These Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated with garlic and tossed in cheesy goodness. Perfect for grilling or baking!
Who doesn’t love chicken on a stick? It makes dinner feel like a fun party! I enjoy serving these skewers with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a yummy meal. 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more juiciness, but chicken breasts work just fine. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey breast could be a good substitute.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder. Use about 1/2 teaspoon per clove for a quick swap!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan creates a smoother texture in the marinade, but pre-grated will do. For a non-dairy option, consider nutritional yeast, which adds a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, mix equal parts of dried basil, oregano, and thyme to create your own blend. Fresh herbs work well too but use about three times more!
How Do I Achieve Juicy Chicken on the Skewers?
Marinating the chicken is key for flavor and moisture! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better, with up to 2 hours being ideal. This allows the chicken to soak up all the wonderful flavors from the marinade.
- Make sure every piece is well-coated; this helps in getting that tasty garlic Parmesan flavor throughout.
- When skewering, leave a bit of space between chicken pieces. This ensures they cook evenly, avoiding tearing or drying out.
- Cook the chicken over medium-high heat for proper browning, which locks in juices and adds flavor.
Following these tips will help you prepare perfectly juicy and delicious chicken skewers every time! Enjoy your meal! 🌟
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and 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 for 30 minutes before use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes for prep and marination, plus an additional 10-20 minutes for cooking. So, if you plan ahead, you can have this flavorful dish ready in about 30 to 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until you have a nice, well-mixed marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them well. Make sure every piece is coated with that delicious mixture! Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat and Skewer:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re baking them, set your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s heating up, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
4. Cook the Skewers:
If you’re grilling, place the skewers on the hot grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them occasionally so all sides get those lovely grill marks and cook evenly. If you’re baking, arrange the skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
5. Finishing Touches:
Once the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, take the skewers off the heat. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. If you like, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top for a nice pop of color and added flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm garlic Parmesan chicken skewers with your favorite dipping sauce, or alongside a fresh side of vegetables. Enjoy this easy and flavorful dish!
Happy cooking! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time: shrimp usually cooks in about 5-7 minutes, and tofu will need around 10-15 minutes when baking.
What if I Don’t Have Wooden Skewers?
No problem! If you don’t have wooden skewers, you can use metal skewers. Just make sure to grease them lightly with oil to prevent sticking. If you prefer not to skewer, you can also bake the marinated chicken directly on a lined baking sheet.
How Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb or Keto-Friendly?
This recipe is already low in carbs, but to keep it keto-friendly, pair the skewers with a side of steamed broccoli or a garden salad instead of bread or rice. The garlic Parmesan flavors will shine even brighter with fresh greens!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or quickly in the microwave. Enjoy them cold in salads or wraps too!
