Zesty Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Family Fun
Sizzling summer barbecues call for these mouthwatering Italian parmesan chicken skewers that bring an explosion of Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
Tender chicken chunks marinated in herbs dance with sharp parmesan cheese, creating a perfect grilling sensation.
The robust blend of spices infuses each bite with a delightful zest that makes these skewers irresistible.
Charred edges and golden-brown surfaces promise a delectable meal that transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet experience.
Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, these skewers offer a delicious twist on classic chicken recipes.
Packed with protein and bursting with authentic Italian seasonings, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite at your next outdoor gathering.
Grab your skewers and fire up the grill for a culinary adventure that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: 300 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers
For Protein Base:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Premium lean protein that creates tender, juicy skewer bites with perfect bite-sized dimension for easy eating and quick cooking.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Olive Oil: Silky cooking medium that helps seasonings adhere and creates golden, crispy exterior while adding rich Mediterranean depth.
Garlic, Parmesan Cheese: Powerful flavor duo that delivers intense savory umami punch with robust aromatic notes and nutty, salty undertones.
Italian Seasoning Mix: Signature herb blend providing authentic Mediterranean complexity with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
Paprika: Warm, slightly sweet spice that adds beautiful reddish color and mild smoky warmth to chicken's surface.
For Seasoning Balance:
Salt, Pepper: Essential mineral seasonings that amplify and harmonize all other ingredient flavors, creating balanced taste profile and bringing out chicken's natural richness.
Tools for Grilling Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining marinade ingredients and coating chicken.
Wooden skewers: Soak in water beforehand to prevent burning during grilling.
Cutting board: Use for cubing chicken breasts safely and cleanly.
Sharp knife: Essential for precise chicken cutting.
Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure marinade ingredients.
Grill or grill pan: Key for achieving those delicious golden-brown grill marks.
Tongs: Great for flipping skewers and handling chicken safely on the grill.
How to Make Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Flavor Magic The secret starts with a zesty blend of olive oil, crushed garlic, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian herbs. This magical mixture transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delight.
Marinating Moment Coat chicken pieces generously in the herby mixture, letting them luxuriate in the refrigerator. This resting time allows flavors to dance and mingle, creating deep, rich tastes.
Grill Preparation Heat your grill until it whispers with warmth, creating the perfect canvas for cooking. Medium-high temperature ensures a beautiful golden exterior.
Skewer Crafting Carefully thread marinated chicken chunks onto wooden skewers. Space them thoughtfully to guarantee even cooking and stunning grill marks.
Cooking Performance Grill skewers with confidence, rotating once to achieve a perfectly caramelized exterior. Watch for a gorgeous golden-brown color that signals deliciousness.
Serving Finale Rest skewers momentarily after grilling, allowing juices to settle. Sprinkle with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan for a luxurious finishing touch.
Tips for Flavorful Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Transform your chicken skewers from good to absolutely amazing with these pro tips.
Let the chicken soak up those delicious Italian seasonings for maximum flavor intensity. Longer marinating times (up to 4 hours) will develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
Always soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. This simple step prevents charred, bitter edges and keeps your presentation looking professional.
Space chicken pieces slightly apart on skewers to ensure even cooking and beautiful grill marks. Overcrowding creates uneven heat distribution and potentially undercooked sections.
Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese during the last minute of grilling for a crispy, golden cheese crust that adds incredible texture and rich flavor complexity.
Experiment by adding fresh chopped rosemary, switching paprika for smoked paprika, or incorporating red pepper flakes for a spicy kick that transforms the entire dish.
How to Serve Italian Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Mediterranean Picnic Platter: Create a stunning spread by arranging skewers on a large wooden board with fresh cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle some fresh herbs for an authentic Mediterranean feel.
Summer BBQ Star: Serve these skewers as the centerpiece of your backyard gathering with grilled vegetable sides like zucchini, bell peppers, and corn on the cob. Pair with a crisp white wine or refreshing lemonade for the perfect summer meal.
Quick Meal Transformation: Slice the grilled chicken off skewers and toss into a fresh green salad with mixed greens, crumbled feta, and a light lemon vinaigrette. This turns your main dish into a light, protein-packed lunch option that's both delicious and nutritious.
Appetizer Party Hack: Cut the skewers into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks for an elegant appetizer at cocktail parties. Accompany with a zesty marinara or garlic aioli dipping sauce to elevate the flavor profile and impress your guests.
Storing Chicken Skewers Properly
Smart Batch Preparation: Whip up multiple batches of these skewers during weekend meal prep. Store marinated, uncooked chicken in sealed containers for quick weeknight dinners, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual skewers in aluminum foil after cooking, then place in freezer-safe bags. These tasty bites will stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven to maintain moisture.
Leftover Magic: Chop cold skewered chicken and toss into salads, stuff into wraps, or mix with pasta for instant meal transformations. Refrigerated cooked chicken remains safe to eat within 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers.
Perfect Portion Control: Create smaller skewers for kids' lunches or portion out servings in meal prep containers. Use clear containers to easily track your protein-packed meals throughout the week, making healthy eating a breeze.
Succulent Parmesan chicken skewers showcase Italian culinary magic with herbed marinade and grilled perfection. Crisp exterior and juicy interior make this dish a delightful meal you can savor among friends and family.
Marinade Crafting: Whisk olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika in a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper to amplify flavor complexity.
Chicken Immersion: Thoroughly coat chicken breast cubes in marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours, allowing ingredients to meld and intensify.
Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (375-400°F), creating optimal cooking environment approximately ten minutes before grilling. Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent charring.
Skewering Process: Thread marinated chicken onto prepared skewers, maintaining slight spacing between pieces to promote even heat circulation and consistent cooking.
Grilling Technique: Cook skewers for 12-14 minutes total, rotating midway to achieve golden-brown exterior and ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Watch for caramelized edges and appetizing char marks.
Finishing Touch: Remove skewers from heat and let rest briefly. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs like parsley or basil to elevate presentation and flavor profile.
Notes
Marinate Magic: Longer marination (up to 4 hours) intensifies flavor depth, allowing Parmesan and herbs to completely infuse chicken with rich, savory notes.
Skewer Smart: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential flame flare-ups during cooking.
Temperature Triumph: Use meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking while maintaining juicy texture.
Resting Routine: Let grilled skewers rest 3-4 minutes after cooking to redistribute internal juices, ensuring each bite remains tender and succulent.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.