If you are looking to impress with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and guaranteed to become a crowd favorite, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated in fragrant garlic and Italian herbs, grilled to perfection, and finished with a savory sprinkle of Parmesan cheese—it’s the perfect combination of smoky, cheesy, and garlicky goodness all on a stick. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or simply craving a simple yet elegant weeknight dinner, these skewers deliver incredible taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one adds its own delicious touch to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. From the rich olive oil that keeps the chicken juicy to the fresh parsley that brightens every bite, it’s the balance of flavors and textures that makes this dish truly shine.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes, these provide the perfect tenderness and grill-ready size.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps infuse the garlic and seasonings into the chicken beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: The superstar ingredient for that irresistible aroma and punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs like oregano and basil that take the skewers to the next level.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle heat and extra dimension.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a rich, nutty flavor and slightly crispy finish when melted on the grill.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish): Provides a fresh, vibrant touch and lovely color contrast.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Essential for threading and grilling the chicken cubes evenly.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes in a large bowl. This marinade infuses the chicken with rich, savory layers of flavor that are simply irresistible. Toss the chicken cubes in this mixture until they’re completely coated, cover the bowl, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those delicious flavors soak in—or up to 4 hours if you want them to be even more intense.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent any burning or charring. This little step will save your skewers and keep everything nice and safe over the hot grill. Metal skewers can be used as is and are reusable, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Step 3: Preheat and Thread
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes evenly onto the skewers, making sure to give a little wiggle room between pieces so they cook evenly and get those beautiful grill marks.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure every side gets a delicious char and cooks through. In the last 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. The heat will melt this cheese ever so slightly, creating a delightful crust that’s pure comfort food magic.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley to add that final pop of color and freshness. Serve them while warm and enjoy every bite of this tasty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe shine, fresh garnishes are key. Bright green parsley sprinkled on top adds color and a hint of herbal brightness. You can also offer lemon wedges on the side for guests who want a zingy splash of citrus to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with simple, fresh sides to keep the flavors balanced. A crisp garden salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or even a light quinoa salad complement the rich, cheesy chicken beautifully. For something heartier, grilled vegetables or a creamy risotto create a wholesome, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, serve the skewers right on a wooden board, letting everyone grab their own. If you want to dress things up, arrange the skewers on a platter lined with lettuce or herbs and drizzle with a balsamic glaze. Another fun idea is to serve with small bowls of dipping sauces like a tangy yogurt-garlic dip or a zesty marinara.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before refrigerating to keep it juicy and flavorful for your next meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep the skewers longer, freezing is a great option. Place the cooked and cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the skewers and warm them gently in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 10 minutes. This method helps retain moisture and reheats the Parmesan topping perfectly. Alternatively, a quick toss on a hot grill or grill pan will revive those crispy edges and freshen the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are slightly fattier and even more juicy, which makes them excellent for grilling. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.
Do I have to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, making your cooking experience safer and your skewers easier to handle.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely. You can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll still be delicious and juicy with that garlicky Parmesan flavor.
Is it okay to leave out the crushed red pepper flakes?
Yes, the crushed red pepper flakes add a little heat, but they’re completely optional. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit them or adjust the amount to your taste.
Can these skewers be served cold or at room temperature?
While they’re best enjoyed warm for full flavor and melty Parmesan, you can absolutely serve leftover skewers at room temperature, making them a great option for picnics or packed lunches.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but comes together so effortlessly you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether it’s for a quick family dinner or your next backyard get-together, these skewers bring joy with every juicy, garlicky bite. Give it a try and watch how fast these flavorful bites disappear from your plate!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy grilled dish perfect for summer cookouts or quick weeknight dinners. Tender chicken cubes marinated in a savory blend of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and spices are skewered and grilled to perfection, then topped with melted Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a deliciously cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Other
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well to create the marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss well to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Prepare skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.
- Preheat grill: Heat your grill or grill pan over medium heat to prepare for cooking the skewers.
- Grill chicken skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking and nice grill marks. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Add Parmesan cheese: During the last 2 minutes of cooking, evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers, allowing it to melt slightly and coat the chicken.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with the chopped fresh parsley, and serve warm. For an extra flavor boost, optionally add a squeeze of lemon juice over the skewers before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the finished skewers.
- If you don’t have a grill, bake the skewers in an oven preheated to 400°F (200°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through.
- Soaking wooden skewers before grilling prevents them from burning.
