Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful & Easy Grill Recipe

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce and grilled to perfection – what’s not to love? This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet delicious dish!

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy and Quick:** Minimal prep time and cooks in minutes.
* **Flavorful:** The garlic parmesan marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
* **Versatile:** Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or addition to salads and bowls.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves the combination of garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken.
* **Customizable:** Easily adaptable to your preferences with different seasonings and vegetables.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious garlic parmesan chicken skewers:

* **Chicken Breast:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Mince it finely.
* **Parmesan Cheese:** Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the most authentic taste. Pre-grated parmesan often contains cellulose, which can affect the texture.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps to bind the marinade.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds brightness and acidity to the marinade, helping to tenderize the chicken.
* **Italian Seasoning:** A blend of herbs that complements the garlic and parmesan.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust according to your preference.
* **Optional:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, fresh parsley for garnish.
* **Skewers:** Wooden or metal skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.

**Detailed Ingredient List:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Grill or grill pan
* Tongs
* Skewers

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled garlic parmesan chicken skewers:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
* Place the chicken cubes in a mixing bowl.

**Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Marinade**

* In a separate bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
* Whisk all the ingredients together until well combined.

**Step 3: Marinate the Chicken**

* Pour the garlic parmesan marinade over the chicken cubes.
* Toss the chicken to ensure it is evenly coated with the marinade.
* Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, marinate for 2-4 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful and tender chicken. Do not marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the lemon juice can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much.

**Step 4: Assemble the Skewers**

* Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers. Leave a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
* If using vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes, alternate them with the chicken on the skewers for added flavor and color.

**Step 5: Preheat the Grill**

* Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
* If using a grill pan, heat it over medium heat on the stovetop. Lightly grease the grill grates or pan with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

**Step 6: Grill the Chicken Skewers**

* Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking.
* Grill for 8-12 minutes, turning frequently, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate doneness. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken cube.

**Step 7: Serve and Garnish**

* Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill.
* Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers

* **Soak Wooden Skewers:** Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers:** Leave a little space between each piece of chicken on the skewers to ensure even cooking.
* **Marinate for at Least 30 Minutes:** Marinating the chicken allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat. For the best results, marinate for 2-4 hours.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Turn Frequently:** Turn the skewers frequently while grilling to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook until just done for the juiciest results.
* **Let Rest:** Let the cooked skewers rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
* **Cut Chicken Evenly**: Try to cut the chicken pieces into similar size, so they cook evenly on the grill.
* **Pat the Chicken Dry:** Before marinating, patting the chicken dry with paper towels helps the marinade adhere better.
* **Don’t Overlap on the Grill:** Overcrowding the grill lowers the temperature and can result in steaming instead of searing, leading to less flavorful chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Vegetables:** Add colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms to the skewers for a complete meal.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for added flavor.
* **Herbs:** Use fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme in the marinade for a more vibrant taste.
* **Cheese:** Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese to the skewers during the last few minutes of grilling for a cheesy crust.
* **Sauces:** Serve the skewers with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
* **Lemon-Herb Chicken Skewers:** Add lemon zest and fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to the marinade for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
* **Honey-Garlic Chicken Skewers:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory garlic and parmesan.
* **Spicy Garlic Parmesan Skewers:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.
* **Mediterranean Chicken Skewers:** Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes to the skewers for a taste of the Mediterranean.
* **Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:** Use a teriyaki marinade instead of the garlic parmesan marinade for an Asian-inspired twist.

## Serving Suggestions

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways:

* **Appetizer:** Serve them as a flavorful appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Main Course:** Serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
* **Salad Topping:** Add them to salads for a protein-packed and flavorful topping.
* **Wrap Filling:** Use them as a filling for wraps or pitas with your favorite toppings.
* **Bowl Meal:** Create a bowl meal with rice, vegetables, and these delicious chicken skewers.
* **Pasta Dishes:** Serve over your favourite pasta.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave the skewers in 30-second intervals, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as the chicken can become dry.
* **Skillet:** Reheat the skewers in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or water, until heated through.
* **Grill:** Reheat the skewers on a preheated grill over low heat, turning frequently, until heated through. This is the best way to retain the original grilled flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Per Serving – estimated)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 35-40g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g
* Fiber: 1-2g

## Printable Recipe Card

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