Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Grilled Chicken Skewers Recipe for Flavorful Weeknight Dinners

Succulent chicken skewers promise a mouthwatering adventure that'll spark joy at any gathering.

Grilling enthusiasts and flavor seekers unite around this crowd-pleasing favorite that sizzles with potential.

Summer barbecues and casual weeknight dinners find their perfect match in these delectable skewers.

Seasoned with bold flavors and packed with protein, this recipe transforms ordinary meals into memorable experiences.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences shine through in every tender, juicy bite of these skewers.

Backyard parties and outdoor celebrations become instantly more exciting when these golden-brown delights hit the grill.

Prepare to impress friends and family with a simple yet spectacular dish that guarantees smiles and satisfied appetites.

Why Is Chicken Skewers Worth Trying

  • Simple Seasoning: These chicken skewers pack maximum flavor with common pantry spices, so you can create something delicious without hunting for weird ingredients.
  • Grill-Friendly Meal: Perfect for backyard gatherings or casual dinners, these skewers let you cook outside and keep your kitchen cool during warm weather.
  • Crispy Coating Magic: The Parmesan and breadcrumb blend gives your chicken a golden, crunchy exterior that makes every bite satisfying and delightful.
  • Quick Preparation: With just a few basic steps, you can transform plain chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks impressive but requires minimal cooking skills.

Ingredient List For Chicken Skewers

Proteins:
  • 2 Pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken that will become tender, juicy cubes perfect for grilling and soaking up amazing flavors.
Dry Coating Ingredients:
  • 1 Cup Italian Bread Crumbs: Crunchy coating that adds texture and helps seal in the chicken’s moisture.
  • ½ Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings a salty, nutty depth to your crispy exterior.
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder: Flavor boosters that give your chicken a rich, savory base.
  • 1 Teaspoon Dried Oregano, 1 Teaspoon Dried Basil: Herbaceous Mediterranean seasonings that transport your taste buds.
  • ½ Teaspoon Salt, ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all other flavors.
Liquid and Fresh Ingredients:
  • ¼ Cup Olive Oil: Helps create a beautiful golden crust and adds subtle richness.
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that tenderizes and adds zesty freshness.
  • ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley: Green herb for a final burst of color and light, clean flavor.
Cooking Tool:
  • Wooden Skewers: Must be soaked in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.

Common Cooking Tools for Chicken Skewers

  • Large Mixing Bowls (2): Essential for combining your bread crumb mixture and olive oil blend, giving you plenty of room to work without making a mess.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending the olive oil and lemon juice smoothly, ensuring your marinade is well combined.
  • Wooden or Metal Skewers (8-10 inches): Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning, and select sturdy skewers that can handle your chicken cubes.
  • Grill or Grill Pan (12-inch): Creates those beautiful char marks and helps cook your chicken evenly with fantastic flavor.
  • Pastry Brush: Helps you coat the skewers with olive oil mixture evenly, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
  • Sharp Kitchen Knife (8-inch): Allows precise cutting of chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
  • Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for preparing your ingredients safely and efficiently.
  • Measuring Spoons and Cups: Helps measure spices and liquids accurately for balanced flavor.

How to Prepare Chicken Skewers

How to Prepare Chicken Skewers
1

Prepare Chicken Cubes

Grab those chicken breasts and slice them into neat 1-inch cubes. Set them aside on a clean cutting board.

2

Create Seasoning Mixture

Grab a large bowl and mix together your dry ingredients:

  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Stir everything until it’s well combined and looks like a delicious coating.

3

Make Liquid Marinade

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

The mixture should look smooth and slightly glossy.

4

Prepare Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread your chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

5

Coat Skewers

Brush each skewer with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture. Then roll the skewers in the bread crumb mixture, making sure each piece gets a good, even coating.

6

Grill Chicken

Heat your grill or grill pan to 400°F over medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally to get beautiful grill marks and ensure even cooking.

7

Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your perfectly grilled chicken skewers!

