Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
If you’re searching for a flavorful and effortless crowd-pleaser, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are your new go-to recipe. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic and parmesan cheese, these skewers deliver juicy, tender chicken bites that are both savory and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight meal or firing up the grill on the weekend, this easy recipe brings bold flavor and a satisfying texture that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Bold Flavor: The combination of fresh garlic and parmesan creates a rich, savory taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Grill, bake, or pan-fry to suit your kitchen setup or outdoor BBQ plans.
- Kid-Friendly: Mild yet tasty, these skewers appeal to picky eaters while satisfying adults alike.
- Easy Cleanup: Minimal ingredients and one-pan cooking means fewer dishes to wash.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh, and readily available ingredients come together seamlessly in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Each component plays a key role in building texture, depth of flavor, and an enticing golden finish on the chicken.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering and even cooking.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced to deliver that pungent, aromatic punch essential for flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty richness that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasoning adhere and keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Simple but crucial to enhance all the other flavors.
- Lemon Juice: A splash for brightness and subtle acidity that balances the richness.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: For easy grilling and serving (soak wooden skewers if using).
Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Feel free to customize the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe to match your taste buds or dietary preferences. These flexible ideas can turn the base recipe into something uniquely yours.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more aromatic touch.
- Milk or Yogurt Marinade: Marinate chicken in buttermilk or yogurt to tenderize and create extra creamy texture before skewering.
- Vegetable Add-Ons: Thread cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini along for a colorful, nutritious twist.
- Cheese Alternatives: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper flavor profile.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until the blend is smooth and aromatic, ready to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
Step 3: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even heat circulation.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
Grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight golden crust. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or pan-fry until cooked and caramelized.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before serving for an appealing finish.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Use Even-Sized Pieces: Ensures all chicken cooks uniformly without drying out or undercooking.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevents burning if you’re grilling outdoors.
- Don’t Overcrowd Skewers: Leave gaps between chicken for better heat circulation and juicier results.
- Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate chicken for up to 2 hours in the fridge.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers sit for a few minutes to redistribute juices for tender bites.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Fresh parsley, extra parmesan shavings, and a squeeze of lemon juice add brightness and a pop of color to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, making them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside garlic butter roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or grilled vegetables to complement the savory flavors while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, arrange skewers on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or honey mustard to create an interactive and fun eating experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring you reheat gently to keep them moist.
Freezing
Place uncooked, marinated chicken pieces on skewers in a freezer-safe container or zip bag and freeze for up to 1 month, ready for grilling on demand.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or on the stovetop at medium heat, covering to retain moisture, or quickly grill them to revive the crisp edges.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more juiciness and flavor due to their higher fat content, and the recipe works just as well with them.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning during grilling and keeps your skewers intact.
What can I substitute for parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are excellent substitutes that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor.
Is it better to grill or bake these skewers?
Both methods work perfectly; grilling adds a smoky char while baking offers a convenient and hands-off option for busy cooks.
Can I make these skewers vegetarian?
Yes, swap chicken for firm tofu or halloumi cheese and adjust cooking time accordingly for a delicious vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe that brightens any meal with their savory, garlicky goodness. Easy to prepare, versatile, and crowd-pleasing, this dish is guaranteed to become a household favorite. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and start grilling—you’ll be delighted with every juicy, parmesan-packed bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, tender chicken bites perfectly seasoned with a flavorful blend of fresh garlic, grated parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried to suit your preference. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners, weekend BBQs, or entertaining guests, these skewers deliver bold, savory flavors with minimal cleanup, making them a delicious crowd-pleaser everyone will enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers if using)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: Combine minced garlic, grated parmesan, olive oil, Italian seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until the blend is smooth and aromatic, ready to coat the chicken evenly.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the bite-sized chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to absorb maximum flavor.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers or metal ones, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even heat circulation.
- Cook the Skewers: Grill over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight golden crust. Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or pan-fry until cooked and caramelized.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle extra parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before serving for an appealing finish.
Notes
- Use even-sized pieces of chicken to ensure uniform cooking.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
- Do not overcrowd skewers; leave gaps between pieces for better heat circulation and juicier results.
- For deeper flavor, marinate chicken for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute juices for tender bites.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: garlic parmesan chicken, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, easy chicken recipe, parmesan chicken, BBQ skewers, weeknight dinner, gluten free appetizer