Growing up, my grandma’s kitchen was always filled with the irresistible aroma of her famous Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. I can still remember the sizzle of the chicken as it cooked to golden perfection, the garlic and herbs wafting through the air, and the gooey, melted parmesan that crowned each juicy bite. It was a dish that brought our family together, whether we were celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy weekend dinner. To this day, the mere thought of those Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers transports me back to those cherished memories, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you.
Why This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
The secret to these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a blend of garlic, parmesan, and herbs, creating a flavor-packed base that’s then coated in a crispy panko breading. The result is a dish that’s bursting with savory goodness, with a satisfying crunch in every bite. But what really sets these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers apart is the way the parmesan cheese melts and clings to the chicken, creating a cheesy, irresistible crust that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To bring these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to life, you’ll need a few simple, yet essential ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes: The star of the show! This juicy, tender chicken provides the perfect canvas for the bold flavors.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese: The secret weapon that adds a savory, nutty flavor and irresistible melty texture.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These light and crispy breadcrumbs create a delightful crunch that complements the soft chicken perfectly.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation that infuses the dish with mouthwatering garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: This herb adds a touch of freshness and color to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: This binding agent helps the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the chicken.
Step-by-Step Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Instructions
Preparing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep time for these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is just 15 minutes, and the total cooking time is 20 minutes, so you can have this flavor-packed dish on the table in just 35 minutes. To get started, you’ll need wooden or metal skewers and a large mixing bowl.
1- Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they’re bite-sized and evenly sized for even cooking.
2- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed chicken, grated parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the flavorful mixture.
3- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken mixture and use your hands to thoroughly incorporate it, ensuring each piece of chicken is lightly coated.
4- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
5- Arrange the skewered chicken on a baking sheet or grill grate, ready to be cooked to golden-brown perfection.
6- Serve these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers hot, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a fresh sprig of parsley for a truly mouthwatering presentation.
Pro Tips for Success
To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out absolutely amazing, here are some expert tips:
- Opt for fresh, high-quality parmesan cheese for maximum flavor. The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t compare.
- Thoroughly coat the chicken in the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture for an even, crunchy coating.
- Soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Preheat your oven or grill to the proper temperature to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out.
- Keep a close eye on the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent the parmesan from burning.
Serving and Storing Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a complete meal, consider serving them with roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts, or a fresh, crisp salad. They also make an excellent appetizer or party snack when served alongside a creamy dipping sauce, like a garlic aioli or a tangy ranch dressing. And don’t forget the beverages – a crisp white wine or a refreshing beer would be the perfect complement to these flavorful skewers. With 6 servings per recipe, this dish is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
The best part about these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is that they’re incredibly easy to store and reheat. Once cooked, the skewers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
For make-ahead convenience, you can even prepare the chicken mixture in advance. Simply mix the chicken, parmesan, breadcrumbs, and seasonings together, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before threading onto the skewers and cooking. This way, you can have a delicious, homemade meal ready to go in no time.
If you’d like to freeze the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, simply place the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the skewers in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat in the oven as directed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Creative Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Variations
While the classic Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are undoubtedly delicious, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try swapping out the chicken for cubed turkey or even shrimp for a seafood twist. You can also experiment with different herb and spice combinations, like adding a touch of lemon zest, crushed red pepper flakes, or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. For a seasonal flair, consider roasting the skewers with a medley of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing this versatile dish.
Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try. For a gluten-free version, swap out the panko breadcrumbs for crushed nuts or gluten-free breadcrumbs. To reduce the carbs, you can omit the breadcrumbs entirely and just use the parmesan cheese as the coating. And for a vegan or vegetarian option, replace the chicken with cubed tofu or portobello mushrooms and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. No matter which dietary preference you’re catering to, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be easily adapted to fit your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of parmesan?
A: While parmesan is the star of this dish, you can experiment with other hard, shredded cheeses like asiago or pecorino romano. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly.
Q: How long do I need to cook the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
A: This recipe has a total cooking time of 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of actual cooking time. Be sure to preheat your oven or grill and keep a close eye on the skewers during the last few minutes to prevent the parmesan from burning.
Q: Can I make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The chicken mixture can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator before threading onto the skewers and cooking. You can also make the full recipe, let the cooked skewers cool, and then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How many people does this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe serve?
A: This recipe yields 6 servings, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a family. If you need to scale the recipe up or down, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
Q: What should I do if the parmesan coating starts to burn?
A: If you notice the parmesan coating on the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers starting to burn, quickly move the skewers to a cooler part of the oven or grill. You can also tent the skewers loosely with foil to prevent further browning. Keep a close eye on them and remove from heat as soon as the parmesan is golden and crispy.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s quick and easy to make. The chicken is coated in a flavorful breading made with garlic, parmesan, and breadcrumbs, then baked to crispy perfection.
Ingredients
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix together the parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Toss the chicken cubes in the olive oil until well coated.
4. Working in batches, dredge the chicken cubes in the parmesan-breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help it adhere.
5. Thread the coated chicken cubes onto metal or wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece.
6. Arrange the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve hot, with your favorite dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated parmesan cheese. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or Italian seasoning to the breading for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Bites & Finger Foods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a true culinary masterpiece, bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. With their irresistible combination of juicy chicken, crispy parmesan coating, and aromatic garlic, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your oven or grill, and get ready to embark on a flavor-packed adventure with this must-try recipe. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations and tag me on social media – I can’t wait to see how your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out!
