Okay, get READY because I’m about to drop a flavor BOMB on you! These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? They’re not just good; they’re a full-blown celebration on a stick! I remember the exact moment I perfected this recipe. I was grilling out back, trying to come up with something that would knock everyone’s socks off. I’d been experimenting with different marinades, but nothing was quite hitting the mark. Then, BAM! The garlic parmesan idea struck, and it was pure magic.
The aroma alone was intoxicating, but the taste? Out of this world! Everyone went absolutely wild for them, and I knew I had to share this with my flavor adventurers. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is totally Cuba Queen-approved – bold, satisfying, and guaranteed to make you the hero of any gathering. I’m bursting to share this crazy-delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe with you. Let’s get cooking!
What You Need for This Flavor Bomb
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering that signature Cuba Queen flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: I always go for high-quality, organic chicken when possible. It just makes a difference in the final flavor.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Splurge on the good stuff here, amigos! Freshly grated Parmesan has SO much more flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
- 1/4 cup olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is the way to go for the best flavor and healthy fats.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s a key player in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers flavor explosion. Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use pre-minced garlic.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a pop of freshness and color. Plus, parsley is packed with nutrients.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A little bit of acidity brightens up all the flavors and keeps the chicken super tender.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a touch of earthy, Italian flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and helps to season the chicken.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick. Freshly ground is always best!
The secret to epic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. You’ll find the best ingredients for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers at your local farmer’s market or specialty grocery store. If you’re watching your sodium, you can reduce the amount of salt. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is easily adaptable to your preferences.
Let’s Create This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Magic
Here’s where the magic happens! Don’t stress – your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are going to be incredible. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sinking your teeth into flavor-packed perfection in no time.
Steps to Perfection
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. This Garlic Parmesan marinade is what sets these chicken skewers apart from the rest.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the bowl with the marinade. Toss well to make sure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. In my kitchen, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers marinade takes exactly 2 hours to really penetrate the chicken.
- Assemble the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Pro tip for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers perfection: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers should look golden brown and smell absolutely irresistible! Alternatively, you can bake these! If you want to try Baked chicken skewers, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This is where your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers transforms into pure magic!
While your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are working their magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold! Here’s where most people mess up their Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – but not you! Make sure your grill is hot enough to get a nice sear on the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the outside before the inside is cooked. Remember, you can also use this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers marinade on boneless chicken thighs!
How to Serve This Show-Stopper
People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers at backyard barbecues! This recipe absolutely slays at dinner parties! Here’s how to present this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for maximum impact:
- Presentation is Key: Arrange the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on a platter lined with fresh greens. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Bold Pairing Suggestions: Serve these skewers with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some creamy polenta. They also pair perfectly with my Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe.
- Perfect Occasions: These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for summer cookouts, casual weeknight dinners, or even as appetizers at your next party.
- Instagram-Worthy Plating: Drizzle the skewers with a little extra olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for a glossy finish.
- Crowd Reactions: I’ve seen people practically inhale these skewers! They’re always a huge hit.
- Creative Leftover Transformations: Use leftover chicken skewers in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for pizza.
- Seasonal Variations: In the fall, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the Garlic Parmesan marinade. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. I love to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, as a quick tasty snack or appetizer.
Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Questions, Answered
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common challenges people face when making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe, along with my tried-and-true solutions:
- Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade, or serve the skewers with a side of hot sauce.
- What if I don’t have fresh parsley? You can use dried parsley in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley.
- How do I know when my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfectly done? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will be more moist and flavorful, but they will also take a little longer to cook.
- What if I don’t have skewers? You can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven. Just make sure to cut the chicken into smaller pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Can I make these ahead of time? You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. But I recommend cooking the skewers right before serving for the best flavor and texture.
- What if my skewers are burning on the grill? Make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can also use metal skewers.
- Is there a vegan or vegetarian substitute? Try using halloumi cheese or tofu in place of chicken!
Community feedback about my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe has been amazing. The key is to not be afraid to experiment with different flavors and seasonings to create your own unique version. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of garlic or Parmesan to your liking. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is all about having fun and creating something that you love.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Will Rock Your World
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and celebration-worthy results! This isn’t your average chicken skewer recipe. It’s an explosion of flavor that will leave you craving more. You need to try it, I promise.
Here are my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Power Tips:
- Don’t skimp on the Parmesan cheese! Freshly grated Parmesan is the key to that cheesy, savory flavor.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes! The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
- Don’t overcook the chicken! It should be cooked through but still juicy and tender.
Here are a few Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers variations I’ve created and loved:
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
- Lemon Herb Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Add some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and oregano to the marinade.
- Honey Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Add a tablespoon of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness.
The honey garlic parmesan version gets the biggest reactions from my friends. This is the Easy chicken skewers recipe you’ve been waiting for! I have complete confidence in your cooking success. Make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers your signature dish.
Now go forth and create some Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers memories! Share your results with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! For more bold flavor adventures, check out this recipe and another incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – That Oven Feelin. If you are looking for an alternative option, check this recipe Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Sailor Bailey. If this recipe rocks your world, you NEED to try my Best Chili Recipe too. For an extra special treat, try this recipe Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Bad Batch Baking.
And as always:
¡Buen provecho!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and easy dinner that’s packed with flavor! Tender chicken is marinated in a garlic parmesan sauce and grilled to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken cubes to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Remove from grill and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Serve these skewers with a side of rice, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers and onions to the skewers.