Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp garlic powder)

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp dried oregano

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• 1/2 tsp onion powder

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before using)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, oregano, basil, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.

• Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you have more time, marinate for up to 2 hours for even better flavor.

2. Prepare the Skewers:

• Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

• If you’re using metal skewers, simply thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. If using wooden skewers, ensure they are soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning.

• Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:

• Place the skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Grill the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks.

• If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is fully cooked.

4. Serve:

• Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill or oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

• Drizzle with a little extra lemon juice for brightness (optional), and garnish with fresh parsley.

• Serve the garlic Parmesan chicken skewers with your favorite sides — they go great with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or over pasta!

Q&A Section:

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

• Yes! Chicken thighs are a great choice if you want juicier, more flavorful skewers. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to chicken breasts.

Q2: Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

• Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just thread the chicken onto the skewers and cook when you’re ready. If you want to prep them completely, you can assemble the skewers, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to grill.

Q3: Can I cook these skewers in the oven if I don’t have a grill?

• Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the skewers on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also broil them for a couple of minutes at the end for a little extra char if you like.

Q4: How do I make this recipe spicier?

• You can add extra red pepper flakes to the marinade or even marinate the chicken with some hot sauce. For more heat, try adding a finely chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper to the marinade.

Q5: Can I use a different cheese besides Parmesan?

• Yes, you can! Pecorino Romano works well for a sharper, saltier flavor. If you’re looking for something milder, mozzarella or even Asiago cheese could be tasty alternatives. Just keep in mind that Parmesan adds a specific depth of flavor to the dish, so other cheeses might slightly change the taste.

Q6: Can I use the marinade for dipping sauce?

• It’s not safe to use the marinade that the raw chicken has been sitting in directly as a dipping sauce due to food safety concerns. However, you can reserve a portion of the marinade before adding the chicken and use it as a dipping sauce. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before using it for dipping!

Serving Suggestions:

• Sides: Serve these skewers with roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, a light cucumber salad, or some garlic bread.

• Sauce: A creamy dipping sauce, like ranch or garlic butter, could pair nicely with these skewers. Or, drizzle a bit more fresh Parmesan on top before serving.