These Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are super tasty and fun to eat! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in garlic and topped with delicious parmesan cheese.
They make a great snack or meal, and they’re perfect for grilling! I love to serve them with a side salad. Just watch out—friends might ask for seconds! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless chicken thighs for their richness and juiciness. However, if you’re looking to lighten things up, boneless chicken breasts work great too! You can even swap the chicken for tofu for a vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re out, garlic powder can work in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove. Just remember, the taste will be slightly different.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a wonderful nuttiness. If you don’t have it, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast can also be a great cheesy alternative for a dairy-free version!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and flavor. If you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted butter can be excellent substitutes.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Juicy and Well-Cooked?
To get perfectly juicy chicken skewers, marinating is key! This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix your marinade well and let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes. If you can, aim for 2 hours for deeper flavor.
- When grilling, make sure the grill is preheated. This helps to sear the chicken quickly, sealing in the juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers; leave space between pieces so they cook evenly. This also makes it easier to flip them on the grill.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Chicken needs to reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat.
Letting the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite stays tender and delicious!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for marinating. Cooking on the grill will take another 10-12 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes, depending on marinating time. Totally worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix until everything is well blended. This will be your delicious marinade!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes into the marinade. Toss them gently until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—longer is better if you have the time, as it gives the chicken more flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot to get those perfect grill marks!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken:
Place the skewers on the grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can check with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) when done.
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the chicken skewers from the grill. Allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley over the skewers. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star in this recipe, you can also use shrimp or even chunks of firm fish like salmon. Just be mindful of the cooking times, as these proteins may cook faster than chicken.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have a Grill?
No worries! You can cook these skewers in the oven or on a stovetop grill pan. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Just be careful not to overheat, or the chicken may become dry.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to grill! This can save you time on busy days while still enjoying a flavorful dish.
