If you’re ready to take your grilling game to a whole new level, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Think juicy, golden chicken cubes, irresistibly fragrant with garlic and Italian herbs, glazed in melted Parmesan, and finished with a fresh burst of parsley and a squeeze of lemon. These skewers are everything you could want—tender, flavorful, and totally crowd-pleasing whether you’re cooking for family or hosting a summer get-together. This recipe strikes just the right balance between bright flavors and cheesy richness, and once you taste it, you’ll want to make a double batch every time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is in their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, so don’t skip a thing—these bold, classic flavors create the perfect bite every time! Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love each addition:
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch cubes for even, juicy grilling.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and richness, ensuring your chicken stays tender and never dries out.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings that unmistakable aromatic kick—more is merrier for maximum flavor!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the chicken for a savory crust and cheesy bites throughout.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that infuses the chicken with garden-fresh flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Lends subtle warmth and a hint of smokiness that pairs perfectly with the grill.
- Salt: Enhances all the best flavors—don’t be shy, seasoning makes the difference.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and sharpness, balancing out the richer notes.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top for color and a fresh, herby finish.
- Lemon wedges: A spritz of lemon just before serving brightens up every bite and makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before you start—this little trick keeps them from burning on the grill and ensures your chicken cooks evenly. While they soak, you can cut up your chicken and prep the rest of your ingredients, so you’re ready to mix and assemble.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Marinade
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the olive oil, freshly minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture smells absolutely incredible—if you’re already swooning, just wait until it hits the grill! The marinade clings to the chicken and creates that signature golden, cheesy crust that makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers so unforgettable.
Step 3: Coat and Thread the Chicken
Add your chicken cubes to the bowl and toss everything together until every piece is evenly coated. Don’t rush this step—let the chicken get well acquainted with all those bold flavors! Thread the cubes onto your soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so the heat can get all around and everything cooks beautifully.
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high and brush the grates lightly with oil. Lay your loaded skewers down and listen to that sizzle—it’s the sound of greatness in the making! Grill each skewer for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning every few minutes so they cook evenly and you get those gorgeous grill marks. When the chicken is cooked through and the cheese has formed a lovely crust, they’re ready to pull off the heat.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to a serving plate, give them a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley, and serve with bright wedges of lemon. Each bite is savory, juicy, and a little zesty—the best of all grilling worlds in every mouthful.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! Sprinkle your skewers with extra grated Parmesan for a melty finish, a shower of chopped parsley for freshness, and serve with lemon wedges so everyone can add a tangy, citrusy hit right at the table. For an extra pop, a dusting of cracked black pepper is fantastic, too.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers love being paired with light, summery sides. I love them with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. If you want something heartier, try them with herbed rice or creamy mashed potatoes. Every option soaks up the flavors—and turns dinner into a feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun to your next party! Serve the skewers upright in a rustic mug or lined basket, arrange them on a big platter sprinkled with colorful veggies, or slide the chicken off onto a flatbread for a next-level wrap. However you present them, these skewers steal the show every single time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extras (lucky you!), let the skewers cool to room temperature, then slide the chicken off the sticks and transfer to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these for later! Once cooled, remove the chicken from the skewers, spread out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, just until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy and the cheesy coating nicely crisp. You can also use the microwave in a pinch, but the oven method keeps everything tasting just-grilled.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and work just as well as breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to trim any excess fat, and cut them into similar-sized pieces so everything cooks evenly.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in a 400°F oven for about 16-18 minutes, turning once halfway through. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and finish with a quick broil for extra color and flavor.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Lightly oil the grill grates before you start cooking, and make sure your grill is fully preheated. Don’t move the skewers too soon—let them sear before flipping, and they’ll release easily when ready.
Can I marinate the chicken longer?
Definitely! Marinating for up to 2 hours (or even overnight) deepens the flavor even more and makes the chicken extra tender. Just keep it chilled while marinating, and you’ll notice the difference.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without skewers?
You sure can! Just spread the coated chicken pieces out on a foil-lined baking sheet and grill or roast as directed. You’ll get all the flavor, even without threaded sticks.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for yourself—they’re everything a summer meal should be: bold, easy, and loaded with flavor. Serve them up at your next cookout or weeknight dinner and watch them disappear in no time. You’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling outdoors. Tender chicken pieces marinated in garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Serve with a squeeze of lemon for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes if using.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
- Skewer and Grill: Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between each piece. Preheat grill to medium-high heat, oil the grates, and grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Serve: Transfer skewers to a plate, sprinkle with parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate chicken for up to 2 hours before grilling.
- Pair these skewers with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
