These chicken skewers are packed with tasty garlic and cheesy Parmesan goodness. Perfect for grilling on the barbecue or in the oven, they’re always a hit!
Honestly, who can resist that garlicky smell wafting through the air? I love serving these with a simple salad—so easy and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and perfect for skewers. You can also use thighs for juicier results, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a great flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Both will provide a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will do. Just use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove needed.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley brightens the skewers. If you don’t have it, feel free to use basil or cilantro for a different twist!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Is Juicy and Tender?
The secret to juicy chicken skewers starts with marinating the chicken well. Allowing it to sit in the garlic and Parmesan mixture gives it flavor and keeps it moist.
- Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before marinating. This helps the marinade stick better.
- Don’t rush the marinating. 1-2 hours is ideal for the best flavor. Overnight works if you want to prep ahead!
- While cooking, don’t overcrowd the skewers. This allows even cooking and helps to get that nice golden color.
Chicken Skewers With Garlic And Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of half a lemon
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes to let the chicken marinate for maximum flavor. If you can, aim to marinate for 1-2 hours. Cooking will take about 10-20 minutes, depending on your method—grilling or baking. Overall, you’ll be enjoying your delicious skewers in about 1-2 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, dried oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, olive oil, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and form a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss the chicken in the mixture until all pieces are coated evenly. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to soak up the flavors.
3. Preheat the Grill or Oven:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat if you’re grilling. If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) so it’s ready when you’re assembling your skewers.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces onto your skewers. Leave a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
5. Cook the Skewers:
For grilling, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. For oven cooking, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven. For a finishing touch, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley on top. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for added zest. Dive into your juicy, flavorful Garlic and Parmesan Chicken Skewers and enjoy the compliments!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are used in this recipe for their lean texture, chicken thighs can be a great alternative if you prefer juicier meat. You could also try using shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian option, respectively!
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Parsley?
No worries! If you don’t have fresh parsley on hand, you can substitute it with dried parsley or another herb like basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile. Just remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so use about one-third of the amount.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken and allow it to marinate as described in the recipe.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat. If you’re reheating in the oven, cover with foil to keep them from drying out.
