Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Unleash a burst of savory flavor with these incredibly simple yet elegant Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Tender chicken, marinated in a vibrant blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, is grilled to juicy perfection, offering a delightful experience in every bite. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners, summer barbecues, or any occasion where you crave maximum taste with minimal effort.
Prep Time
30 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours for marinating)
Cook Time
10-12 minutes
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour (including minimum marinating time)
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Explodes with savory garlic and sharp Parmesan flavor in every bite.
- Remarkably easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight meals or casual entertaining.
- Healthy and lean, offering a protein-packed option for any diet.
- Versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes.
- Cooks quickly on the grill, minimizing time spent in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 700g (1.5 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 80g (1/3 cup) grated Parmesan cheese
- 30ml (2 tablespoons) olive oil
- 15ml (1 tablespoon) lemon juice
- 5ml (1 teaspoon) dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 2.5g (1/2 teaspoon) salt
- 1.25g (1/4 teaspoon) black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Making the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, 50g (1/3 cup) of the grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until you have a smooth, well-combined marinade. This creates the foundational flavor for the chicken, ensuring each piece is infused with aromatic garlic, tangy lemon, and savory Parmesan.
- Marinating the Chicken: Carefully add the cubed chicken pieces into the bowl with the prepared marinade. Using your hands or a sturdy spoon, toss the chicken thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. This ensures maximum flavor penetration and helps tenderize the meat. Once coated, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to tenderize and absorb the flavors, but for an even richer and deeper taste, a few hours or even overnight (up to 4 hours is ideal) will yield superior results.
- Prepping for Grilling: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your grilling surface. Preheat your outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to a medium-high heat setting, around 200-220°C (400-425°F). If you opt for wooden skewers, it is crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes prior to assembly. This prevents them from charring or catching fire during the grilling process, ensuring safe and even cooking.
- Assembling the Skewers: Once the chicken has fully absorbed the marinade, carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your chosen skewers. Be mindful to leave a small gap, approximately 0.5 cm (1/4 inch), between each piece of chicken. This spacing is essential for even heat distribution, allowing air to circulate and ensuring that all sides of the chicken cook uniformly and achieve a beautiful char.
- Grilling the Chicken Skewers: Carefully place the assembled skewers onto the preheated grill. Grill the chicken for approximately 10-12 minutes in total, turning them every 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning on all sides. You are aiming for a golden-brown exterior with appetizing grill marks and chicken that is thoroughly cooked through. To confirm doneness, the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken should register 75°C (165°F) on an instant-read meat thermometer.
- Finishing Touches: Once the chicken skewers are perfectly cooked and removed from the grill, transfer them to a serving platter. For an extra layer of savory flavor and a visually appealing finish, sprinkle the remaining 30g (a couple of tablespoons) of fresh grated Parmesan cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley generously over the hot skewers. The residual heat will slightly melt the Parmesan, enhancing its aroma and creating a delectable crust.
- Serving Your Skewers: Serve these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers immediately while hot. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, such as a crisp green salad, fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, couscous, or your favorite grilled seasonal vegetables. Enjoy this flavorful, tender, and effortlessly elegant dish with family and friends!
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Instant-read meat thermometer
Essential Success Tips
- Do not overcrowd the grill. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary to maintain even heat and allow for proper browning.
- For the best flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours. If marinating overnight, ensure the chicken is kept in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
- Ensure your grill is properly preheated to medium-high. A hot grill creates beautiful sear marks and prevents sticking.
- Always check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to guarantee it's cooked through to 75°C (165°F) for food safety.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them is non-negotiable. This prevents them from burning and splintering on the grill.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- To enhance the garlic flavor further, briefly sauté a finely minced clove of garlic in a teaspoon of olive oil before adding it to the marinade. This mellows the raw garlic bite and brings out its sweeter notes.
- For an extra layer of complexity and a subtle smoky finish, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade. It complements the Parmesan beautifully without overpowering the garlic.
- Before grilling, lightly brush the preheated grill grates with a high-smoke-point oil (like grapeseed or canola) to create a non-stick surface and achieve perfect grill marks.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They are delicious reheated gently in a pan or oven, or even enjoyed cold on a salad.
- Vegetable Skewers: For a complete meal, thread alternating pieces of bell pepper, onion, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto separate skewers and grill alongside the chicken.
- Broiler Option: If you don't have a grill, these skewers can be cooked under a broiler. Place them on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and nicely charred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. They tend to stay even juicier and have a richer flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can sometimes cook a little longer than breasts.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Ensuring your grill is clean, hot, and lightly oiled before placing the skewers down is key. You can brush the grates with a high-smoke-point oil or rub them with an oil-soaked paper towel using tongs just before adding the chicken.
Can I prepare the chicken skewers in advance?
Yes, you can cube the chicken and prepare the marinade a day in advance. Combine them and let the chicken marinate for up to 4 hours for optimal flavor. You can also thread the skewers a few hours ahead of grilling, keeping them refrigerated until ready to cook.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 350-400, Protein: 45g, Fat: 20-25g, Carbs: 3-5g (per serving, estimated based on 6 servings)
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (Parmesan cheese). This recipe is naturally gluten-free if no cross-contamination occurs. For a dairy-free version, consider using a plant-based Parmesan alternative.
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