If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and perfectly tender chicken, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These skewers combine juicy, marinated chicken cubes with the rich, nutty taste of Parmesan and the irresistible punch of garlic, all grilled to smoky perfection. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or impressing friends at a weekend barbecue, this dish offers a fantastic balance of simplicity and gourmet flair that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients, each one playing a key role in building that unforgettable taste and texture. From the garlic’s aromatic depth to the Parmesan’s savory richness, every component works together to create a mouthwatering delight.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and tender bites.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a luscious base for the marinade and helps keep the chicken juicy on the grill.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a robust, fragrant flavor that defines the dish.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other ingredients and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: An herb blend that delivers freshness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Infuses a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives that signature nutty, salty finish that melts just right on hot chicken.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Wooden skewers should be soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika in a large bowl. This marinade is where all the flavors come alive, seasoning each chicken piece with just the right amount of savory and smoky goodness. Toss in the chicken cubes and make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, extending to 2 hours will deepen the flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Get Your Grill Ready
While your chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This temperature strikes the perfect balance—hot enough to sear the outside, locking in juices, without drying the meat inside. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember their soak time to avoid any unexpected flare-ups while grilling.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Once marinated, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each cube so heat can circulate evenly, ensuring a beautiful char without overcooking.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a slightly charred exterior with no pink left inside. Keep a close eye since chicken cooks quickly, and you don’t want to risk drying it out. For a little extra crispiness, give the skewers a light brush of olive oil before grilling.
Step 5: Sprinkle with Parmesan and Parsley
The final flourish is what truly takes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe over the top—a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan mixed with fresh parsley, applied while the chicken is still piping hot. This step lets the cheese melt slightly, creating a savory crust that crisps delicately with each bite.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just for tossing in the marinade; sprinkling additional chopped parsley before serving adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and herbal brightness. For an extra zing, a light drizzle of lemon juice or a schmear of garlic aioli complements the flavors perfectly. Don’t be afraid to experiment with little fresh basil leaves or even shaved Parmesan curls for a restaurant-worthy presentation.
Side Dishes
These skewers shine beautifully alongside simple, complementary sides. Try serving them over a fluffy bed of jasmine rice to soak up every juicy bite, or pair with a crisp garden salad to balance all the richness. Roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes also make excellent accompaniments that will round out your meal and impress guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these skewers on a wooden platter garnished with edible flowers and lemon wedges for a fresh, rustic vibe. You can also thread some cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini slices between the chicken cubes before grilling to add color and variety. Looking to elevate your dinner party? Plate the skewers over a bed of herbed couscous or alongside a garlic butter pasta for something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain flavorful and tender for up to 3 days, making for quick lunches or easy dinner reheats.
Freezing
These skewers freeze well if you want to prepare them in advance. After grilling, cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen skewers will keep their best texture and flavor for about 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. If frozen, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving on the grill, so they make an excellent substitute in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning or catching fire, making your grilling experience safer and more enjoyable.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to a grill, broiling the skewers in your oven works wonderfully. Just broil each side for 4–5 minutes until nicely charred and cooked through.
What’s the best way to prevent chicken from sticking to the grill?
Make sure your grill is preheated well and lightly oiled before placing the skewers down. Brushing the chicken with olive oil before grilling also helps create a non-stick surface.
Can I prepare the skewers entirely ahead of time?
Yes, you can thread the chicken on skewers and marinate them in the fridge for up to 2 hours before cooking. For best texture and flavor, grill the skewers fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and utterly delicious about the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe that invites you back for more. It’s a dish that’s easy enough for weeknight dinners but impressive enough for entertaining, delivering bold flavors with every bite. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, fire up that grill, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these irresistible skewers—you won’t regret it!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled chicken dish that combines tender, marinated chicken breast chunks with a savory garlic, Parmesan, and herb coating. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, they offer a deliciously charred exterior and juicy interior, served best with your favorite sides such as rice, salad, or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Topping
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat the grill: Warm your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken skewers.
- Assemble the skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers, ensuring even spacing for uniform cooking.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning carefully, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a light char for added flavor.
- Prepare the Parmesan topping: While the chicken grills, mix the grated Parmesan cheese with chopped fresh parsley in a small bowl.
- Finish and serve: Once the chicken skewers are off the grill and still hot, immediately sprinkle the garlic Parmesan and parsley mixture over them. Serve warm alongside your choice of dipping sauces or over rice, salad, or pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness and flavor, lightly brush the skewers with olive oil before grilling.
- If a grill is not available, you can broil the skewers in the oven for 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Soaking wooden skewers in water prior to grilling prevents them from burning.
- Marinating the chicken longer, up to 2 hours, enhances the flavor and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
