If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed dinner that’s both easy to prepare and guaranteed to disappear fast, look no further than this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe! Every savory bite is bursting with garlicky goodness and a cheesy Parmesan crust, perfectly balanced with lemony freshness and aromatic Italian herbs. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny weekend or craving something special for a weeknight meal, these kebabs promise big rewards for minimal effort—and they always impress guests and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe lies in its irresistibly simple ingredients. Each one brings something unique to the table—whether it’s a juicy bite, a hit of tang, or a pop of color—and together, they transform plain chicken into something truly memorable.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs ensure juicy, tender kebabs every single time.
- Olive oil: This helps the marinade stick to the chicken and adds a lovely richness to each bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the chicken with deep, savory flavor—don’t skimp!
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan forms a delicious crust that gets golden and toasty on the grill.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon brightens all the flavors and tenderizes the chicken marvelously.
- Italian seasoning: This classic blend of herbs adds depth and a touch of earthiness to the marinade.
- Paprika: Paprika gives the chicken a hint of color and smoky warmth that works perfectly with the cheese.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasonings that make every ingredient sing.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley brings a burst of green, tying everything together on the plate.
- Wooden or metal skewers: These make grilling (and serving) fun and easy. Remember to soak wooden skewers before grilling!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes—this simple trick helps prevent burning on the grill. If you have metal skewers handy, feel free to use those for quick and easy assembly.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This fragrant mixture is what transforms the chicken, so give it a good stir to blend all those bold flavors evenly.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken directly into the bowl of marinade. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the cheesy, garlicky mixture. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours if you have the time. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavor!
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your soaked wooden or metal skewers, packing them close but not too tight to allow for even grilling. You can alternate the chicken with extra veggies if you like, but the star here is that irresistible marinade.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium heat. Place the skewers directly on the grates and grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden, lightly charred, and cooked through. The Parmesan should form a lovely crispy crust that smells absolutely heavenly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe is perfectly grilled, remove them from the heat. Sprinkle with a touch more Parmesan cheese and a scattering of chopped fresh parsley for a fragrant, irresistible finish. Now all that’s left is to dig in!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe truly pop, garnish generously with more grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh chopped parsley. Not only does this add an extra layer of flavor and freshness, but it also gives your kebabs that gorgeous, restaurant-worthy look.
Side Dishes
These kebabs love a good sidekick! They’re wonderful served alongside fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, grilled vegetables, or tucked inside a warm pita with crunchy greens and a drizzle of yogurt sauce. The garlic and cheese flavors pair beautifully with both simple and more adventurous sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slide the kebabs off the skewers and serve them family-style on a big platter, scattered with herbs and lots of lemon wedges. Or, create a build-your-own-kebab bar with assorted dips, grilled veggies, and crusty bread—guests will love making their own flavorful combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe, let them cool, then transfer to an airtight container. They keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and make delicious lunches or snacks the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken kebabs (off the skewers works best) on a baking sheet until firm, then move them into a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—perfect for future quick meals.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a 325°F oven or on the stovetop until heated through. For the best texture, avoid microwaving, which can make the chicken tough or rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful when grilled. Both options work beautifully in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill, no problem! These kebabs can be broiled in the oven on a high rack, turning occasionally for that golden, slightly charred exterior. A stovetop grill pan also works well and gives great results.
Can I marinate the chicken overnight?
You can marinate the chicken overnight, though 4 hours is usually plenty of time. If you go longer, the lemon juice will continue to tenderize the chicken, just don’t exceed 24 hours to avoid mushy texture.
Is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As written, it’s naturally gluten-free—just double-check your Parmesan and seasonings to ensure there’s no hidden gluten if you’re sensitive or cooking for someone who is.
What other herbs can I use?
If you want to switch up the flavor profile, try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme in the marinade. A little rosemary would also be delicious and bring extra fragrance to your kebabs.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes that’s as easy as it is satisfying, and always draws rave reviews. Fire up the grill and give it a try; I just know these cheesy, garlicky skewers will earn a spot in your regular rotation!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for summer grilling. Tender chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. Serve them with your favorite sides for a delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Chicken Kebabs:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat grill or grill pan over medium heat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill the Kebabs: Grill for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and charred.
- Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve with grilled vegetables, rice, or in a pita wrap.
- You can broil the kebabs in the oven as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 skewers
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg