I can’t wait to share this amazing recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with you! It’s one of my all-time favorite dishes and brings back such fond memories. I remember the first time I tried these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – it was at a backyard barbecue with some close friends, and the moment I took that first bite, I was hooked. The tender, juicy chicken, coated in a crispy garlic Parmesan crust, was an absolute flavor explosion in my mouth.
What made these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers so special was the perfect balance of savory, garlicky, and cheesy notes. The marinade infused the chicken with so much depth of flavor, and the high-heat cooking method resulted in an irresistible caramelized crust. Ever since that day, I’ve been trying to recreate that same magic at home, and I’m thrilled to say that I’ve finally perfected the recipe. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have become a regular in my dinner rotation, and I just know your family is going to love them too.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
The secret to these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is in the two-step cooking process. First, the chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of garlic, Parmesan, and spices, which infuses it with incredible flavor. Then, the skewered chicken is seared over high heat, creating a delightfully crispy exterior that seals in all the juices. This technique ensures that every bite of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is perfectly cooked and bursting with taste.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll need:
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – for maximum juiciness and flavor
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese – the key to that irresistible cheesy crust
Minced garlic – provides the signature garlic punch
Olive oil – helps the marinade and crust adhere to the chicken
Dried oregano – adds an aromatic Italian flair
Salt and pepper – to season the chicken perfectly
Step-by-Step Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly easy to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes. All you’ll need are some wooden or metal skewers, a hot grill or grill pan, and a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to get these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on your table in no time.
1- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes, placing them in a large bowl as you go.
2- In a small bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
3- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece.
4- Preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, add the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
5- Remove the skewers from the heat and let them rest for a minute or two before serving.
6- Arrange the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on a platter and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips:
- Use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours, to get the maximum flavor impact.
- Be sure to preheat your grill or grill pan to high heat before adding the skewers – this will help create that delicious sear.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, as the high heat can cause it to go from perfectly cooked to dry and tough in a matter of minutes.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are truly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, I love serving them with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple pasta salad. They also make a great appetizer or party food, especially when paired with a cool and creamy dipping sauce like ranch or tzatziki.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
If you have any Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers left over, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
You can also prepare the chicken and marinade ahead of time, then skewer and cook them just before serving. This makes these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a great option for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Creative Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Variations
While the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are delicious as-is, you can easily switch things up by trying different flavor combinations. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding lemon zest, fresh herbs like basil or parsley, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Or for a smoky-sweet version, mix in a bit of smoked paprika and brown sugar.
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Diet-Friendly
To make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers more diet-friendly, you can swap the chicken thighs for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This will reduce the overall fat and calorie content. For a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in the marinade instead of traditional breadcrumbs. And for a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese and use a plant-based cheese alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work just as well in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, as chicken breasts can dry out more quickly than thighs.
Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 2 hours. This allows the flavors to fully infuse the meat without making the texture too mushy.
Q: Can I grill these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers instead of using a grill pan?
A: Yes, you can definitely grill these skewers! Preheat your grill to high heat and cook the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
Q: How many skewers does this recipe make?
A: This recipe will make approximately 8-10 Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, depending on how much chicken you use per skewer. Feel free to adjust the quantities to feed a larger crowd.
Q: Can I prep these ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to 2 days in advance. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy, tender chicken skewers coated in a mouthwatering garlic parmesan sauce – these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and easy dinner the whole family will devour!
Ingredients
– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, parmesan, garlic, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. 2. Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
3. 3. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
4. 4. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers immediately, garnished with extra parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, marinate the chicken in the garlic parmesan mixture for 30 minutes to 1 hour before grilling. You can also broil the skewers in the oven for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this recipe for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers has convinced you to fire up your grill and give it a try! These skewers are so easy to make, yet the flavor is truly out of this world. The perfect balance of garlic, Parmesan, and juicy chicken is sure to make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a new family favorite. Don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any other questions – I’m always happy to help! Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, and I can’t wait to hear what you think.