Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Grilling Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Prepare to be amazed by this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling season or a quick weeknight dinner! Imagine juicy, tender chicken, marinated in a rich garlic and parmesan sauce, then perfectly grilled to a slightly charred perfection. Are you drooling yet?

While the exact origins of chicken skewers are difficult to pinpoint, the concept of grilling meat on a stick has been around for centuries, spanning across various cultures. From the Middle Eastern kebabs to the Japanese yakitori, skewered meats are a beloved culinary tradition. This particular recipe, however, puts a delightful Italian-American twist on the classic, combining the savory goodness of garlic and parmesan with the simplicity of grilling.

People absolutely adore Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for several reasons. First and foremost, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and perfectly grilled chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Secondly, they are incredibly convenient. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or need a quick and easy meal, these skewers are a fantastic option. The preparation is minimal, and the grilling time is short, making them a winner for busy weeknights. Finally, the texture is divine – the slightly crispy exterior gives way to a juicy and tender interior, making each bite a truly satisfying experience. So, get ready to fire up the grill and enjoy these delectable Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• Garlic: 6 cloves, minced
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated
• Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
• Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted
• Italian Seasoning: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic Powder: 1 tablespoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped (for garnish)
• Wooden Skewers: Approximately 20-25 (soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)

Preparing the Chicken and Marinade:

Alright, let’s get started! The key to amazing chicken skewers is a flavorful marinade that really penetrates the meat. This garlic parmesan marinade is seriously addictive. Trust me on this one!

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, make sure your chicken breasts are cut into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. If some pieces are larger than others, they’ll take longer to cook, and you might end up with some dry bits. Nobody wants that! Pat the chicken cubes dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and promotes browning during cooking.
2. Mince the Garlic: Mince those 6 cloves of garlic as finely as you can. You want that garlic flavor to be evenly distributed throughout the marinade. I like to use a garlic press, but finely chopping it with a knife works just as well.
3. Grate the Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan is a must! The pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt and incorporate into the marinade the same way. Plus, the flavor of freshly grated parmesan is so much richer.
4. Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, melted butter, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything is well combined. The mixture should be a thick, fragrant paste.
5. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss everything together until the chicken is completely coated in the garlic parmesan goodness. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually aim for at least an hour.

Assembling the Skewers:

While the chicken is marinating, don’t forget to soak your wooden skewers in water! This prevents them from catching fire on the grill or in the oven. I usually soak them for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.

1. Prepare the Skewers: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers. I usually aim for about 4-5 chicken cubes per skewer, but you can adjust this based on the size of your skewers and the size of the chicken cubes. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking.

Cooking the Skewers:

Now for the fun part – cooking! You have a few options here: grilling, baking, or pan-frying. I’ll give you instructions for all three methods.

Grilling:

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (around 350-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
3. Baste (Optional): During the last few minutes of grilling, you can baste the skewers with any remaining marinade for extra flavor. Be careful not to overcook the chicken.
4. Remove and Rest: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Baking:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
3. Arrange the Skewers: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
4. Bake the Skewers: Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
5. Broil (Optional): For extra browning, you can broil the skewers for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch them carefully to prevent burning!
6. Remove and Rest: Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pan-Frying:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice golden-brown color. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F.
3. Remove and Rest: Remove the skewers from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving and Garnishing:

Almost there! Now it’s time to plate up these delicious garlic parmesan chicken skewers.

1. Garnish: Sprinkle the skewers with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
2. Serve: Serve the skewers immediately. They’re delicious on their own as an appetizer or snack, or you can serve them as a main course with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions:

These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

• Appetizer: Serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or a simple garlic aioli.
• Main Course: Serve them with a side of rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Party Food: These skewers are perfect for parties and gatherings. They’re easy to eat and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Lunchbox: Pack them in a lunchbox with some crackers, cheese, and fruit for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize this recipe to your liking? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

• Add Vegetables: Thread some vegetables onto the skewers along with the chicken. Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all work well.
• Use Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese. Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
• Spice it Up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for extra heat.
• Add Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the skewers before serving adds a bright and zesty flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Ensure your Italian seasoning blend is gluten-free. Most are, but it’s always good to check the label.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For a richer flavor, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat.

Storage Instructions:

If you have any leftover skewers (which is unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or skillet until heated through.

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are truly a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. From the juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken to the delightful garlic parmesan crust, every bite is an explosion of deliciousness. I know I’ve made them countless times, and they’re always a hit, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a backyard barbecue with friends.

But why are these skewers so special? It’s the simplicity, really. You don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve restaurant-quality results. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and a few other pantry staples creates a marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, while the grilling (or baking!) process ensures a perfectly cooked and slightly crispy exterior. Plus, the skewer format makes them fun to eat and perfect for portion control.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. For a complete meal, I love pairing them with a simple side salad, some grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers, or a fluffy bed of rice or quinoa. They’re also fantastic served with a creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or even a homemade garlic aioli.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your own taste preferences. Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat, or substitute the parmesan cheese with another hard cheese like asiago or romano. You could even add some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Another fun variation is to thread some vegetables onto the skewers along with the chicken. Cherry tomatoes, onions, and mushrooms all work beautifully and add extra flavor and nutrition to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure that everything is cooked through.

For those who prefer not to grill, these skewers can also be baked in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the parmesan cheese is golden brown. You can even broil them for the last few minutes to get that extra crispy crust.

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly believe that these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. They’re so versatile, easy to make, and utterly delicious. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), and get ready to experience a flavor sensation.

I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you try any variations? What did you serve them with? Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag] so I can see your culinary creations. Happy cooking, and enjoy every single bite of these amazing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! I can’t wait to see what you create!

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