast cubes are marinated in a zesty blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, grilled to perfection, and served with fresh parsley and lemon wedges for a bright finishing touch. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- Preheat Grill or Broiler: Prepare your grill or oven broiler by heating it to medium-high heat to ensure a hot cooking surface that will sear the chicken beautifully.
- Make the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs (if using), Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the mixture, allowing the flavors to infuse.
- Thread onto Skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, spreading them out evenly to facilitate consistent cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill or under the broiler and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Turn the skewers occasionally to achieve an even, golden color and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken to add a fresh, tangy finish.
Notes
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- These skewers pair wonderfully with a side salad, grilled vegetables, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
- You can alternatively cook the skewers in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes if a grill is not available.
- For a gluten-free option, omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
