Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These skewers are packed with rich Italian flavors from Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. The grilling process adds that signature smoky char, while the marinade ensures juicy, flavorful chicken. They’re incredibly versatile—whether you serve them on a salad, with pasta, or as an appetizer, they’re sure to impress.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
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2 tablespoon olive oil
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
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Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat about 10 minutes before cooking.
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Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, ensuring there’s space between pieces for even cooking.
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Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, turning halfway, until the chicken is golden-brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 people
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Prep Time: 40 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 55 minutes
Variations
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Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) and add lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
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Spicy Parmesan Skewers: Add crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
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Mediterranean-Style Skewers: Use a blend of oregano, thyme, and mint instead of Italian seasoning, and serve with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean flair.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Reheat on the grill, in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
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Freezing: Freeze marinated but raw chicken cubes in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before skewering and grilling.
FAQs
How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used for a juicier, more flavorful option.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is ideal.
Can I grill the skewers indoors?
You can use a grill pan or broil them in the oven if grilling outdoors isn’t an option.
What should I serve with these skewers?
These skewers pair well with a light pasta salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled asparagus.
How can I make these skewers spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy variation.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and grill them when you're ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What other dipping sauces can I use?
These skewers are delicious with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, or pesto.
Can I freeze these skewers?
You can freeze the marinated chicken cubes, thaw them overnight, and then skewer and grill.
Conclusion
These Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish to bring a little Italian flair to your next meal. Easy to make, full of flavor, and highly versatile, they’re sure to be a hit whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner at home.
Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, grilled dish that combines the richness of Parmesan, the boldness of garlic, and the aromatic blend of Italian herbs. Perfect for grilling season, these skewers offer a juicy, smoky chicken bite, making them a great addition to salads, pasta, or served as an appetizer. With a simple marinade and easy cooking steps, this recipe is sure to impress anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal with a Mediterranean twist
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Italian, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well-mixed.
-
Marinate the Chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
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Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat about 10 minutes before cooking.
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Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken onto soaked wooden skewers, ensuring space between pieces for even cooking.
-
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, turning halfway, until the chicken is golden-brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Rest and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
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Variations: Spice things up with crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. For a Mediterranean twist, use oregano, thyme, and mint.
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Storage/Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill, in a skillet, or in the microwave. Freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
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