Description
📖 Description:
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are your go-to for a quick, flavorful meal that tastes like it came straight off a restaurant grill. Cubed chicken breast or thighs are marinated in a zesty olive oil and lemon seasoning blend, skewered, and grilled (or air-fried!) until golden and juicy. Finished with a buttery garlic parmesan glaze, each skewer packs bold flavor in every bite. Serve them with rice, salads, or on their own—they’re perfect for weeknights, BBQs, or meal prep.
Ingredients
🧂 Ingredients (Extended & Categorized)
For the Chicken Marinade:
1–1½ lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed evenly
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1–2 tsp lemon pepper seasoning (no salt added)
½ tsp salt (or to taste)
¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
4–6 Tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
¼ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or use fresh cilantro as an alternative)
1 small lemon, thinly sliced for garnish (optional)
Optional Garnish & Serving:
Extra parmesan
Fresh parsley
Lemon wedges
Instructions
🧑🍳 Instructions (Extended & Clear Steps)
Prep the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add cubed chicken. Make sure pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
Marinate: Add olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix until all pieces are well coated. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, up to 4 hours.
Soak Skewers (if wooden): While marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Make Garlic Parmesan Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes (don’t let it brown). Remove from heat. Stir in parmesan, lemon juice (optional), and chopped parsley.
Skewer the Chicken: Remove marinated chicken from fridge and thread pieces onto skewers, packing them closely.
Cook Method Options:
Grill: Preheat to 400ºF. Grill skewers for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes. Baste with garlic parmesan butter in the last few minutes.
Oven: Preheat to 350ºF. Bake on a lined baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, turning once halfway.
Air Fryer: Set to 350ºF. Air fry skewers for 10–12 minutes, brushing with butter midway through.
Final Baste & Serve: Once chicken reaches 165ºF, remove skewers. Brush generously with remaining garlic butter and garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. Serve hot.
Notes
💡 Notes (Extended Cooking Tips & Substitutions)
Use boneless chicken thighs for extra juicy skewers.
Wooden skewers must be soaked before grilling to avoid burning.
Make extra garlic parmesan butter—it’s also amazing over rice or veggies.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes to the butter.
These skewers can also be made indoor using a cast iron grill pan.
You can freeze cooked chicken off the skewers and use in wraps or salads.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Meal Prep, Grill-Friendly
- Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired, BBQ-friendly
Nutrition
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 615mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 116mg