Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Summer heralds the arrival of long, sunny days and the unmistakable allure of grilling. Adding Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to your summer menu is a decision you won’t regret. This recipe perfectly marries the smoky, slightly charred flavor of grilled chicken with the rich, savory notes of garlic and parmesan cheese, creating a dish that’s both simple and sensational. Each skewer promises a burst of flavor that will have your guests reaching for more.

The beauty of garlic parmesan chicken skewers lies in their simplicity. With just a few ingredients – chicken breasts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil, and a handful of spices – you can create a dish that is not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor. The garlic infuses the chicken with a robust taste, while the parmesan adds a delightful, slightly crispy texture. Marinating the chicken beforehand ensures each bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with zest.

Summer gatherings are all about enjoying time with loved ones, and these skewers are the perfect culinary companion. Whether it’s a family barbecue in the backyard or a casual picnic in the park, garlic parmesan chicken skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. They are easy to transport and serve, making them an ideal choice for any outdoor occasion.

I recall one particular family gathering where these skewers were the highlight of our summer picnic. The scent of grilled chicken wafted through the air as we laughed and reminisced about old times. The skewer’s flavors were a topic of constant praise, and even the pickiest eaters couldn’t resist their delicious charm. This dish has since become a staple at our summer gatherings, evoking wonderful memories with every bite.

Overall, garlic parmesan chicken skewers are the quintessential summer meal. They are easy to make, delightfully flavorsome, and perfect for any outdoor feast. By including them in your summer menu, you’re not just serving a dish – you’re sharing an experience filled with taste and togetherness.

Preparing Your Ingredients

Successful culinary creations, like garlic parmesan chicken skewers, start with meticulous ingredient preparation. Begin with premium-quality chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring freshness and tenderness. For uniform cooking, it is critical to cut the chicken into equal-sized cubes, ideally about an inch in size. Uniformity in chicken pieces not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also guarantees that each piece cooks evenly, preventing undercooked or overly dry portions.

Next, the enhancement of flavor comes from an artful blend of seasonings. Paprika introduces a mild sweetness and a touch of earthiness, beautifully complementing the savory undertones of the dish. Garlic powder, a staple in chicken skewers, imparts a deep, aromatic flavor that resonates throughout each bite. Onion powder, with its pungent and slightly sweet profile, balances the garlic, enriching the depth of the seasoning blend. Lemon pepper adds a zesty, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness, offering a refreshing tang. Finally, salt acts as both a flavor enhancer and a tenderizer, ensuring that the chicken remains juicy and succulent during grilling.

Marinating is an essential step in infusing these flavors into the chicken. Allow the chicken to soak in the seasoning mix for a minimum of 15 minutes and up to 4 hours. This allows the ingredients to penetrate deeply, ensuring that each bite of the garlic parmesan chicken skewers is flavorful and aromatic. For optimal results, place the marinated chicken in a sealed container or a zip-top bag, refrigerating it until it’s ready for grilling. This not only maximizes flavor absorption but also offers the convenience of prepping ahead of time.

Proper storage of the marinated chicken is equally important. If preparing in advance, remember to keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator and use it within two days to maintain its freshness. By adhering to these techniques, you’ll ensure that your garlic parmesan chicken skewers are bursting with flavor and perfectly cooked, ready to impress at your next summer grilling event.

The Art of Grilling

Mastering the technique of grilling can greatly enhance your culinary prowess, especially when it comes to preparing garlic parmesan chicken skewers. One of the first considerations is the selection of skewers. Wooden skewers are popular, but it’s essential to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning. Alternatively, metal skewers are a durable option that eliminates the need for soaking, though care must be taken as they can become quite hot.

Preheating the grill to 400°F is a crucial step. This initial high temperature not only ensures that the grill grates are hot enough to sear the chicken and lock in moisture, but also minimizes sticking. Maintaining this temperature throughout the grilling process is key for achieving even cooking. Fluctuating heat levels can result in dry or burnt chicken skewers.

When it comes to the actual grilling, patience and attentiveness are your best tools. Place the garlic parmesan chicken skewers on the preheated grill and close the lid to retain the heat. Turn the skewers every 3-4 minutes, which promotes even cooking and helps develop a uniform, golden-brown crust. This frequent turning also prevents burning, ensuring that each piece of chicken gets the right amount of char without being overdone.

Knowing when your garlic parmesan chicken skewers are perfectly grilled is not just about looks; it’s a matter of food safety. The most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken pieces, ensuring that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This guarantees that any harmful bacteria have been effectively eliminated while keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Perfecting the art of grilling takes practice, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouth-watering garlic parmesan chicken skewers that are a hit at any summer gathering.

Adding Garlic Parmesan Butter and Serving Suggestions

The crowning touch to your garlic parmesan chicken skewers is a luxurious garlic parmesan butter that lends an irresistible burst of flavor. To create this delectable sauce, start by melting a generous amount of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add minced garlic and allow it to gently simmer for a few minutes until it becomes fragrant; this step is essential for infusing the butter with a robust garlic essence.

Next, incorporate freshly grated parmesan cheese into the softened, aromatic garlic butter. Stir continuously to ensure the cheese melds seamlessly with the butter, creating a rich, creamy base. To elevate the flavor profile further, sprinkle in some finely chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. These herbs not only enhance the flavor but also contribute a touch of fresh greenery that beautifully complements the overall dish.

As your skewers approach the final stages of grilling, generously brush them with the prepared garlic parmesan butter. This not only imparts a delightful, golden glaze but also locks in the sumptuous flavors, making each bite truly memorable. Allow the skewers to grill for an additional few minutes after basting to ensure that the butter soaks fully into the chicken, creating an indulgent finish.

When it comes to serving these exceptional garlic parmesan chicken skewers, consider pairing them with a variety of side dishes that harmonize well with the flavors. A fresh summer salad, abundant with vibrant greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers, provides a refreshing contrast. Similarly, grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus offer a deliciously smoky counterpart to the savory chicken.

For an added burst of freshness, garnish your skewers with lemon slices. The citric acidity balances the richness of the garlic parmesan butter, enhancing the overall taste experience. Whether served on a platter adorned with herbs and citrus or arranged alongside complementary sides, these garlic parmesan chicken skewers are poised to be the star of your next meal, enticing both the eyes and the palate.

Ingredients

• 1-1½ lb chicken breasts, cubed, or thighs
• 3 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1-2 tsp no salt added lemon pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Garlic Parmesan Butter

• 4-6 Tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup parmesan, grated
• 2 tsp lemon juice, optional
• 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped , fresh cilantro will also work.
• 1 small lemon, sliced for garnish, optional

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, add cubed chicken. Try to ensure the chicken is equal size chunks to ensure they cook evenly. Add olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated well. Marinate for 15 minutes to 4 hours covered with plastic in the fridge.
2. Once you are ready to cook, skewer the chicken on wooden or metal skewers. Lay them on a flat baking sheet. In a sauce pan, on low, melt the butter down, add the minced garlic and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Set it aside somewhere warm/room temperature.
3. Add the skewers to the grill! Preheat the grill on Medium/high to 400°F. Add the skewers directly to the grates and cook for about 8-10 minutes turning often. Add the Parmesan and parsley or other fresh herb of choice to the cooled garlic butter.
4. Let the skewers sit on the grill for about 2 minutes on each side, rotating and brushing with the garlic Parmesan butter. Once the chicken is golden and reaches 165ºF internally, take it off the Grill. Let the chicken rest on a baking sheet and brush generously with leftover garlic parmesan butter and a little squeeze of lemon before serving.