Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Looking for a delicious, quick, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for family dinners, BBQs, or gatherings? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the answer! Juicy, tender pieces of chicken marinated in a garlic-Parmesan blend, skewered, and grilled to perfection, they’re bursting with flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or cooking inside, this recipe will be a hit with everyone. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe for garlic Parmesan chicken skewers!

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What are Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are grilled or baked chicken pieces marinated in a mixture of garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and seasonings. The chicken is threaded onto skewers and cooked until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. These skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, as a fun party appetizer, or as part of a summer BBQ spread. Serve them with dipping sauces, salad, or a side of rice for a complete meal!

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious skewers:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized cubes.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – For the marinade and to keep the chicken juicy.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic adds a strong, flavorful punch.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, cheesy flavor to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme to enhance the flavor.
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For a hint of smokiness and color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For extra garlic flavor.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – To season the chicken.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – For a bright, tangy flavor.

For Serving and Garnishing:

• Fresh parsley – Chopped for garnish.
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese – To sprinkle on top.
• Lemon wedges – For squeezing over the skewers.
• Optional dipping sauces – Serve with marinara, garlic aioli, or ranch dressing.

Ingredients List for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Optional Additions)

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few optional ingredients to enhance the flavor:

• Red pepper flakes – For a spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – Adds a tangy element to the marinade.
• Vegetables for skewers – Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to the skewers for extra color and flavor.
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar – For a touch of sweetness and acidity.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken thighs – For an even juicier result, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Herb variations – Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.
• Gluten-free – This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your Parmesan and seasoning blends to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian version – Use tofu or large mushroom caps like portobello in place of the chicken for a vegetarian option.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make these mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

Step 1: Prepare the Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken and Marinade

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size.

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers

Once the chicken has marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers. If you’re adding vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes, alternate them with the chicken on the skewers for a colorful and flavorful presentation.

Step 4: Grill or Bake the Chicken Skewers

For Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside.

For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese. Serve the skewers with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top, and offer your favorite dipping sauces on the side.

How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick recap of the steps:

1. Prepare the skewers by soaking wooden skewers or using metal skewers.
2. Marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Thread the chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if desired.
4. Grill or bake the skewers until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
5. Garnish and serve with fresh parsley, Parmesan, lemon wedges, and dipping sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few mistakes to avoid when making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

• Not marinating long enough – Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to ensure it absorbs all the flavors.
• Overcooking the chicken – Be sure to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken and remove it from the grill or oven once it reaches 165°F. Overcooking can dry out the chicken.
• Skipping the skewer soak – If using wooden skewers, always soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can make them even more appealing. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with dipping sauces – Offer a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, marinara, ranch, or even a tangy barbecue sauce to complement the flavors of the skewers.
• Garnish with fresh herbs – Sprinkle fresh parsley, basil, or even a drizzle of extra olive oil to add brightness and color to the dish.
• Pair with sides – Serve the skewers with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, rice, or grilled vegetables to round out the meal.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These skewers are best served hot, straight off the grill or out of the oven. You can serve them as an appetizer, part of a main course, or as part of a BBQ spread. For a complete meal, pair the skewers with sides like roasted potatoes, a crisp salad, or rice pilaf.

Presentation Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Here are a few presentation ideas to make your chicken skewers stand out:

• Serve on a wooden board – Arrange the skewers on a rustic wooden serving board for a homestyle, elegant presentation.
• Garnish with lemon slices – Add lemon slices and fresh herbs around the skewers for a vibrant, colorful look.
• Serve with fresh vegetables – Arrange grilled or fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini around the skewers to add more color to the plate.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe Tips

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your chicken skewers are a hit every time:

• Cut chicken evenly – Ensure that all chicken pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide more flavor than pre-grated varieties.
• Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Chicken is fully cooked at 165°F but can dry out quickly if overcooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make these chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply thread the chicken onto skewers and grill or bake when you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then proceed with grilling or baking as usual.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

To reheat leftovers, place the skewers in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill or in a skillet on the stovetop.

Can I use different vegetables on the skewers?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, and onions are all great vegetables to add to the skewers. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly with the chicken.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for grilling season or any time of year. With juicy chicken marinated in a rich garlic-Parmesan blend and cooked to perfection, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or as part of a BBQ feast with your favorite sides and dipping sauces. Enjoy!

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