What the Heck Is This?
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything you didn’t know you needed. They’re juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together, which makes them a weeknight win or a weekend BBQ flex. Picture this: chunks of chicken marinated in garlic, olive oil, and spices, then grilled to perfection and dusted with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan. It’s like Italian street food met your backyard grill and made magic. You don’t even need a side dish — but if you want one, might I suggest a crisp salad or roasted potatoes? Either way, you’re about to steal the dinner spotlight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Super simple marinade with big flavor payoff
Quick cook time — 10 to 12 minutes on the grill
That salty garlic-Parmesan combo is wildly addictive
They’re perfect for meal prep, party trays, or just dinner when you want to feel fancy without effort
Great with sauces, dips, or straight off the skewer
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
¼ cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional but delightful)
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 20 minutes beforehand)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Make the marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss in the chicken and coat it well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prep your grill or grill pan. You want medium-high heat and a lightly oiled grate or surface.
Step 3: Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each chunk so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the skewers for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Don’t move them too much — let them char a little.
Step 5: While hot, sprinkle the skewers with grated Parmesan so it melts right onto the surface. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 6: Serve immediately. These are great over rice, tucked in a pita, or just eaten straight off the stick.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with garlic yogurt sauce, marinara, or pesto for dipping
Add a side of roasted veggies or a light Caesar salad
Stuff leftovers into wraps, bowls, or even quesadillas
Switch It Up
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade
Go dairy-free: Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan
Try another protein: This works just as well with shrimp or even firm tofu
Amp up the herbs: Try adding chopped rosemary or thyme for a deeper earthy flavor
Make-Ahead Tips
Marinate the chicken the night before for maximum flavor
You can also skewer the chicken ahead of time and store them covered in the fridge until ready to grill
Leftovers keep 3 to 4 days in the fridge — they reheat beautifully in a skillet or air fryer
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I bake these instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes on a foil-lined sheet pan, flipping halfway. Broil for a minute at the end if you want that char.
Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
A: You can, but freshly grated melts better and has way more flavor. If you can swing it, go fresh.
Q: What kind of chicken is best?
A: Thighs are juicier and harder to overcook, but breasts will also work if you don’t overdo it on the grill.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Yes. Freeze raw, marinated chicken in a sealed bag, then thaw before grilling. You can also freeze grilled skewers and reheat later.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Your New Go-To for Grilling Season (or Anytime You Want to Impress Without Trying Too Hard)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything you didn’t know you needed. They’re juicy, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to throw together, which makes them a weeknight win or a weekend BBQ flex. Picture this: chunks of chicken marinated in garlic, olive oil, and spices, then grilled to perfection and dusted with a generous snowfall of grated Parmesan. It’s like Italian street food met your backyard grill and made magic. You don’t even need a side dish — but if you want one, might I suggest a crisp salad or roasted potatoes? Either way, you’re about to steal the dinner spotlight.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1 ½-inch chunks
¼ cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional but delightful)
Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water 20 minutes beforehand)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the marinade. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Toss in the chicken and coat it well. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.
Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prep your grill or grill pan. You want medium-high heat and a lightly oiled grate or surface.
Step 3: Thread the chicken onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between each chunk so they cook evenly.
Step 4: Grill the skewers for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). Don’t move them too much — let them char a little.
Step 5: While hot, sprinkle the skewers with grated Parmesan so it melts right onto the surface. Garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.
Step 6: Serve immediately. These are great over rice, tucked in a pita, or just eaten straight off the stick.
Notes
Serve these with garlic yogurt sauce, marinara, or pesto for dipping
Add a side of roasted veggies or a light Caesar salad
Stuff leftovers into wraps, bowls, or even quesadillas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 calories Per serving
- Protein: ~28g per serving