Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Grilling

Juicy chicken takes on a delightful Mediterranean twist with these mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken skewers.

Marinades infuse each tender morsel with robust flavors that dance across your palate.

Fragrant herbs and zesty garlic create a symphony of taste sensations.

parmesan cheese adds a rich, crispy coating that makes these skewers irresistible.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when you thread these succulent morsels onto wooden skewers.

Compact and easy to prepare, this recipe promises a quick culinary adventure that impresses without complexity.

You’ll savor every bite of these golden, crispy chicken delights that bring restaurant-quality magic to your home kitchen.

What Makes Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Special

  • Savor Bold Flavors: Packed with zesty garlic and tangy Parmesan, these skewers deliver a mouthwatering punch that elevates ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
  • Master Quick Grilling: Simple marinading and quick cooking make this recipe perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.
  • Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Versatile skewers work wonderfully for casual family dinners, backyard barbecues, or weekend gatherings where everyone craves delicious protein.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows switching herbs, adjusting seasoning, or pairing with various sides like salad, rice, or grilled vegetables for personalized dining.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender meat that absorbs the marinade and provides the base for these flavorful skewers.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and keeps the chicken moist during grilling.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty taste and helps create a golden crust.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
  • Parsley, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
Additional Serving Ingredients:
  • Fresh Parsley, Extra Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnishes that add extra freshness and flavor when serving.

How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

In a mixing bowl, combine the tangy lemon juice, minced garlic, fragrant parsley, rich Parmesan cheese, and golden olive oil. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to create a mouthwatering marinade that will make your taste buds dance.

  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon juice
  • Parsley
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Step 2: Bath the Chicken in Deliciousness

Gently fold the chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring every morsel is completely coated. Let the chicken soak up all those incredible flavors for about half an hour, allowing the magic to happen.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Warm up your grill to a medium heat, creating the perfect cooking environment for these sensational skewers.

Step 4: Create Skewer Magic

Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, arranging them with care to ensure even cooking and beautiful presentation.

Step 5: Grill to Perfection

Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 12-15 minutes. Rotate them occasionally to achieve a gorgeous golden-brown exterior and ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the sizzling skewers to a serving platter. Sprinkle with additional fresh parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese.

These garlic Parmesan chicken skewers are ready to be devoured and enjoyed!

Helpful Tips for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor, but don't exceed 2 hours to maintain meat texture and prevent over-tenderizing.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and easier skewering.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Alternatively, bake skewers in a preheated 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes if outdoor grilling isn't possible, rotating halfway through cooking.

Flavor Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Mediterranean Herb Swap: Replace parsley with oregano and add dried basil for a Greek-inspired flavor profile, using feta cheese instead of Parmesan.
  • Low-Carb Protein Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or shrimp, maintaining the same marinade and grilling technique for different protein options.
  • Vegetarian Skewer Style: Use chunky zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms instead of chicken, keeping the garlic Parmesan marinade for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne into the marinade for those who enjoy a hot and zesty chicken skewer experience.

Pairing Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Backyard BBQ Sensation: Serve these skewers as the star attraction at your next outdoor gathering, paired with grilled vegetables and a crisp summer salad for a complete meal.
  • Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with hummus, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread for a stunning shared dining experience that feels like a Mediterranean feast.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Cut cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and store in containers with quinoa or rice for easy, protein-packed lunches throughout the week, keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.
  • Elegant Appetizer Twist: Serve mini skewers on a sleek platter with toothpicks as a sophisticated party appetizer, perfect for cocktail events or wine nights with friends.

Storage Guidelines for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Keep the skewers whole or remove chicken from skewers before storing to save space.
  • Place a layer of parchment paper between skewers to prevent sticking.
  • Cool chicken completely before refrigerating to maintain best texture.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Just ensure they’re cut into uniform pieces for even cooking and marinate them the same way.

  • Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps infuse flavor and keeps the chicken tender. If you’re short on time, even 15-20 minutes of marinating will enhance the taste.

  • What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! You can cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven at 425°F for about 15-18 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.

  • Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble skewers up to a day in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired garlic parmesan chicken skewers deliver bold flavors from Greece’s coastal regions. Herb-marinated chicken pieces grill perfectly, offering a delicious blend of zesty garlic and nutty parmesan that will make you crave more.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into cubes
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into cubes

Marinade and Seasoning:

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Garnish and Preparation:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, tangy lemon juice, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing vessel to create a vibrant marinade.
  2. Immerse chicken pieces in the zesty mixture, allowing flavors to penetrate for approximately half an hour at room temperature.
  3. Heat outdoor grill to moderate temperature around 375-400°F, ensuring grates are clean and lightly oiled.
  4. Carefully skewer marinated chicken chunks, ensuring even distribution and balanced spacing between pieces.
  5. Position skewers on preheated grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating periodically to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Remove skewers from heat, letting them rest for 3-4 minutes to retain moisture and redistribute internal juices.
  7. Transfer to serving platter, garnishing with additional freshly chopped parsley and delicate Parmesan cheese shavings for enhanced visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat texture.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential fire hazards.
  • For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free Parmesan cheese and confirm all ingredients are gluten-free.
  • Experiment with alternative protein options like tofu, shrimp, or lean turkey for diverse dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star