These irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers combine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner solution, these skewers deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of simplicity and bold flavor. The chicken stays incredibly juicy thanks to the olive oil and careful seasoning blend, while the garlic parmesan butter sauce adds a luxurious finish that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. They’re versatile enough for casual family dinners yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, the skewer format makes them fun to eat and perfect for portion control. The recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
Chicken Seasonings
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Chicken (10 minutes) Begin by cutting your chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with paper towels, as this helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes better browning. Thread the chicken pieces onto metal or soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even heat circulation.
Season the Skewers (5 minutes) In a small bowl, combine all the chicken seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Brush the chicken skewers with olive oil on all sides, then generously sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken, pressing gently to help it stick. Make sure to coat all sides evenly for the best flavor.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce (5 minutes) While the chicken is marinating in its seasonings, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown. Remove from heat and whisk in the grated parmesan cheese, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the fresh parsley and set aside.
Cook the Skewers (8-12 minutes) Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Cook the chicken skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, turning them 90 degrees each time to create nice grill marks and ensure even cooking. The total cooking time should be 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.
Finish and Serve Once the chicken is fully cooked, immediately brush the hot skewers with the prepared garlic parmesan butter sauce. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce adhere and melt beautifully. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.
Helpful Tips
Choose the right cut of chicken for your preferences. Chicken thighs will be the most flavorful and stay moist, while chicken breast is leaner but can dry out more easily. Chicken tenders offer a good middle ground and are naturally tender.
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent burning. Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, helping cook the chicken from the inside.
Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave small spaces between chicken pieces to allow hot air or flames to circulate properly, ensuring even cooking throughout.
Make extra garlic parmesan sauce and serve it on the side for dipping. The rich, buttery sauce is so delicious that your guests will want more.
Let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty Level: Easy
Equipment Needed: Grill or grill pan, skewers, small saucepan, meat thermometer
Notes
For best results, bring chicken to room temperature 15-20 minutes before cooking. This ensures more even cooking throughout the pieces.
The garlic parmesan sauce can be made up to 2 hours ahead and gently rewarmed before serving. If it separates, simply whisk it back together over low heat.
If you prefer less heat, reduce the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon or omit the hot sauce entirely. The recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference.
These skewers work beautifully in the oven too. Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these skewers ahead of time? Yes, you can season and skewer the chicken up to 4 hours ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking. The garlic parmesan sauce can also be prepared earlier in the day.
What if I don’t have a grill? No problem! These skewers work perfectly in a grill pan, regular skillet, or even baked in the oven at 425°F. The cooking time may vary slightly, so use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to use fresh chicken for optimal texture and flavor. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely and pat very dry before cutting and seasoning.
How do I know when the chicken is done? The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside with no pink remaining in the center.
Can I substitute the parmesan cheese? Fresh grated parmesan works best, but you can use pre-grated in a pinch. Romano or Asiago cheese can be substituted for a different flavor profile, though the taste will be slightly different.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Remove the chicken from the skewers before storing to save space.
Freezing: Cooked chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap individual skewers in plastic wrap or store the chicken pieces in freezer bags with the air removed.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though the texture won’t be quite as good. Brush with additional garlic parmesan sauce when reheating for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips: The seasoned raw chicken can be prepared and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead. The garlic parmesan sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to one week and can be gently rewarmed as needed.
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken with the rich, aromatic garlic parmesan butter sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a protein that will impress dinner guests, these skewers deliver every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and ease of preparation. With just a few common ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. The skewer format makes serving easy and fun, while the bold flavors ensure that every bite is memorable.
Give these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a try for your next meal, and watch as they quickly become a household favorite. The combination of juicy chicken and that irresistible garlic parmesan sauce is sure to have everyone asking for seconds and requesting the recipe!