These Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a yummy garlic and parmesan mixture, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for a quick meal or snack!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and cheese? I love serving these with a side of veggies. They are super easy to make and a hit at any gathering. Just skewer, grill, and enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture. For a lighter option, you could also use shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic brings a robust flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder could work too. Just use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder instead of fresh—it’s less intense but still tasty!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a great salty kick. If you don’t have Parmesan, use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan option. Both will add a nice cheese-like flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This mix of herbs is amazing, but you can substitute with individual herbs like oregano and thyme. Fresh herbs work well too—just double the amount for added flavor!
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating is the key to flavorful chicken skewers. Here’s how to make the most of your marinade:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring the garlic and cheese are well mixed.
- Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Make sure every piece is covered!
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Ideally, let it marinate for 1-2 hours. The longer it sits, the more the flavors infuse.
Don’t skip this step! Marinating not only boosts flavor but also helps in tenderizing the meat.
How to Make Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and needs at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Grilling will take another 10-12 minutes. So, you’re looking at around 1 hour total to get these tasty skewers on your table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Marinade:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. Add the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Using a spoon, stir everything together until it forms a nice thick marinade. This will give your chicken tons of flavor!
2. Marinating the Chicken:
Now, take your chicken cubes and drop them into the bowl with the marinade. Toss them around with your hands or a spoon until every piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate longer for even better flavor!
3. Prepping to Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This means your grill should be nice and hot when the chicken hits it!
4. Skewering the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the fridge. Grab your skewers and thread the marinated chicken pieces onto them. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. This is important!
5. Grilling Time:
Place the skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and turn occasionally, so all sides get those lovely grill marks and cook through properly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
6. Finishing Touches:
Once the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill. If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It looks great and adds a nice flavor too!
7. Serving:
Serve your warm Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers hot! They pair wonderfully with a side salad or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can add more flavor and moisture to your skewers. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless for easy handling and even cooking, similar to breasts.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill. This helps the flavors meld even more!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, you can use Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor. For a dairy-free alternative, try nutritional yeast, which provides a cheesy flavor without the dairy!