Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple, satisfying way to turn everyday chicken into something flavorful and fun.

Tender pieces of chicken are coated in olive oil, garlic, oregano, and Parmesan, then grilled until golden and lightly crisp on the outside while staying juicy inside.

Skewers make this dish easy to cook and easy to serve, whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or cooking outdoors for a casual gathering. The flavors are bold but familiar, making it a reliable option for both adults and kids.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe came from wanting a grilled chicken dish that didn’t rely on complicated marinades or long prep times. By combining garlic, Parmesan, and oregano, the chicken develops a savory crust as it grills, adding texture and depth without overpowering the meat.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Chicken skewers appear in many cuisines around the world, often seasoned simply and cooked over high heat.

This version draws inspiration from Italian-style flavors, where garlic, olive oil, oregano, and Parmesan are commonly used together.

Grilling enhances these ingredients by adding light char and aroma, creating a balance between juicy chicken and a savory, golden exterior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients with big flavor
• Quick grilling time
• Juicy chicken with a lightly crisp Parmesan coating
• Easy to serve and portion
• Great for weeknight meals or casual gatherings
• Scales easily for larger groups

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate
• Soak wooden skewers in water before grilling to prevent burning
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor
• Grill over medium-high heat to get color without drying out the chicken
• Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan while the chicken is hot so it melts slightly

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Skewers
2. Grill or grill pan
3. Bowl
4. Kitchen tongs
5. Grater

Ingredients in This Recipe

• Chicken Breasts (1.5 pounds, boneless and skinless): Cut into 1-inch pieces for even grilling
• Garlic Cloves (4, peeled): Used for flavor and threading onto skewers
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, freshly grated): Adds a savory, lightly crisp coating
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the seasoning cling to the chicken
• Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Provides a mild herb flavor
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste

Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result
• Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a sharper flavor
• Dried basil can be used if oregano isn’t available

Ingredient Spotlight

Parmesan Cheese:
When added to hot grilled chicken, Parmesan melts slightly and forms a light, savory crust that adds texture and depth.

Garlic:
Grilling garlic alongside the chicken softens its sharpness and brings out a mellow, aromatic flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

This dish features tender chicken pieces threaded onto skewers alongside garlic cloves and coated with a crispy parmesan crust. The skewers are grilled until the garlic is aromatic and the parmesan forms a golden, crunchy exterior, resulting in a flavorful, textural contrast between the juicy chicken and crispy cheese topping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Grill

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
• 4 cloves garlic whole cloves, peeled
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Equipment

• Skewers
• Grill or grill pan
• Bowl
• Kitchen tongs
• Grater

Method

 

1. Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into roughly 1-inch chunks, ensuring they are evenly sized for even cooking.
3. Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely; set aside two cloves for threading and save the rest for marinade.
4. In a bowl, whisk together half of the minced garlic, olive oil, grated Parmesan, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
5. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing to ensure each piece is coated evenly. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors.
6. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot, with a slight smokey aroma in the air.
7. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, alternating with whole garlic cloves if desired for extra flavor.
8. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for about 6-8 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, and the garlic is fragrant and slightly charred.
9. Once cooked, transfer the skewers to a serving platter and sprinkle the remaining grated Parmesan over the hot chicken while it’s still on the skewers, allowing it to melt slightly and develop a crispy crust.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with any remaining fresh garlic or herbs if desired, for a fragrant, crispy, and tender bite.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Chicken can be cut and seasoned a few hours in advance
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
• Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken

How to Serve This Dish

• With roasted vegetables
• Over rice or pasta
• Inside warm flatbread
• Alongside a simple green salad

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Slice and add to pasta dishes
• Use in wraps or sandwiches
• Toss into grain bowls or salads

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Version: Add chili flakes before grilling
2. Herb Twist: Replace oregano with dried basil
3. Extra Cheesy: Sprinkle additional Parmesan after grilling

FAQ’s

1. Can I make these skewers without a grill?
   Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works well and gives similar results.
2. Do I need to marinate the chicken ahead of time?
   No long marinade is required. The seasoning coats the chicken well and flavors it as it grills.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and stay extra juicy when grilled.
4. Is freshly grated Parmesan important?
   Freshly grated Parmesan melts and coats the chicken better, creating a more flavorful crust.
5. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
   Lightly oil the grill grates and avoid moving the skewers too early.
6. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
   You can cut and season the chicken a few hours ahead, then skewer and grill when ready.
7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   The chicken should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Can I cook these in an air fryer?
   Yes, cook at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, turning once for even browning.
9. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
   Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
10. What sides pair well with garlic Parmesan chicken skewers?
    They go well with rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

Mahek Manchanda

Hi, I am Mahek Manchanda. The curious heart behind Dramatically Stirring. I’ve always been most at ease in my own company. I’m not exactly a people-person (small talk still makes me cringe), but there are two things I’ve always loved with my whole heart: animals and food.