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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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  • Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)

  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

  • Total Time: 1 hour

  • Course: Main Course

  • Cuisine: Italian-American

  • Difficulty: Easy

  • Servings: 4

There’s something universally appealing about food on a stick. It’s fun, portable, and perfect for sharing. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers take that simple concept and elevate it into a meal that is bursting with flavor. Imagine tender, juicy chunks of chicken, marinated in a rich blend of garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then coated in a crispy, golden crust of panko breadcrumbs and savory Parmesan cheese.

Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or using your oven for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is incredibly versatile. The combination of pungent garlic and nutty, salty Parmesan creates a classic flavor profile that both kids and adults will adore. They are perfect served over a bed of fluffy rice, nestled alongside a fresh garden salad, or tucked into warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Follow this detailed guide, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish on your table in about an hour, with most of that time being hands-off marinating.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Marinade:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a subtle depth)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Coating:

  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

  • ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • A pinch of black pepper

  • Olive oil or non-stick cooking spray

For Serving (Optional):

  • Lemon wedges

  • Freshly chopped parsley

  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Equipment

  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes beforehand)

  • Large mixing bowls (2)

  • Whisk

  • Shallow dish or plate

  • Baking sheet (if baking) or Grill

  • Parchment paper (if baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor and ensuring it stays juicy during cooking.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Parmesan coating. In a separate shallow dish (a pie plate works perfectly), combine the Panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well with a fork to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F).
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
One piece at a time, roll the chicken cubes in the Parmesan-Panko mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Thread 4-5 coated chicken pieces onto each skewer, leaving a small space between each piece to promote even cooking.
Place the finished skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if baking, or on a plate ready for the grill.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Oven Method:

Lightly spray or brush the skewers with a little olive oil. This will help them achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then flip and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165°F (74°C).

Grill Method:

Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, with the lid closed, for a total of 10-12 minutes. The high heat will create a slightly charred, incredibly flavorful exterior while keeping the inside moist. Again, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Let the skewers rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Chef’s Notes & Tips for Success

  • Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: This is the key to flavor and tenderness. Even 30 minutes makes a significant difference.

  • Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting and adhering properly. Grating your own from a block results in a far superior, crispier coating.

  • Panko is Key: Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, creating a wonderfully crispy texture without becoming heavy or soggy.

  • Avoid Overcrowding: Whether on the skewer or on the baking sheet, give the chicken pieces space. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of roasting or grilling it, leading to a less crispy coating.

  • Soak Wooden Skewers: This is a non-negotiable step to prevent them from burning and splintering on the grill or in the oven. Soak for at least 30 minutes.

Nutrition Information

(Please note: The following is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.)

Serving Size: 2 Skewers | Calories: 415 | Total Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 115mg | Sodium: 850mg | Total Carbohydrates: 12g | Dietary Fiber: 1g | Sugars: 1g | Protein: 42g

A Note on Nutrition: This recipe is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Using olive oil provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. To reduce the sodium content, you can slightly reduce the added salt in the marinade and coating. The carbohydrate content is relatively low, making this a great option for those following a lower-carb lifestyle.

We hope you love these irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers as much as we do! They are sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Share your creations with us on social media by tagging us!

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