Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers deliver a restaurant-quality meal right from your grill or oven, featuring juicy chicken coated in a savory, golden crust. After extensive testing, I’ve perfected the balance of garlic and Parmesan to create a flavor that’s robust without being overpowering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, dried parsley, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of spices. (Pro tip: For a finer, crispier coating, pulse the breadcrumbs and Parmesan together in a food processor for a few seconds).
- Create the Garlic Oil: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and minced garlic. Let this mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This step, known as "steeping," gently infuses the oil with raw garlic flavor, which is key for a potent but not bitter taste in the final Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
- Coat the Chicken Cubes: Place the cubed chicken in a large bowl. Pour the garlic oil over the chicken and toss until every piece is lightly and evenly coated. The oil acts as the "glue" for the dry coating. Add the Parmesan-breadcrumb mixture to the bowl and toss vigorously, pressing the coating onto the chicken to form a thick, cohesive layer.
- Thread the Skewers: Thread the coated chicken pieces onto your prepared skewers, leaving a small space between each cube. This spacing is crucial for even cooking and caramelization. In my tests, I've found that packing them too tightly results in steamed, rather than seared, chicken.
- Preheat and Prepare Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C) or your oven's broiler on high. If grilling, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Unlike baking, grilling provides direct, high heat that creates superior caramelization on the cheese coating.
- Cook to Perfection: Place the skewers on the grill or a broiler pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the exterior is golden brown and crisp and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid moving them frequently to allow a proper crust to form.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked skewers to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist. Serve immediately while the Parmesan crust is at its peak crispiness.
Find it online: https://thecookingjournal.com/garlic-parmesan-chicken-skewers/