If you crave a dish that’s juicy, packed with rich flavor, and endlessly shareable, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table. Tender chicken is marinated in olive oil, garlic, Italian herbs, and a generous blanket of nutty Parmesan, then grilled to sizzling perfection. Whether you’re hosting a weekend cookout or looking for a family-friendly weeknight dinner, these skewers offer up a melt-in-your-mouth bite every time. Dive in—the savory, cheesy combination is downright irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers couldn’t be easier, but every single one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or that eye-catching golden finish. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it belongs in this standout dish:
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy, protein-packed chunks perfect for skewers.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the chicken perfectly moist while grilling, plus helps all those seasonings stick.
- Garlic: The aromatic backbone of the marinade; fresh minced garlic infuses the chicken with mouthwatering savoriness.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the marinade and brings out the natural juiciness of the chicken.
- Black pepper: A little heat balances the herby, cheesy notes and adds subtle depth.
- Italian seasoning: This blend of dried herbs makes the chicken utterly aromatic—think basil, oregano, and thyme in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan for its nutty, salty edge and beautiful melty finish.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley sprinkles each skewer with color and fresh garden flavor just before serving.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Threading the chicken gives you that irresistible char while making them easy to flip and serve.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep Your Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill. This tiny step saves you from scorched sticks and helps the skewers stand up to high heat.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, toss the 1-inch chicken cubes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a really good mix so each piece is slicked in garlicky-herby goodness. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes—the longer it soaks, the better the flavor!
Step 3: Thread the Chicken
Slide the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden (or metal) skewers, leaving a touch of space between each chunk for even cooking. You’ll end up with generous, tidy rows of chicken ready for grilling.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high, and brush the grates with a bit of oil so nothing sticks. Lay down the skewers and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally using tongs, until the chicken is beautifully golden with classic grill marks and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Finish
During the last minute or so of grilling, sprinkle each skewer with grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt just enough to cling irresistibly to the hot chicken. Take the skewers off the grill, pile them on a platter, and shower with chopped fresh parsley to finish. The color pop and aroma are unbeatable!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnish—chopped fresh parsley not only boosts color, but adds a vibrant, herbal freshness that cuts through the richness of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. For extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the skewers right before serving also works wonders.
Side Dishes
Balance the juicy, savory chicken with sides like fluffy rice, a crisp green salad, or simply grilled veggies. Roasted potatoes or a chilled pasta salad are perfect too; the key is pairing the skewers with something that lets the bold flavors shine but doesn’t compete.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a DIY skewer bar for your next party, letting guests add colorful bell peppers or zucchini between chicken cubes. Or, lay the finished Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers over a big platter of herby couscous and garnish with extra Parmesan shavings for a true showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have a few Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers leftover? Simply cool them completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors even deepen a bit as they rest, making tomorrow’s lunch super tasty.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top bag or tightly sealed container for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. For just a few pieces, a quick zap in the microwave (covered, on medium power) works too—just be sure not to overdo it.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be just as delicious, with even juicier results—simply trim and cut them into 1-inch pieces before marinating.
What’s the best way to tell when the chicken is done?
The easiest way is to use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. You’ll also see nice grill marks and the juices will run clear.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without a grill?
Definitely! Bake them at 425°F for 15–18 minutes on a lined baking sheet, or cook them in a grill pan on the stovetop—either way, the flavor is fantastic.
How can I add extra vegetables to the skewers?
Thread bite-sized bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion pieces between the chicken pieces for extra color and nutrition. Just cut them to a similar size as the chicken so everything cooks evenly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are naturally gluten-free as written! Just be sure to check packaged ingredients (like Parmesan) if you’re sensitive to cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts
Give these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a try the next time you crave something easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with bold flavor. With every bite bursting with garlicky, cheesy, herby goodness, they’re sure to win over everyone at your table. Fire up the grill, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken marinated in garlic and seasonings, grilled to perfection, then finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. A delicious main course that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until evenly coated.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers.
- Grill: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, oil the grates, and grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until cooked through.
- Add Parmesan: In the last minute, sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the chicken to melt slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- These skewers pair well with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables.
- You can also bake them at 425°F for 15–18 minutes if a grill is not available.
- Try adding bell peppers or zucchini between the chicken pieces for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg