Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender, marinated chicken pieces coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese, garlic, lemon, and herbs. Perfect as a main course for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue, they offer a savory, cheesy twist with optional heat from red pepper flakes. Easily customizable with veggies or spice variations, these skewers are sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1–1½ inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Skewers:
- Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if wooden)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to let the flavors infuse.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If you’re using metal skewers, no soaking is necessary; if using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken skewers for 4–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Turn them occasionally for even grilling. Alternatively, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange skewers on a baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove skewers from heat and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional dipping sauces such as creamy ranch, garlic butter, or marinara sauce.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- For grill marks and smoky flavor, avoid moving skewers too frequently while cooking.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions between chicken pieces on skewers for variety.
- For a spicy twist, add sriracha or chili flakes to the marinade.
- Brush with melted lemon butter before serving for extra richness.
