If you love dishes bursting with savory, cheesy, and fresh flavors, then this Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Tender, juicy chicken cubes marinated in a vibrant mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon, and herbs come together to create a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for grilling season or any time you crave a quick, satisfying meal. It’s a simple yet stunning dish that combines the richness of Parmesan with the aromatic punch of garlic and herbs, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and texture in your skewers. Each one plays a key role, from the creamy Parmesan that adds depth to the fresh parsley that brightens the dish.
- Chicken breasts, 1 ½ pounds: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easy skewering.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Helps tenderize the chicken and carries the flavors beautifully during grilling.
- Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Offers a bold, aromatic punch that complements the Parmesan perfectly.
- Parmesan cheese, ½ cup grated: Adds a rich, salty flavor with a lovely crust when grilled.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Provides a fresh tang that brightens the marinade and balances richness.
- Dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon: A classic herb blend that infuses Mediterranean charm into every bite.
- Salt, ½ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper, ¼ teaspoon: Offers a subtle kick without overpowering.
- Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped: Used as a fresh garnish to add color and a hint of herbal brightness.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Needed to thread the chicken cubes for grilling.
How to Make Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This flavorful marinade infuses every piece of chicken with a perfect blend of creamy, zesty, and herbaceous notes that will make your skewers absolutely irresistible.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the chicken to soak in all those delicious flavors while remaining tender and juicy once grilled.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers evenly, making sure not to crowd them so they cook perfectly on all sides.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and has those beautiful grill marks. The cheese in the marinade caramelizes slightly, adding a fantastic texture and flavor contrast.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once off the grill, sprinkle the skewers with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish that balances the richness of the Parmesan.
How to Serve Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for this dish, adding brightness and visual appeal. You can also sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan just before serving for an extra cheesy touch. A lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a final zesty squeeze.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic roasted vegetables, or fluffy rice to soak up all the wonderful juices. For a lighter option, grilled zucchini or asparagus bring complementary smoky notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the skewers on a bed of herbed couscous or alongside a chilled tomato and cucumber salad for a Mediterranean flair. For parties, arrange them on a platter with various dipping sauces like tzatziki or a lemon aioli to keep guests coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked skewers wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and then stored in a freezer-safe bag. They maintain good flavor and texture for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or warm them gently on the grill to revive those scrumptious charred edges without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a richer taste. Just follow the same marinating and grilling steps, adjusting cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, helping you focus on that perfect chicken flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Is there a way to make the skewers spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade introduces a nice heat that complements the garlic and Parmesan beautifully.
Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have access to a grill, cooking the skewers in a grill pan on the stovetop or baking them in a 425°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes works perfectly well.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe is a delightful fusion of simple ingredients that bring so much flavor and joy to the table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s a reliably delicious choice that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying. Give it a try—you may just discover a new staple for your recipe repertoire!
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Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Skewers with Parmesan and Garlic are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled main course. Marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, the tender chicken cubes are stacked on skewers and grilled to perfection, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more intense flavor.
- Soak wooden skewers (if using): If you are using wooden skewers, submerge them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, ensuring it is hot before cooking.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between pieces to allow even cooking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are cooked thoroughly and have nice grill marks.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- If you don’t have access to a grill, these skewers can be baked in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15–18 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Serve with complementary sides such as steamed rice, mixed green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
