Looking for a mouthwatering dish that's both easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests? This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is the perfect blend of savory garlic, rich parmesan cheese, and tender, juicy chicken. Whether you’re planning a family dinner or hosting a backyard BBQ, this recipe will leave everyone asking for more. Follow this comprehensive guide to make perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers every time!
What Are Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful dish made from marinated pieces of chicken, threaded onto skewers, grilled, and then generously coated with a mix of garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese. The chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, creating the perfect combination of flavors and textures. This recipe is both versatile and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
To create this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs – 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Garlic – 4-5 cloves, finely minced (adjust based on how garlicky you like it)
- Parmesan cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons (for marinade)
- Butter – 2 tablespoons, melted (for basting)
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons (for a tangy kick)
- Italian seasoning – 1 tablespoon
- Paprika – 1 teaspoon (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
- Skewers – wooden or metal (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Substitutions and Variations
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few common substitutions and variations you can try:
- Chicken: Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Thighs have more fat, making them more flavorful, though breasts tend to be leaner.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with chunks of paneer, tofu, or mushrooms. Just make sure to reduce the grilling time as these ingredients cook faster than chicken.
- Cheese: If you don’t have parmesan, try using pecorino Romano or even cheddar for a different taste. However, parmesan offers the best nutty, salty flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Add or replace the Italian seasoning with thyme, rosemary, or basil. A dash of red pepper flakes can give the skewers a spicy kick!
- Grilling alternatives: No grill? No problem. These skewers can also be baked in the oven or cooked on a stovetop grill pan.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to dive into the world of delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? Follow these easy steps to make this dish a success:
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl and toss to coat the chicken evenly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. If using metal skewers, you’re good to go!
- Thread the chicken onto skewers: After marinating, remove the chicken from the fridge and thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. Ensure the chicken pieces are packed closely together, but not too tight to allow even cooking.
- Preheat your grill: Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan, preheat it to medium-high heat.
- Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Prepare the garlic parmesan butter: While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will be used to baste the skewers.
- Baste the skewers: Once the chicken is nearly cooked through, generously brush the garlic parmesan butter over the skewers and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors soak in.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the skewers from the grill, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve hot!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a straightforward recipe like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can encounter a few pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes to make sure your dish turns out perfectly:
- Skipping the marinade: Don’t rush this step! Marinating the chicken infuses it with flavor and helps tenderize the meat. A minimum of 30 minutes is necessary, but for the best results, marinate for 2-3 hours.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breast can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Using pre-grated parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan is essential for the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting properly.
- Not soaking wooden skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them is a must. Skipping this step could result in charred, burnt skewers, or worse, them catching fire on the grill.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation plays a significant role in making a dish more appealing. Here are a few serving ideas to make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers look as great as they taste:
- Platter Style: Arrange the skewers on a large platter with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. The bright yellow of the lemon and the fresh green herbs will contrast beautifully with the golden chicken.
- Paired with Sides: Serve the skewers alongside roasted vegetables, garlic butter rice, or a crisp green salad. The lighter sides will balance the rich flavors of the chicken.
- Garnish generously: Before serving, sprinkle the skewers with extra grated parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be served in a variety of ways, depending on the occasion:
- Main dish: These skewers work wonderfully as a main dish, served alongside mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, or a light pasta salad.
- Appetizer: If you’re hosting a party, these skewers make a fantastic appetizer. Cut the chicken into smaller pieces and serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or marinara.
- Taco-style: Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve it in warm tortillas with a slaw for a Mediterranean-inspired taco night.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Rustic Look: Serve the skewers on a wooden cutting board with scattered fresh herbs and a side of dipping sauce in a small ramekin for a casual, rustic look.
- Skewers in a jar: Place the skewers upright in a mason jar for a unique, vertical presentation—great for cocktail parties!
- Colorful side dishes: Pair the skewers with vibrant side dishes, like a beet salad or roasted carrots, to create an eye-catching color contrast on the plate.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe Tips
- Use room-temperature chicken: If you can, let the chicken sit out for 20 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Grill marks: For the best grill marks, ensure your grill is hot before placing the skewers and avoid moving them around too much.
- Extra crispy chicken: For an extra crispy finish, let the skewers cook for the last few minutes without flipping to allow the butter and cheese to crisp up slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of on the grill?
A: Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the skewers on a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Use the broiler for the last few minutes to get a nice char.
Q: How long can I marinate the chicken?
A: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be, but don’t exceed 24 hours as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the texture of the chicken.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the skewers a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator. Grill them just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Q: What should I do if I don’t have skewers?
A: If you don’t have skewers, you can cook the marinated chicken pieces directly on the grill or in a pan. Just make sure to baste them with the garlic parmesan butter.
Conclusion
Gar
lic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a versatile, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re grilling outdoors in the summer or baking them indoors during cooler months, these skewers are sure to be a hit. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken will leave everyone craving more. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious chicken skewer recipes out there. Happy cooking!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious, easy-to-make dish perfect for outdoor grilling or indoor cooking. This recipe features marinated chicken with a savory garlic-Parmesan blend, skewered and grilled to perfection. Serve with your favorite side dishes for a flavorful and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breast, cut into cubes
- Olive oil
- Garlic, minced
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Wooden skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Serve with a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400mg
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