Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a savory and juicy dish that’s perfect for grilling season. Marinated in a rich blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, these skewers are grilled to perfection and finished with a buttery garlic Parmesan glaze. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors and tender, juicy chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy & Flavorful – The marinade infuses the chicken with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, making every bite delicious.
- Perfect for Grilling – Whether using an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan, these skewers cook up beautifully.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep make this a hassle-free recipe.
- Great for Entertaining – A crowd-pleasing dish perfect for cookouts, gatherings, or family dinners.
- Customizable – Use different seasonings or add veggies for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- ½ tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 1 ½ tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning (such as adobo or a mix of salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
- ¾ teaspoon olive oil
For the Finishing Butter:
- ½ stick butter (room temperature)
- ½ tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Directions
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers can be used without soaking.
- Trim & Slice the Chicken: Remove excess fat from the chicken thighs, then cut them into 1-inch by 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken pieces with fresh parsley, oregano, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, all-purpose seasoning, and olive oil. Stir well to coat evenly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them evenly for even cooking.
- Preheat the Grill: Set your grill to medium heat and let it warm up. While waiting, prepare the finishing butter.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the hot grill, rotating every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C) and has a golden-brown exterior.
- Add the Finishing Butter: While the chicken is still hot, brush each skewer generously with the garlic Parmesan finishing butter for extra richness.
- Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Butter Alternative: Substitute fresh basil or thyme for parsley in the finishing butter for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Skewers: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for a more colorful skewer.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze marinated, uncooked chicken pieces for up to 2 months. Thaw before grilling.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat on a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain juiciness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier. If using chicken breasts, marinate them longer to prevent dryness.
What type of skewers should I use?
Metal skewers are reusable and easy to use, while wooden skewers need to be soaked to prevent burning.
How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Skip the Parmesan cheese and use dairy-free butter for the finishing glaze.
Can I cook these on a stovetop?
Yes, use a grill pan over medium heat and cook for about 4 minutes per side until done.
What sides pair well with these skewers?
Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
Oil the grill grates lightly before placing the skewers, or use a grill pan for easier handling.
Can I prep the marinade in advance?
Yes, marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours for even deeper flavor.
What if I don’t have an outdoor grill?
Use an indoor grill pan, air fryer, or oven to cook these skewers without an outdoor grill.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and grill in batches if necessary.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful, and protein-packed meal that’s perfect for grilling season. Whether you’re making them for a backyard cookout, a family dinner, or a quick meal-prep option, these skewers deliver bold garlic-Parmesan goodness in every bite. Try them today and enjoy a deliciously grilled dish that everyone will love!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Juicy, flavorful chicken thighs marinated in a rich blend of garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, then grilled to perfection and finished with a buttery garlic Parmesan glaze. This savory, mouthwatering dish is perfect for grilling season and pairs well with fresh salads, grilled veggies, or warm pita bread.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 4 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose seasoning (such as adobo or salt, pepper & garlic seasoning)
- 3/4 teaspoon olive oil
For the Finishing Butter:
- 1/2 stick butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
-
Prepare the Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Alternatively, use metal skewers for convenience.
-
Trim & Slice the Chicken:
- Remove excess fat from the chicken thighs.
- Cut them into 1-inch by 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces with parsley, oregano, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, all-purpose seasoning, and olive oil.
- Mix well until every piece is evenly coated.
-
Let It Rest:
- Allow the chicken to marinate for 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
-
Assemble the Skewers:
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers, spacing them evenly.
-
Preheat the Grill:
- Set your grill to medium heat and let it warm up.
- While waiting, prepare the finishing butter.
-
Grill the Skewers:
- Place the skewers on the hot grill, rotating them every 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
-
Check for Doneness:
- Grill until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
-
Add the Finishing Butter:
- While the chicken is still hot, brush each skewer generously with the garlic Parmesan finishing butter.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with extra chopped parsley and serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra char and smokiness, grill over high heat for the last minute.
- If you don’t have a grill, cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve with tzatziki, garlic aioli, or a lemon butter sauce for added flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American Mediterranean