There’s something about skewers that just makes food more fun, right? Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or looking for a quick and easy dinner option, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are sure to be a hit. They bring together the savory goodness of garlic, the rich flavor of Parmesan, and the satisfying bite of perfectly cooked chicken—all packed into one deliciously simple recipe.
This dish is not only full of flavor but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even meal prep for the week ahead. The recipe is straightforward, yet the result is anything but ordinary. Plus, with a little bit of humor and a lot of garlic, how could you go wrong?
Variations & Tips: Customize Your Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are easy to adapt to your taste preferences:
Add Veggies
- Bell peppers or onions: Add chunks of bell peppers or onions between the chicken pieces for added flavor and color. They’ll roast beautifully and complement the chicken well.
Make It Spicy
- Extra heat: If you like things spicy, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture.
Grill It Up
- Outdoor grilling: These skewers are perfect for the grill! Just follow the same instructions but cook them on a preheated grill over medium heat, turning occasionally until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Substitute the Chicken
- Try shrimp or tofu: For a different protein option, use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly—shrimp will cook faster, while tofu might need a bit longer to develop a nice crust.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to create these flavorful skewers:
- 2 ½ lbs chicken breasts, cubed: Tender, juicy chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces make the perfect base for these skewers.
- 2 ½ tablespoons olive oil: Helps to coat the chicken evenly and keeps it moist during cooking.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken.
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor that’s central to this dish.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and a hint of sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: For a little bit of bite and balance.
- ¾ cup butter: Because everything’s better with butter, right? It also helps the garlic and Parmesan flavors meld together beautifully.
- 7-9 cloves garlic, minced: The star of the show! This is where the rich, savory flavor comes in.
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that’s irresistible.
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, balancing out the richness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings everything together.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing the Skewers to Life
Ready to get started? Here’s how to make these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
Soak the skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, start by filling a large dish with water and soaking them as you prepare the chicken. This will prevent them from burning in the oven or on the grill.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C): This high heat will help the chicken cook quickly and develop a nice, golden crust. Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Prepare the chicken: Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Add the spices: Sprinkle the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss again until all the pieces are well-seasoned.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Melt the butter: In a small bowl, melt the butter until it’s smooth and liquid.
Add the flavors: Mix in the minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well combined. Transfer a few spoonfuls of this mixture to a separate small bowl for serving later—this will be your finishing sauce.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Skewer the chicken: Take your soaked skewers and start threading the seasoned chicken cubes onto them. Pack the cubes together tightly for even cooking and to keep them juicy.
Place on the baking sheet: Arrange the skewers on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not too crowded.
Step 6: Bake and Broil
Brush with butter: Generously brush the garlic Parmesan butter mixture on all sides of the skewers.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 13-15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Broil for crispiness: After baking, switch your oven to broil and cook the skewers for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and golden.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Brush on more sauce: Once out of the oven, brush the skewers with the remaining garlic Parmesan butter for an extra burst of flavor.
Serve hot: Serve the skewers hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or just as they are. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful bites!
Serving Suggestions: Pairings for Your Skewers
These skewers are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of sides:
Crisp Green Salad
- Light and refreshing: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect counterpoint to the rich, savory skewers.
Roasted Vegetables
- Colorful and nutritious: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a complete meal.
Garlic Bread
- Soak up the sauce: A slice of garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any extra garlic Parmesan butter on your plate.
Grain Side
- Rice or quinoa: Serve the skewers over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up all the delicious juices.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are more than just a dish—they’re a celebration of flavor packed into every bite. Whether you’re serving them up for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, these skewers are sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, rich butter, and flavorful garlic and Parmesan is irresistible, making this a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
So, gather your ingredients, fire up the oven (or grill), and get ready to enjoy some seriously tasty skewers. Happy cooking!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 ½ lbs chicken breasts cubed
- 2 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ¾ cup butter melted
- 7-9 cloves garlic minced
- ⅔ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Prep Your Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water while preparing the chicken to prevent burning.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning. Set aside a few spoonfuls for finishing sauce.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly. Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake and Broil: Brush the skewers generously with the garlic Parmesan butter. Bake in the preheated oven for 13-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Brush with the remaining garlic Parmesan butter for an extra burst of flavor. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.