Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Bold, savory, and downright irresistible, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for grilling season or a cozy oven-baked dinner. Juicy chunks of chicken are marinated in a garlicky, cheesy blend, then skewered and grilled (or baked) to golden perfection. Whether served as an appetizer, a party snack, or a main course, these skewers are a guaranteed hit with everyone.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this recipe weeknight-friendly.
Bold Garlic Flavor – Garlic lovers will swoon over the punchy marinade.
Cheesy Goodness – Parmesan adds salty, umami-rich depth to every bite.
Perfectly Juicy – Marinated chicken stays tender and flavorful.
Versatile Cooking Options – Grill, oven-bake, or air fry these skewers to perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Marinade:
1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
3 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Juice of ½ lemon

For the Skewers & Basting:
½ cup grated Parmesan (for coating before serving)
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)

Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Whisk or spoon
Grill or oven
Tongs
Brush for basting
Baking sheet and wire rack (if using oven)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley.
Add chicken pieces to the marinade and toss well to coat.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 3: Grill or Bake the Skewers
To Grill:
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. Baste with melted butter during the last few minutes.

To Bake:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
Bake for 18–20 minutes, turning once halfway. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end to add golden color. Baste with butter before broiling.

Step 4: Coat with Parmesan & Garnish
Once cooked, brush the skewers one final time with melted butter.
Sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan and a touch of fresh parsley.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, side salad, or over a bed of rice or pasta for a full meal.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers
Cut Evenly – Uniform chicken pieces ensure even cooking.
Don’t Skip Marinating – Even 30 minutes adds tons of flavor.
Use High Heat – For the best char, keep the heat medium-high on the grill or broil at the end when baking.
Finish with Butter – Adds a delicious glossy finish and enhances flavor.
Double the Recipe – These go fast, especially when serving guests.

Serving Suggestions
Lemon Herb Rice – A fresh and zesty side that complements the skewers.
Roasted Veggies – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus pair beautifully.
Caesar Salad – A classic side that matches the garlic-Parmesan flavors.
Garlic Bread – Go all in on the garlic theme with a side of buttery toast.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Remove chicken from skewers and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals.
Air Fryer: 350°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and are great for grilling or baking.
2. Can I prep these ahead of time?
   Definitely. Marinate and skewer the chicken up to a day in advance and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
3. Are they spicy?
   Only mildly, due to optional red pepper flakes. You can omit them for a milder taste.
4. What dipping sauces go well?
   Garlic aioli, ranch, marinara, or even a spicy yogurt dip are all fantastic.
5. Can I make them in an air fryer?
   Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through.

Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are bold, flavorful, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner menu. With juicy marinated chicken and a buttery, cheesy finish, they bring together everything you love in one bite-sized meal. Great for backyard barbecues, family dinners, or meal prep, they’re endlessly versatile and always satisfying.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how you serve yours! Don’t forget to leave a review and tag your skewer creations online!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 370 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 4g | Fat: 24g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 580mg

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