Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with bold garlic and parmesan flavor
- Easy to prepare and perfect for grilling or baking
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Can be served as a main dish or appetizer
- Pairs well with a variety of sides like salads, rice, or grilled vegetables
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Italian seasoning
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat the grill: If using a grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If using an oven, preheat to 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Cook the skewers:
- Grill Method: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Oven Method: Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes (or longer for more flavor)
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes (grill) or 20-25 minutes (oven)
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for some heat.
- Herb Infusion: Use fresh basil, oregano, or thyme instead of dried Italian seasoning for a fresher taste.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle extra parmesan on the skewers right after grilling for a more intense cheese flavor.
- Vegetable Addition: Thread bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini along with the chicken for a colorful and nutritious skewer.
- Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat on a grill for a few minutes to bring back some crispiness.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken skewers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from catching fire.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great option for this recipe.
What can I serve with garlic parmesan chicken skewers?
They pair well with rice, quinoa, grilled vegetables, pasta salad, or a simple green salad.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a day ahead. Store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Absolutely! Use an oven, stovetop grill pan, or air fryer if you don’t have an outdoor grill.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated parmesan is recommended for better flavor and texture, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor without dairy.
What if I don’t have skewers?
You can cook the marinated chicken as bite-sized pieces in a pan or bake them on a sheet tray instead.
Can I add other seasonings to the marinade?
Yes! Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you grill them for a summer cookout or bake them for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver delicious, cheesy, and garlicky goodness in every bite. Try them with different variations and enjoy a meal that’s both simple and satisfying!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make! Marinated in a garlic-infused blend with Parmesan cheese, these skewers are grilled or baked to perfection. Perfect for BBQs, weeknight dinners, or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, BBQ, Appetizer
- Method: Grill, Bake
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Make the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Preheat the Grill or Oven:
Grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F).
Oven: Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers.
Cook the Skewers:
Grill: Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Oven: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot
Notes
- If baking, broil for the last 2 minutes for a crispy finish.
- Serve with garlic aioli, tzatziki, or a squeeze of lemon for extra flavor.
- Works great with zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms on the skewers.
