Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple and tasty way to enjoy juicy chicken that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with lots of garlic and sprinkled with Parmesan cheese before being grilled or baked to a perfect golden finish. The combination of crispy edges and gooey cheese makes every bite super satisfying.
I love making these skewers when I want something quick but still special. The garlic gives a nice punch without being too strong, and the Parmesan adds a lovely savory touch that always gets compliments. Plus, they’re really easy to put together—just thread, season, and cook. I often double the recipe because they disappear so fast at our table!
One of my favorite ways to serve these skewers is with a fresh green salad or some roasted veggies on the side. They also go great with a little garlic butter drizzle or a squeeze of lemon to brighten things up. These skewers are a perfect choice for a casual dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender when grilled, but chicken breasts work well if you want leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook breasts, as they can dry out faster.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best strong, aromatic flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is a fine substitute but use less—about 1 teaspoon for 4 cloves.
Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives and add a nice salty kick.
Italian seasoning: This blend adds a nice herby touch. If you don’t have it, dried oregano or a mix of dried basil and thyme works well too. Fresh herbs can be added at the end for a brighter flavor.
Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil works best for flavor and helps the marinade stick to the chicken. You can swap it with avocado oil or vegetable oil if needed.
How Do I Keep Chicken Skewers Juicy and Flavorful?
Keeping chicken juicy and flavorful takes a bit of care, especially when grilling or baking. Here are my top tips:
- Marinate well: Let the chicken sit in the garlic-Parmesan marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you can, 1-2 hours is better. This helps the meat soak up flavor and stay moist.
- Cut evenly: Make sure your chicken pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly on the skewer and don’t dry out.
- Don’t overcook: Cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. Use a meat thermometer if you can. Overcooking dries out the meat.
- Turn often: When grilling, turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking and nice grill marks.
- Rest before serving: Let the skewers rest a few minutes off the heat so juices redistribute for tender bites.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or oven – I like a grill for that smoky flavor, but the oven works just as well for a crispy finish.
- Skewers – wooden skewers (soak in water 30 minutes first) or metal skewers for easy turning and even cooking.
- Mixing bowl – for marinating the chicken, making cleanup quick and simple.
- Tongs or fork – to turn and handle the skewers safely on the grill or in the oven.
- Baking sheet (if baking) – line with foil or parchment to keep things easy to clean.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Different proteins: Try shrimp, tofu, or beef strips for variety; they all cook quickly and soak up the seasonings well.
- Cheese options: Use Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a different salty, nutty flavor.
- Veggie boost: Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for more color and crunch.
- Spice it up: Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for some heat, or add smoked paprika for smoky depth.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 30 minutes prior)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating to get the best flavor. The cooking time is approximately 10-20 minutes, depending on whether you grill or bake the skewers. Overall, expect about 40 minutes to 2.5 hours, mostly hands-off while marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, lemon juice (if you’re using it), Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This creates a tasty garlicky marinade with a cheesy twist.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss everything well so the chicken is coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or two will make the flavors even better.
3. Prepare to Cook:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 425°F (220°C). Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes beforehand if using, to prevent burning.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto your skewers. Try to keep the pieces close but not squished, so they cook evenly.
5. Cook the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get a nice golden brown all around and make sure the chicken cooks evenly. If baking, set the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through. The chicken should be fully cooked and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Rest and Serve:
Remove the skewers from heat and let them rest for a few minutes so the juices settle. Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and Parmesan cheese if you want a little extra flavor and freshness.
Serve your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers hot, and enjoy the juicy, garlicky, cheesy goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. Pat the pieces dry to remove excess moisture for better browning.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheeses work great as alternatives. If you don’t have those, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor for a dairy-free option.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and thread the skewers up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge and grill or bake when you’re ready.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep the chicken juicy.
