Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1½ lb chicken breasts, cubed, or thighs; 3 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1-2 tsp no salt added lemon pepper seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup lemon juice; 4-6 Tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup parmesan, grated; 2 tsp lemon juice, optional; 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 small lemon, sliced for garnish, optional

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for a surefire crowd-pleaser, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will quickly become your new favorite go-to dish. Juicy cubed chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon, and spices, then grilled to perfection and lavishly brushed with a rich garlic parmesan butter. The result is crave-worthy skewers bursting with flavor, perfectly suited for cookouts, parties, or any weeknight where you want maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Whether piled over rice or passed as an irresistible appetizer, this recipe delivers every single time.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Just a handful of kitchen staples and a few fresh ingredients are all you need to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers shine. Each ingredient plays its own role: from locking in moisture to building bold, aromatic layers of flavor and that unmistakable golden finish.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Use boneless, skinless cubes for the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the seasoning adhere beautifully to the chicken.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color to your skewers.
Garlic powder: Boosts the dish with mellow, foundational garlic undertones.
Onion powder: Rounds out the savory notes for deeper complexity.
Lemon pepper seasoning: Delivers a bright, peppery zing—start with 1 tsp and add more to taste.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life; adjust if your lemon pepper has added salt.
Lemon juice: Tenderizes the meat while infusing citrusy freshness.
Butter: The base for your luscious garlic parmesan glaze—choose quality butter for best results.
Garlic (fresh, minced): Use freshly minced garlic for punchy aroma and flavor in the butter.
Parmesan cheese (grated): Opt for real Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible for a nutty, salty kick.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Finely chopped for a burst of herbaceous color and vibrancy.
Lemon (sliced, for garnish): Pretty and practical—a final squeeze brightens the whole dish.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes in a large bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Make sure every piece is generously coated; this marinade infuses the chicken with succulent flavor and keeps it moist and tender while grilling. Let your chicken marinate, covered, in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours for even more depth and tenderness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or well-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring the pieces are spaced evenly. This helps the chicken cook uniformly and gives you those irresistible golden grill marks all around. Lay your assembled skewers on a baking sheet so they’re ready to go when the grill is hot.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, add your freshly minced garlic, and let it gently simmer for two minutes. This step draws out the aromatic garlic flavor without any bitterness. Once the garlic is fragrant and the butter is fully melted, set the mixture aside (somewhere warm) while you grill. Later, you’ll add parmesan, parsley, and a spritz of lemon juice for a gloriously savory glaze.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Lay the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers directly on the grates. Grill for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often to ensure even coloring and juicy interiors. In the final few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers all over with your warm garlic butter. Continue turning and basting until the chicken is just cooked through and deep golden brown (internal temp should hit 165°F).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once off the grill, rest the skewers for a couple of minutes on a clean baking sheet. Generously brush them one last time with any remaining garlic parmesan butter, then shower with grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and a fresh squeeze of lemon. This finishing step takes the already delicious skewers up to irresistible territory!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A dusting of extra parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs are non-negotiable on these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Finish with thin slices or wedges of lemon for a pop of color and an extra layer of zesty brightness. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of red chili flakes makes a fun twist as well.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are endlessly versatile when it comes to sides. Serve them with herbed rice, buttery couscous, or warm, fluffy pita for a hearty meal. For lighter fare, pair them with a crisp green salad, grilled vegetables, or a tangy Greek yogurt dip to keep things fresh and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving the skewers upright in a mason jar, fanned out on a platter over a bed of arugula, or even as part of a vibrant mezze board. For parties, slide the chicken off the sticks and tuck into lettuce wraps or mini pitas, drizzle with more garlic parmesan butter, and watch them disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep any leftover garlic butter on the side to reheat and drizzle over the chicken just before serving, ensuring each bite is as succulent as the first round.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, remove the cooked chicken from the skewers and let cool completely. Store the pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the garlic parmesan butter separately and gently reheat to pour over the chicken after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken pieces in a covered skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep everything moist. Warm gently until hot all the way through, then brush with reheated garlic parmesan butter right before serving to restore that signature richness.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and are especially flavorful when marinated. You can use all thighs, all breasts, or a combination, depending on your preference. Just make sure to cut the pieces to an even size for consistent grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No grill? No problem! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be cooked under the broiler in your oven. Place them on a lined baking sheet and broil, turning and basting with the butter, until cooked through and perfectly golden.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor infusion. If you plan to marinate for more than 4 hours, add the lemon juice only for the last 30-60 minutes to prevent the chicken from getting too soft or mushy from the acid.

What’s the best way to keep wooden skewers from burning?

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading on the chicken. This helps them resist burning and breaking on the grill, so your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers stay picture-perfect.

Can I make the garlic parmesan butter ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the garlic parmesan butter in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before you start grilling so that it’s easy to brush onto the hot skewers for that irresistible finishing touch.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a try—they’re fuss-free, fun to make, and loaded with bold, savory flavors everyone will love. Whether you’re grilling out or just jazzing up your weeknight dinner rotation, they never fail to impress. Happy skewering!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and flavorful dish perfect for grilling season. Tender chicken marinated in a zesty blend of olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, then grilled to perfection and basted with a savory garlic Parmesan butter. Serve these skewers with a side of your favorite veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cubed chicken with olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings. Marinate for 15 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter: Melt butter in a saucepan, add minced garlic, and simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside.
Skewer and Grill: Skewer marinated chicken and grill over medium-high heat (400°F) for 8-10 minutes, turning often.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: To the cooled garlic butter, add Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Baste and Serve: Brush skewers with garlic Parmesan butter while grilling, ensuring chicken reaches 165ºF internally. Finish with additional butter and a squeeze of lemon before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American