These Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in garlic and topped with delicious Parmesan cheese, making every bite flavorful.
Making skewers is so much fun! I love sticking them on the grill and watching them sizzle. Perfect for a quick dinner or when friends drop by for a BBQ! 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. However, you can substitute chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. You can even use tofu for a vegetarian option!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a bold flavor. If you’re out or prefer something milder, garlic powder works too—just use about 1 teaspoon.
Parmesan Cheese: I recommend using freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor. In a pinch, you can use grated Romano, Pecorino, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives the chicken a lovely richness. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted butter if you like those flavors better.
How Do I Grill Chicken Skewers Perfectly?
Grilling chicken skewers might seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! Here are some tips to ensure your skewers are cooked perfectly:
- Marinate Well: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps infuse flavor and keeps it moist.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot before adding the skewers. This helps sear the chicken and prevent sticking.
- Don’t Crowd the Skewers: Leave some space between the chicken pieces on the skewers for even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. This guarantees juicy and well-done chicken!
- Let it Rest: After grilling, let the skewers rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute.
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
Time Needed:
This delicious recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prep and around 12 minutes to grill. Including the marinating time of at least 30 minutes, you can whip this up in about an hour!
Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures it’s hot enough to cook the chicken quickly.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once marinated, take the chicken out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to turn them occasionally to get a nice char on all sides! Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Add Extra Flavor:
When done, remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top if you like a cheesy kick!
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve the skewers hot with your favorite sides like salad, rice, or veggies. Enjoy your flavorful and easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
FAQs for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if the pieces are larger.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan, you can use grated Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. Nutritional yeast is an excellent dairy-free substitute for a cheesy flavor as well!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. However, avoid marinating for more than 2 hours, as the acidity from the marinade can make the chicken too tender and mushy.
How to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the grill until heated through. Enjoy them cold in salads too!
