Okay, you know how sometimes you just need a meal that’s ridiculously tasty but doesn’t involve a ton of fuss? That’s exactly why I adore these Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan. Seriously, they’re my go-to when the week is crazy and I still want something that feels special. The combo of garlicky goodness and salty Parmesan is just *chef’s kiss*! I remember tossing these together for a last-minute BBQ, and everyone went nuts – they were gone in minutes! It’s this passion for simple, super flavorful food that drives what I cook, and these skewers nail it every time.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore these Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan! They just make life easier and tastier. Here’s the low-down:
- Super Speedy: Seriously, from prep to grill, these are done in under an hour! Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: That garlic and Parmesan combo? It’s a winner, every single time. So much taste!
- Effortlessly Easy: You basically just throw everything in a bowl, marinate, and grill. It’s that simple.
- Crowd Pleaser: People *love* food on a stick, and these disappear fast at any gathering.
- So Versatile: Great as a main dish or even as an appetizer. You can’t really go wrong!
- Impressive But Easy: They look fancy, but honestly, they’re one of the easiest things you can whip up.
Gather Your Ingredients for Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
Alright, let’s get everything ready for these amazing Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan. It’s a pretty straightforward list, and having it all prepped makes the actual cooking part a breeze. Trust me, this is where the magic starts!
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into nice bite-sized, 1-inch cubes.
- 1/4 cup of good olive oil – go for extra virgin if you have it!
- 3 cloves of garlic, finely minced. The fresher, the better!
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese – real Parmigiano-Reggiano is amazing, but the stuff in the shaker works too!
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for that classic yummy flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, just to make all those flavors pop.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, freshly ground adds a nice little kick.
- Wooden or metal skewers – remember to soak wooden ones if you’re grilling!
See? Nothing too crazy! Just good, simple ingredients that come together to make something truly special.
Essential Equipment for Making Chicken Skewers
To make these fantastic Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan, you don’t need anything too fancy, but a few key items will make your life so much easier. First off, you’ll definitely want a good set of mixing bowls – I like to have a couple of different sizes handy. You’ll need measuring cups and spoons, of course, to get that marinade just right. And if you’re grilling, make sure your grill is clean and ready to go! If you plan on baking them, a baking sheet is your best friend.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
Alright, let’s get these amazing Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan on the grill! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made them a million times already. I love how quickly everything comes together, making it a lifesaver on those busy evenings. Think of them as a more flavorful cousin to plain old grilled chicken, kind of like my black pepper chicken, but with that cheesy, garlicky kick.
Preparing Your Skewers and Marinade
First things first, if you’re using wooden skewers, we need to give them a good soak! Dunk them in water for at least 30 minutes – this stops them from turning into little charcoal sticks on the grill. While those are soaking, let’s whip up our marinade. Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the olive oil, our minced garlic (use a garlic press for maximum flavor!), that lovely grated Parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all combined nicely. It should look like a delicious, fragrant paste.
Marinating the Chicken for Flavor
Now for the fun part: getting that chicken coated! Add your cubed chicken breasts to that glorious garlicky Parmesan mixture. Toss it all around really well until every single piece is beautifully coated. Seriously, make sure there are no dry spots left! Pop the lid on the bowl or cover it with some plastic wrap and let it hang out in the fridge. You want to marinate it for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, up to 4 hours is even better. This is where all that incredible flavor really sinks in, making your chicken skewers absolutely sing! It’s kind of like how marinating works wonders for skillet dishes, too, like this garlic butter chicken!
Grilling Your Chicken Skewers
Time to fire up the grill! Get it heated to a medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully thread your marinated chicken onto those pre-soaked skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly – leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Place the skewers on the hot grill. They’ll need about 8 to 10 minutes total. The trick is to turn them every few minutes so they get those gorgeous grill marks on all sides and cook through perfectly. You want that chicken to be cooked all the way through and nice and golden.
