If you’re craving something that’s irresistibly savory, perfectly juicy, and guaranteed to impress at your next cookout or weeknight dinner, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Each tender bite bursts with garlicky goodness, nutty Parmesan, and the subtle zing of Italian herbs, all wrapped around succulent chicken morsels. Whether you grill these beauties outdoors or on a stovetop grill pan, they’re as fun to eat as they are to make. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for busy nights, yet special enough for guests—trust me, everyone’s going to ask for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in the simplicity of its ingredients—each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or that golden color. Don’t skip or skimp: together, they turn humble chicken into something extraordinary!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes ensure each skewer is juicy and tender.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture, richness, and helps the marinade cling to every piece of chicken.
- Garlic: Four cloves minced bring a punchy, aromatic flavor—use fresh for the best results!
- Salt: Just enough to amplify all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth that rounds out the seasoning.
- Italian seasoning: This blend brings herby brightness and a Mediterranean flair.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Go for real Parmesan if you can—it melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty kick.
- Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end for freshness and a pop of color.
- Wooden or metal skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by making a flavor-packed marinade: in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add your chicken cubes and toss them until they’re all glistening and coated. Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge—let the chicken soak up those flavors for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you’re planning ahead). The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes!
Step 2: Preheat the Grill
While your chicken is marinating, fire up your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked so they don’t char. Lightly oil the grill grates to help prevent sticking and ensure those picture-perfect grill marks.
Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your skewers, leaving just a little space between each piece so the heat can circulate and cook them evenly. Don’t overcrowd—this helps everything develop that golden, caramelized exterior.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning occasionally so every side gets beautifully browned. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through (look for an internal temp of 165°F) and the edges start to caramelize.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan Finish
During the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese generously over the skewers. Let it melt and become slightly golden—this is where the magic happens! Once you pull them off the grill, top with a handful of fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving. These little finishing touches brighten up the skewers and make the flavors pop, not to mention they look gorgeous on the plate!
Side Dishes
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with just about anything. Try serving them with garlicky bread, a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even over a bed of buttery pasta. The flavors mingle so well that you might want to double up on sides to soak up every last bit of goodness!
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, slide the chicken off the skewers and toss them with pasta or pile them onto flatbreads for a fun twist. You can also serve the skewers upright in a glass or jar for a playful, grab-and-go appetizer. Or, present them family-style on a big platter with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs scattered over top—guaranteed to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, making these just as tasty (if not more!) the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for up to two months. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the skewers in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave, but the oven helps keep the chicken juicy and the Parmesan topping deliciously melty.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, and they work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into even pieces for uniform cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No problem at all. A grill pan or even a regular skillet on your stove will do the trick—just make sure to get it nice and hot so you still get that lovely sear and caramelization.
Is there a way to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, simply swap the Parmesan cheese for a plant-based Parmesan alternative or sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy, savory effect.
Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?
Definitely. You can marinate and thread the chicken onto skewers up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just grill as directed—easy and convenient!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and best way is to use a meat thermometer—the chicken should register 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear and the chicken is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just making a cozy dinner at home. With their bold flavors, juicy texture, and mouthwatering aroma, they’re a surefire hit every time. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can say “pass the Parmesan!”
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes active time (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers featuring tender, marinated chicken cubes grilled to perfection with a savory blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Ideal for summer grilling and quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Topping & Garnish
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked if wooden)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes into the marinade and toss well to coat each piece evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers, distributing them evenly to ensure even cooking.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Parmesan Cheese: In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken skewers. Allow the cheese to melt slightly on the hot skewers.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Serve these skewers alongside garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or atop pasta for a hearty meal.
- For extra richness, brush the cooked skewers with melted butter mixed with minced garlic prior to serving.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through by verifying the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
