Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: A Flavorful Grilling Delight

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for summer barbecues, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. These skewers are packed with flavor, combining the savory taste of garlic with the richness of Parmesan cheese, all with a hint of spice. Whether you’re using chicken tenders, thighs, or breast meat, this recipe ensures tender, juicy chicken with a delightful charred finish. With just 27 minutes from start to finish, this dish is as quick as it is delicious, providing a satisfying meal that’s around 320 calories per serving.

Ingredients to Prepare

This recipe yields 4 servings. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 8 to 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make

Preheat the Grill:

1.1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Marinade:

2.1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, minced parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.

Thread the Chicken:

3.1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are all relatively the same size for even cooking. 3.2. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even grilling.

Marinate the Chicken:

4.1. Brush the chicken skewers generously with the garlic Parmesan mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Grill the Skewers:

5.1. Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have a nice char on the outside.

Serve:

6.1. Once grilled, remove the skewers from the heat and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes | Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings

Helpful Tips

• Chicken Choice: This recipe works well with chicken tenders, thighs, or breast meat. Thighs will provide a juicier, more flavorful result, while breast meat will be leaner.
• Marinating Time: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour to intensify the flavors.
• Skewer Tips: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill.

Cooking Tips

• Grill Temperature: Maintain a medium-high heat on the grill to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning. If the skewers start to char too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
• Basting: Keep some of the garlic Parmesan mixture aside for basting during grilling. This will enhance the flavor and keep the chicken moist.
• Oven Option: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes: These skewers pair beautifully with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or a side of rice. Try serving with a Caesar salad or garlic butter asparagus for a complete meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch, garlic aioli, or a spicy sriracha mayo for added flavor.
• Toppings: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley before serving for an extra touch of elegance.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Sugar: 1g
• Fiber: 1g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the skewers on the grill or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but this may result in a less crispy texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the marinated chicken pieces before grilling. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and grill as directed when ready to eat.

Similar Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you might want to try these other delicious grilled dishes:

1. Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken Skewers:

Tender chicken skewers marinated in a zesty lemon and herb marinade, perfect for summer grilling.

2. Spicy Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs:

Juicy chicken thighs grilled to perfection and brushed with a sweet and spicy honey glaze.

3. Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Kebabs:

Chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, served with tzatziki sauce.

4. Garlic Butter Steak Bites Skewers:

Tender pieces of steak grilled on skewers and basted with a rich garlic butter sauce.

5. Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers:

Chicken skewers marinated in a homemade teriyaki sauce and grilled to perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, while Parmesan is recommended for its sharp, nutty flavor, you can substitute it with Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano for a similar taste. For a milder option, try using mozzarella.

2. What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem! You can cook the skewers in an oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for even cooking.

3. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken skewers up to a day in advance. Marinate the chicken, thread them onto skewers, and refrigerate until you’re ready to grill.

4. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also serve the skewers with a spicy dipping sauce.

5. Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These skewers reheat well and can be paired with a variety of sides for a quick and satisfying meal prep option.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your grilling repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a backyard barbecue, these skewers offer a delicious combination of savory garlic, rich Parmesan, and tender chicken. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, this recipe is both easy and impressive. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family—they’ll thank you for introducing them to their new favorite grilled dish! Enjoy your grilling adventure with these mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!

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