Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Simple Chicken Recipes for Any Day
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks; 3 tbsp olive oil; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional); Wooden or metal skewers

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Let me tell you—these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are what weeknight dinner dreams are made of. They’re part of my go-to list of simple chicken recipes, the kind that saves your evening when the day’s been one long to-do list. The prep is straightforward. The result? Tender, juicy chicken kissed with garlic and wrapped in golden, cheesy goodness. Not bad for a recipe that doesn’t ask for much. I first whipped these up when I realized my pantry was basically garlic, Parmesan, and some lonely skewers from last summer’s BBQ. A little olive oil, a few spices, and boom—chicken glory. It’s got all the markers of simple healthy chicken recipes but still manages to feel indulgent. And bonus: no one at the table argues. Not even my “chicken again?” teenager. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need a quick win for dinner tonight, this one’s your new best friend. It fits the bill for chicken recipes, chicken food recipes, and yes—even those craving something like Parmesan meatballs but quicker. File it under simple recipes, but bookmark it under chicken recipes dinner. You’ll want it again.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
3) Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
4) How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
5) Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
6) Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Quick and flavorful recipe that fits perfectly into your weeknight dinner routine
Uses pantry staples like garlic, Parmesan, and chicken thighs
Great option for meal prepping or entertaining with minimal cleanup
Works well with both indoor grill pans and outdoor grills

2) Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’ve ever looked in your fridge and said, “Hmm… chicken again?”—you’re not alone. That was me one Tuesday evening. I was staring at a pack of chicken thighs like it had personally offended me. But then I remembered one of my favorite simple chicken recipes, and things took a turn.

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, a little smoky, and absolutely packed with cheesy garlic flavor. The kind of dinner you don’t mind making again tomorrow. What makes them extra special? They look fancier than they are. They’re fast. They’re foolproof. And most importantly, they make chicken taste exciting again. The whole thing started as a “let’s just get through dinner” plan and turned into a “why didn’t we try this sooner” discovery.

They fit right into your rotation of simple healthy chicken recipes. You can prep them ahead, clean up quickly, and even serve them at a backyard party without breaking a sweat. Honestly, I’ve added them to my list of go-to chicken recipes dinner ideas, right next to roasted thighs and Parmesan meatballs.

3) Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: I like using thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful, even after grilling. They soak up every bit of the garlicky marinade and hold up well on the skewer.

Olive oil: This is the base of our marinade. It keeps the chicken moist and helps the seasonings stick. Plus, it gives everything a nice sheen on the grill.

Garlic: Fresh garlic makes all the difference. I go with four cloves, minced fine, so each bite hits with that mellow, rich flavor you only get from the real stuff.

Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smokiness. I use regular paprika, not smoked, so the garlic and cheese stay front and center.

Salt and pepper: Don’t skip this. Seasoning is where good chicken becomes great chicken.

Grated Parmesan cheese: The star of the show. I like the fine, sandy kind here—it melts better and sticks to the hot chicken like a hug.

Fresh parsley: Optional, but I love the pop of color it adds at the end. It also balances the richness of the cheese.

Wooden or metal skewers: If you’re using wooden ones, soak them for 30 minutes before grilling. Otherwise, they’ll turn to charcoal sticks.

4) How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good whisk—nothing fancy, just until the garlic’s evenly spread through the oil.

Step 2: Add the chicken chunks. Toss them around with your hands or tongs so they’re completely coated. Let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep your grill.

Step 3: Thread the chicken onto the skewers. Don’t overcrowd them. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly and get those nice grill marks.

Step 4: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium. If you’re using a grill, oil the grates. Place the skewers on and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, flipping now and then, until they’re golden and the center’s no longer pink.

Step 5: Once the chicken is done, sprinkle it generously with Parmesan cheese while it’s still hot. That cheese will stick and start melting right away.

Step 6: Give them 2 or 3 more minutes on the grill to let the cheese crisp up just a bit. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.

Step 7: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve them right away—though honestly, they’re good cold, too.

5) Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Let’s keep this simple. You don’t need tricks, just small things that make the recipe smoother.

Use chicken thighs over breasts. They stay juicy, even if you forget to set a timer (guilty). Boneless is easier, skinless is cleaner. If you have skin-on thighs, just remove the skin first.

When marinating, don’t skip the garlic. You can use garlic powder in a pinch, but it won’t hit the same. Fresh garlic is the soul of this dish. Also, Parmesan melts best when added right at the end. If you put it on too early, it may burn.

One more thing—if your grill has hot spots, rotate your skewers around. You want even heat so nothing dries out. Oh, and keep tongs nearby. Flipping skewers with a fork? Not fun.

6) Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Ahead of Time

If you’re planning ahead, great. These skewers love a good nap in the fridge. Mix your marinade in the morning, add the chicken, and let it chill covered until dinnertime. You can even thread them onto skewers early. Just cover them up and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to grill.

If you’re meal prepping for the week, grill the skewers and store them fully cooked. They reheat well—especially in the air fryer if you want the edges crispy again. They also taste great cold in a wrap or chopped up in salad.

This is one of those simple chicken recipes that gives you options, not chores. You can prep ahead, reheat later, and still serve something that tastes fresh off the grill.

7) Storing Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Leftovers are where this recipe shines again. Let the skewers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay good for up to four days. You can remove the chicken from the skewers if it makes storage easier.

To reheat, pop them in the microwave for a minute or two, or better yet, warm them in a skillet or air fryer. That way, the cheese crisps up again and the outside gets just a little golden.

These are perfect for lunch boxes, wraps, or topping a grain bowl. They’re also a low-effort way to bring chicken food recipes into your weekday lunch routine without falling asleep at your desk from boredom.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers