If you’re searching for a recipe that captures the spirit of summer grilling with loads of flavor and a little bit of cheesy, garlicky magic, these Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a dream come true. Juicy, lightly charred chicken coated in a silky parmesan butter sauce—every bite is pure savory bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crave-Worthy Sauce: The garlicky, buttery parmesan sauce clings to every morsel for irresistible flavor in every bite.
- Quick & Easy: With just 20 minutes from start to finish, these skewers are almost too simple for how much they impress!
- Crowd Pleaser: Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for family dinners, cookouts, or even game-day appetizers—everyone loves them.
- Customizable Heat: Dial the spice up or down thanks to the versatile seasoning and optional hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in their easy, fuss-free ingredients—each one is chosen for a purpose. From the aromatic garlic to a hint of lemon juice and a generous finish of parmesan, every element builds deep flavor and a craveable, golden finish.
- Butter: This is the base of your delicious garlic parmesan sauce, adding richness and helping everything cling to the chicken beautifully.
- Parmigiano Reggiano (Parmesan Cheese): Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, delivering that signature savory, creamy character.
- Garlic: You’ll want real, freshly chopped cloves for maximum punch—it brings the star flavor to the party.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Just a pinch gives a gentle heat, balancing the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Lemon Juice: Bright and zesty, it cuts through the savory flavors and lifts the whole dish.
- Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness right at the end.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken (Breasts or Thighs): Cut into juicy, bite-sized pieces so they grill fast and soak up all the sauce.
- Cajun Seasoning: This adds a savory, smoky backbone—if you prefer, swap with simple salt and pepper or a homemade spice blend.
Variations
The best part about Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? They’re endlessly adaptable! Don’t be afraid to swap spices or add your favorite extras—these skewers are just waiting for your personal touch, whether you want them extra spicy, gluten-free, or packed with garden veggies.
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
- Veggie Power: Thread bell peppers, red onion, or zucchini onto your skewers along with the chicken for colorful, grilled veggies in every bite.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or chives instead of parsley for a different flavor profile and color pop.
- Alternative Seasonings: Use a homemade blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper if you don’t have Cajun seasoning on hand.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute vegan butter and nutritional yeast in place of butter and parmesan for a dairy-free twist that’s still totally satisfying.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Start by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped garlic, grated parmesan, and (if you love a little heat) a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let everything mingle just until the garlic is fragrant and the cheese melts. Take it off the heat, then stir in a splash of lemon juice and the chopped parsley so it stays fresh and vibrant.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized chunks—they’ll cook evenly and soak up lots of flavor. Toss them with Cajun seasoning (or your spice blend of choice), making sure every piece is coated for that irresistible savory crust when grilled.
Step 3: Skewer and Grill
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each for even cooking. Heat your grill (or grill pan) over medium-high, oil the grates lightly, then cook the skewers for about 2–4 minutes per side. While grilling, generously baste them with the warm garlic parmesan sauce so the flavor sinks in and caramelizes just slightly.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Once your Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are lightly charred and cooked through, transfer them to a platter and brush with one last luxurious layer of sauce. Garnish with extra parsley, a shower of parmesan, and serve with lemon wedges for that perfect finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Choose Your Chicken Wisely: Thighs offer unbeatable juiciness but breasts will be extra tender if you pull them off the grill right when they’re cooked through.
- Soak Your Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning on the grill.
- Maximize Sauce Absorption: Baste not just while grilling, but once more right off the grill for an ultra-rich, glossy finish that clings to every bite.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the skewers sit for 2–3 minutes after grilling to lock in all their juiciness before tucking in.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Nothing says “bite me!” quite like a sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan and a scatter of bright parsley flutters. A squeeze of lemon right at the table brings the skewers to life—don’t skip that citrusy pop, it cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
These savory skewers are heavenly alongside simple sides like garlicky grilled vegetables, fluffy rice pilaf, a big Greek salad, or even some warm, crusty bread to mop up that luscious sauce. Go light and fresh, or hearty and comforting—they’re as versatile as you like!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, remove the grilled chicken chunks from their skewers and tuck them into warm pita with arugula and a drizzle of leftover sauce. Or, serve as party bites—just cut into smaller pieces and stick with fancy toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer platter. Trust me, they disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), place the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay juicy and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for a quick lunch or salad topper the next day.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the skewers without the sauce, then reheat and add a fresh batch of sauce just before serving for maximum flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the skewers in a covered skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300ºF (150ºC) until just heated through. A little splash of chicken broth or extra sauce will keep them nice and moist—avoid the microwave, which can dry them out.
FAQs
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Can I make these Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without a grill?
Absolutely! You can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan or even under the broiler. Just keep an eye on them, turn occasionally, and baste with the garlic parmesan sauce for that same irresistible flavor and slight char.
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What’s the best cut of chicken to use for this recipe?
Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs are juicier and a bit more forgiving if you’re worried about overcooking, while breasts are leaner and just as delicious when cooked with care.
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Can I prepare the chicken ahead and marinate it?
Definitely! You can season the chicken up to a day ahead—just keep it covered in the fridge. For even more flavor, let it marinate in the Cajun seasoning and a little olive oil for a few hours before grilling.
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Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
These Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are naturally gluten-free if you use a gluten-free Cajun seasoning (or simple salt and pepper) and ensure any optional sauces or add-ins don’t contain wheat. Enjoy with your favorite gluten-free sides!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to fire up the grill and treat yourself to a platter of Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! They’re quick to make, loved by all, and truly bring a burst of flavor to any table. Give them a try and watch them become a new favorite—you’ll crave that first juicy, cheesy bite all over again!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Grilled Cajun Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a flavorful twist on grilled chicken with this Garlic Parmesan Grilled Chicken recipe. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with cajun spices and grilled to perfection, then basted with a rich garlic parmesan sauce for a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons parmigiano reggiano (parmesan cheese), grated
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
For the Grilled Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless and skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
Instructions
- For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt the butter with the parmesan, garlic, and red pepper flakes over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat and mix in the lemon juice and parsley.
- For the Grilled Chicken: Season the chicken with cajun seasoning, skewer it, and grill over medium-high heat. Baste with the garlic parmesan mixture until cooked through and lightly charred on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 222
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 136mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
