Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! Imagine tender chunks of chicken, bursting with flavor from a garlicky marinade and a sprinkle of rich Parmesan cheese, all grilled to crispy perfection. It’s one of those meals that just screams sunshine and good times! I remember the first time I made these for a backyard barbecue; everyone was raving about them and coming back for seconds. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up, which means you can spend more time enjoying your company and less time in the kitchen. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or just a cozy dinner at home, these skewers are sure to impress. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken fillet, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Skewers (wooden or metal, your choice)
How to Prepare Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Alright, let’s dive into the delightful process of making these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! I promise, it’s as easy as pie (or maybe even easier!). First, start by gathering all your ingredients. You want everything at your fingertips, so the cooking goes smoothly. It’s all about that flow, right?
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir until it’s all mixed up and looking lovely. The aroma will be heavenly!
- Now, take your cubed chicken fillet and toss it into the marinade. Make sure every piece is coated evenly—this is where the magic happens! Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it infuses all that wonderful flavor into the chicken.
- While your chicken is soaking up those flavors, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures those beautiful grill marks and juicy chicken!
- Once the marinating time is up, grab your skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for about 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Safety first!
- Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This should take just a few minutes, and trust me, your mouth will already be watering!
- Now, it’s time to grill! Place the skewers on the hot grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. You want that chicken cooked through and slightly charred—so delicious!
- Once they’re done, remove the skewers from the grill and serve warm. Just wait for the compliments to roll in!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out absolutely perfect, I’ve got a few tips I swear by! First off, don’t rush the marinating process; letting the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes really makes a difference in flavor. If you can, marinate it longer—up to 2 hours is even better! Also, make sure your grill is preheated properly. A hot grill is key to getting those lovely charred edges while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
As for seasoning, feel free to tweak the spices to your liking! If you love a bit of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes for a kick. And remember, when threading the chicken onto the skewers, leave a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Lastly, always let your skewers rest for a few minutes off the grill before serving; it helps the juices redistribute for the tastiest bite!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Irresistible flavor combination of garlic and Parmesan that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekends.
- Healthy protein-packed meal that fits into a low-fat diet.
- Grilling adds a smoky depth to the chicken, enhancing the overall taste.
- Customizable with your favorite spices or veggies—get creative!
Nutritional Information
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also a healthy choice! Each serving (which is one skewer) contains approximately 150 calories, with 8 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, and just 1 gram of carbohydrates. They are a great option if you’re looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without packing on the calories. Just keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these scrumptious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get:
Can I use other types of meat for skewers?
Absolutely! While chicken is a classic choice, you can easily swap it for shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly!
How long can I marinate the chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it soak for up to 2 hours will deepen the flavors even more. Just don’t go overboard—more than 4 hours can change the texture.
What can I serve with these skewers?
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair beautifully with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or even a side of rice. You could also serve them with a delicious dipping sauce like a tangy ranch or a zesty chimichurri.
Can I make these skewers in the oven?
Yes, you can! Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll still be packed with flavor!
Are these skewers freezer-friendly?
Definitely! You can freeze the marinated chicken before grilling. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and have some leftovers? No worries! To store them, simply let the skewers cool to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and love meal prep, you can also freeze them! Just wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop them in a freezer-safe bag. They should stay good for about 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. You could also toss them back on the grill for a few minutes to bring back that lovely charred flavor! Just be careful not to overcook them, or they might dry out. Enjoy your tasty leftovers!
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are so versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides! For a refreshing touch, serve them alongside a crisp Caesar salad or a light arugula salad topped with cherry tomatoes and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. You could also grill up some seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a colorful plate. If you want to add a little extra flavor, try a side of garlic aioli or a tangy chimichurri sauce for dipping. Trust me, they’ll elevate your skewers to a whole new level!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: 7 Flavors That Hook You
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are tender, flavorful pieces of chicken marinated in garlic and Parmesan cheese, grilled to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken fillet, cubed
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Skewers
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and coat evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove from grill and serve warm.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers