These Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for a tasty meal! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in garlic and sprinkled with cheesy goodness. Yum!
They grill up quickly, making them a hit for dinner or a fun barbecue! I love serving them with some fresh veggies on the side—it’s a simple way to impress guests! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for tenderness. If you want a different texture, try using chicken thighs. They’re juicier! You can also use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too. Just use less since it’s more concentrated. Personally, I love to add an extra clove or two for more garlic goodness!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a nice substitute. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option that adds a cheesy flavor.
Olive Oil: This oil adds richness, but feel free to swap it out for avocado oil or melted butter. Both will work wonderfully in the marinade!
How Do I Get the Chicken Skewers to Cook Evenly?
Cooking chicken skewers perfectly can be tricky! Here are some tips to help:
- Cut the chicken into uniform cubes to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leaving space means heat can circulate better, resulting in juicy chicken.
- Preheat your grill or pan before adding the skewers. This ensures a nice sear and grill marks, plus keeps moisture inside.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Following these steps will give you delicious and evenly cooked chicken skewers!
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) 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 basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water 30 minutes prior to use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking time on the grill is about 10-12 minutes. In total, expect around 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything well until it’s nicely blended into a marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade in the bowl. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated in that tasty mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got more time, letting it marinate for up to 2 hours will really boost the flavor!
3. Prepare for Grilling:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This step is important for getting those nice grill marks and ensuring the chicken cooks evenly!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto your skewers, making sure to leave a little space between each piece. This will help them cook properly and get that lovely char!
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on your preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn, and enjoy the wonderful smell as they cook! You’ll know they are done when they are golden and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Rest and Garnish:
After grilling, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This will keep the chicken juicy. If you’d like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch and serve warm with your favorite sides like salad, rice, or grilled veggies!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy garlic Parmesan chicken skewers!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While chicken works perfectly in this recipe, you can use shrimp, beef, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—shrimp cooks faster, while beef may need more time to reach the desired doneness.
What Can I Serve with These Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Try serving them over a bed of rice, alongside a fresh salad, or with grilled vegetables. You can also wrap them in pita bread with your favorite sauce for a delicious twist!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the microwave, or for a better texture, warm them up on a grill or stovetop for a few minutes. Be sure to add a splash of olive oil to keep them moist!
Can I Prepare the Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. However, for best results, assemble them on the skewers just before grilling. If you have leftover cooked skewers, they are also great for meal prep!
