These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are one of our favorite cookout dinners, juicy chicken cubes coated in a creamy ranch and Parmesan marinade and grilled until golden. For us that kind of easy, crowd pleasing meal is exactly what real food for real life is about. They are the kind of dinner that turns a backyard cookout into a hit, juicy chicken cubes in a creamy ranch and Parmesan marinade, grilled until golden and charred at the edges.
Chunks of chicken thigh are marinated in ranch, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, then threaded onto skewers and grilled until charred and juicy. These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are packed with savory, garlicky flavor and perfect for a backyard cookout or an easy weeknight dinner. Marinating chunks of chicken thigh in ranch, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs, then threading them onto skewers and grilling, packs savory, garlicky flavor into every juicy bite.
A creamy ranch and Parmesan marinade keeps these garlic parmesan chicken skewers juicy and flavorful as they char and turn golden on the grill.
Why You Will Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Juicy and flavorful. A creamy marinade keeps the chicken moist and packed with garlicky, savory flavor.
- Great for cookouts. Skewers are easy to grill and fun to serve at a backyard gathering.
- Simple marinade. Ranch, Parmesan, garlic, and herbs come together in minutes.
- Tender chicken thighs. Thighs stay juicy on the grill and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Easy to serve. Serve them on the skewer with a dip or over rice and salad.
What Makes These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers So Good
Great garlic parmesan chicken skewers start with a creamy, flavorful marinade. Ranch and Parmesan coat the chicken in savory richness, while garlic, herbs, and a little lemon brighten and deepen the flavor as the chicken soaks. Ranch and Parmesan coat the chicken in savory richness, while garlic, herbs, and a little lemon brighten and deepen the flavor as it soaks in the marinade.
Using boneless chicken thighs keeps these skewers juicy. Thighs have a bit more fat than breast, so they stay tender and moist on the grill even as the edges char and caramelize. Boneless chicken thighs have a bit more fat than breast, so they stay tender and moist on the grill even as the edges char and caramelize.
The key to these garlic parmesan chicken skewers is even cubes and a hot grill. Cutting the chicken into one inch pieces helps it cook evenly, and turning the skewers occasionally gives every side a golden, lightly charred finish. Cutting the chicken into even, one inch pieces helps it cook evenly, and turning the skewers occasionally gives every side a golden, lightly charred finish.
Optional Pro Tip: Soak Wooden Skewers
If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for about thirty minutes before grilling so they do not burn. For the best garlic parmesan chicken skewers, leave a little space between each piece of chicken so the hot air and flame can reach every side and cook it evenly. Soaking wooden skewers in water beforehand keeps them from burning, and leaving a little space between the pieces lets the hot air and flame reach every side to cook it evenly.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Cut the chicken into even, one inch cubes so the garlic parmesan chicken skewers cook at the same rate, and marinate for at least thirty minutes for the best flavor. Cutting the chicken into even cubes helps the skewers cook at the same rate, and marinating for at least half an hour gives the best flavor.
Preheat the grill to medium high and turn the skewers occasionally. Let the chicken reach 165 F, then rest a few minutes before serving. Preheating the grill and turning the skewers occasionally gives an even, golden finish, and a short rest after grilling lets the juices settle.
Variations and Add Ins
- Spicy. Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Lemon herb. Add extra lemon and fresh herbs for a brighter flavor.
- Extra cheesy. Sprinkle more Parmesan over the skewers right after grilling.
- Veggie skewers. Thread peppers, onions, and zucchini between the chicken.
- Air fryer or oven. No grill needed, cook the skewers in the air fryer or oven until golden and 165 F.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Store leftover garlic parmesan chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The marinade keeps the chicken flavorful as it sits. Stored airtight, the marinade keeps the chicken flavorful for a few days, so leftovers reheat into a second savory meal.
Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven at 350 F until warmed through. Avoid overheating, which can dry out the chicken. Reheating gently in the air fryer or oven warms the chicken through while keeping it juicy, so avoid overheating, which can dry it out.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Serve these on or off the skewer with a ranch or garlic dip, over rice, or alongside a crisp salad and grilled vegetables. A sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley finishes them nicely. Served on or off the skewer with a ranch or garlic dip, over rice, or alongside a crisp salad and grilled vegetables, and finished with Parmesan and parsley, they make a satisfying main. Sliding the chicken off the skewers onto a platter also makes them easy to share family style at a cookout.
Skewers make grilling easy by holding the chicken together over the flame, and wooden ones are best soaked first, as described in this overview of skewers. That simple tool is what gives these garlic parmesan chicken skewers their easy, cookout friendly form.
Frequently Asked Questions
What chicken is best for these skewers?
Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill. Chicken breast works too, just watch it closely to avoid drying out. Boneless skinless chicken thighs stay especially juicy on the grill, while chicken breast works too, just watch it closely so it does not dry out.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least thirty minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator, for the deepest garlic Parmesan flavor. At least thirty minutes builds good flavor, and up to a few hours in the refrigerator gives the deepest garlic Parmesan taste.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes. Soak them in water for about thirty minutes before grilling so they do not burn over the flame. Soaking wooden skewers in water beforehand keeps them from burning over the flame, so they hold the chicken safely as it grills.
What grill temperature is best?
Medium high heat works well. It chars the outside while cooking the chicken through to 165 F. Medium high heat chars the outside while cooking the chicken through, giving you that golden, lightly charred finish and a juicy center.
How long do they take to grill?
About ten to fifteen minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and reaches 165 F. Turning the skewers occasionally over that heat cooks the chicken through in a short time, so watch for golden, charred edges and a juicy center.
Can I make these without a grill?
Yes. Cook the skewers in the air fryer or oven until golden and cooked through to 165 F. The air fryer or oven both work beautifully when a grill is not an option, cooking the skewers until golden and cooked through.
How do I keep the chicken juicy?
Use thighs, do not overcook, and let the skewers rest a few minutes after grilling so the juices settle. Using thighs, not overcooking, and letting the skewers rest a few minutes after grilling are the simple steps that keep the chicken juicy.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Thread peppers, onions, or zucchini between the chicken pieces for a complete skewer. Threading peppers, onions, or zucchini between the chicken pieces makes a complete skewer, adding color and vegetables to the plate.
What dips go well?
A ranch dip, garlic sauce, or extra Parmesan all pair nicely with these skewers. A ranch dip, a garlic sauce, or extra Parmesan all pair beautifully, so set out a couple for dipping and serving.
What sides go well?
Rice, a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or warm bread all round out the meal. Rice, a crisp salad, grilled vegetables, or warm bread all round out the meal alongside these savory skewers.
A Cookout Favorite Everyone Loves
These garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring juicy, garlicky, cheesy flavor to the grill in an easy, shareable form. Charred at the edges and tender inside, they are a guaranteed cookout hit.
Serve them on the skewer with a dip or over rice and salad, and make them on the grill, in the air fryer, or in the oven. They are a flexible, flavorful main for any night.
If you love savory, satisfying chicken like this, you will also enjoy our high protein creamy beef pasta, another favorite from our kitchen.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice if using. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Place the cubed chicken into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes before threading the chicken.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165 F. The chicken should have a nice char on the outside.
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve the skewers with your favorite side dishes or a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
Notes
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