Resting and Serving
Once they’re looking perfectly cooked and slightly charred, take them off the grill. Let them rest for just a few minutes before you dive in – this helps keep the chicken super juicy. Serve them up hot! They’re fantastic on their own, or you could serve them with a side of something fresh.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
Making these Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan is pretty foolproof, but I do have a few little tricks up my sleeve that I’ve picked up over the years. Little things that just make them *even better*. For instance, I learned the hard way not to cram too much chicken onto each skewer. Give them a little breathing room! It might mean using an extra skewer or two, but trust me, it helps them cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks without steaming instead of grilling. It’s the same principle as making sure your food isn’t overcrowding the pan when you’re searing, you know? Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and just makes everything soggy instead of getting that beautiful brown crust. For seasoning, I’m a big fan of using kosher salt; I find it just adheres so much better and is easier to control than regular table salt. You can learn all about kosher salt here, it’s a real game-changer in the kitchen! And you know, don’t be afraid to get creative with the marinade! A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar in there can add a nice tang that balances the richness of the Parmesan. The most important thing is to taste your marinade before you add the chicken – does it need a little more salt? A pinch more pepper? You’re the chef here!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are pretty forgiving, but a few things really make them shine. The Parmesan cheese is key for that salty, savory depth – I love using real Parmigiano-Reggiano if I have it, but the stuff in the shaker works in a pinch! If you’re making something like my Parmesan Spinach Mushroom Pasta Skillet, the quality of the cheese really matters, and it does here too. As for herbs, oregano is classic, but feel free to toss in some dried thyme or rosemary for a different vibe.
Olive oil forms the base of our marinade, but if you’re out, a neutral oil like avocado or canola would work. And hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the marinade gives it a nice bright zing! Sometimes I even experiment with different yogurt bases, like in my Greek Yogurt Parfait recipes, thinking about how a creamy element could change things, but for these skewers, olive oil is classic and perfect.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Skewers
Now that you’ve got these amazing Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan ready to go, what should you serve them with? Honestly, they’re so flavorful, they can totally stand on their own, but I love pairing them with something fresh and bright. A simple beet salad with feta is always a winner, or a light and refreshing watermelon salad feels perfect on a warm day. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more substantial, turn them into a heartier meal with some Greek chicken bowls!
Storage and Reheating Your Chicken Skewers
Got delicious leftover Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan? Lucky you! To keep them tasting great, pop them into an airtight container and stash them in the fridge. They’ll be good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the best way is to pop them back on the grill or in a hot skillet for a few minutes. You want them warmed through and maybe a little crispy again, not rubbery!
Frequently Asked Questions about Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
Got questions about these fabulous Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan? I’ve got answers! People always ask me about prep and cooking, and I love sharing what I’ve learned. It’s all about making this recipe work for you! You know, like how the type of salt can make a difference – I’ve learned so much about different kinds over the years, from Himalayan salt recipes to the benefits of pink salt. It all adds up!
Can I Make these Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time?
Yes, absolutely! You can totally marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead of time. Just pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. Then, all you have to do when it’s grilling time is thread them onto the skewers. Super easy for meal prep!
What’s the Best Way to Prevent Skewers from Burning?
My golden rule is to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes! This really helps prevent them from catching fire on the grill. Metal skewers don’t have this issue, but they can get pretty hot, so use tongs when flipping them. Also, don’t let them sit on the hottest part of the grill for too long!
Are There Other Cooking Methods Besides Grilling?
Definitely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can totally bake these! Just pop the threaded skewers onto a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). They usually take about 15-20 minutes, just make sure to flip them halfway through so they cook evenly. They turn out super delicious either way!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for these Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan is an estimate, okay? Things can change a bit depending on exactly what you use and how you make them. But generally, expect around 250 calories, 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 3g of carbs per serving. It’s always a good idea to check out our full disclaimer for more details!
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite way to make Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan! I truly hope you give these a try because they’re just delightful. I’d absolutely LOVE to hear about your experience. Did you make any fun variations? Did your family devour them as quickly as mine does? Please, drop a comment below, tell me all about it, or even rate them! You can also reach out if you have any questions or want to share your own tips via my contact page. Don’t forget to tag me if you share photos on social media – I live for seeing your kitchen creations! You can learn more about my cooking philosophy on my about me page!
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Chicken Skewers with Garlic and Parmesan
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy chicken skewers marinated in garlic and Parmesan cheese, grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
- Grill the skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has grill marks.
- Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side salad.
- You can also bake these skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 25
- Cholesterol: 80
Keywords: chicken skewers, garlic chicken, parmesan chicken, grilled chicken, easy recipe, weeknight dinner