Smart Notes For Chicken Skewers

  • Cut uniform 1-inch cubes so each piece cooks evenly and looks professional on your skewers.
  • Mix dry ingredients thoroughly before coating to ensure every chicken piece gets maximum flavor in each bite.
  • Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning and create a stable base for grilling your chicken.
  • Brush chicken with olive oil and lemon juice mixture before breading to help crumbs stick and add extra tang.
  • Turn skewers occasionally during cooking to get beautiful golden-brown marks and ensure chicken cooks completely without drying out.

Recipe Options for Chicken Skewers

  • Herb Swap Skewers: Replace oregano and basil with fresh thyme and rosemary for an earthy Mediterranean flavor profile, keeping all other ingredients the same.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute bread crumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe safe for those avoiding wheat products.
  • Spicy Kick Skewers: Add 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the bread crumb mixture for a zesty, warming heat that transforms the chicken’s taste.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, using the same marinade and coating technique for a plant-based protein option that delivers similar texture and flavor.

Simple Serving Ideas for Chicken Skewers

  • Serve with Fresh Salad: Toss together a crisp green salad with cucumber and tomatoes to balance the rich, herbed chicken skewers.
  • Perfect Side Dish: Pair with warm, fluffy quinoa or herbed rice to soak up the delicious flavors from the skewers.
  • Quick Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki or yogurt-based sauce for an extra layer of zesty coolness alongside your grilled chicken.
  • Wine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the herb and lemon notes in the skewers.

How To Store Chicken Skewers

  • Cool any leftover skewers completely before sliding the chicken off the sticks into an airtight container for refrigerator storage.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping the chicken moist and protecting it from absorbing other refrigerator flavors.
  • Store refrigerated chicken skewers will stay fresh for 3-4 days when sealed properly and kept at 40°F or below.
  • Reheat carefully in a skillet or oven at medium heat to prevent drying out the delicate meat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

What People Ask About Chicken Skewers

FAQ

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken cubes?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly. Just cut them into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor.

FAQ

What if I don’t have fresh herbs like parsley?

No problem. Dried parsley or other dried herbs can substitute. Just use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh ones.

FAQ

Are wooden skewers safe on the grill?

Yes, but soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers work great too and eliminate the soaking step.

FAQ

Can these skewers be made ahead of time?

Definitely! Prepare the skewers and store them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This helps the flavors blend beautifully.

FAQ

How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe. The grill marks and golden coating are also good indicators.

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Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Herb-Crusted Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 25-27 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Sizzling chicken skewers bring Mediterranean sunshine right to your dinner plate, offering a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, marinated bites. Grilled to perfection with a zesty herb blend, these skewers deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Liquid and Garnish Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley
  • Wooden skewers

Instructions

  1. Measure out 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts and slice them precisely into 1-inch uniform cubes for consistent cooking.
  2. Combine 1 cup bread crumbs, ½ cup Parmesan cheese, and all dry spices (1 teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder, oregano, and basil) in a wide mixing bowl.
  3. Whisk ¼ cup olive oil with ¼ cup fresh lemon juice in a separate small bowl until thoroughly blended.
  4. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
  5. Thread chicken cubes onto prepared skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure thorough heating.
  6. Generously brush each skewer with the olive oil and lemon juice mixture.
  7. Roll the moistened skewers completely in the seasoned bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
  8. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 400°F).
  9. Place skewers on hot grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, rotating every 3-4 minutes to create consistent golden-brown grill marks.
  10. Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
  11. Remove skewers from grill and sprinkle with ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley before serving hot.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent them from burning during cooking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe consumption and maximum juiciness.
  • Pat chicken cubes dry with paper towels before coating to help the breadcrumb mixture stick better and create a crispier exterior.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain the same crunchy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 244 kcal
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Susan Whitaker

Susan Whitaker

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Guide

Expertise

Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep

Education

Saint Paul College
  • Program: Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Trained in a hands-on professional kitchen environment with coursework spanning core culinary technique, pastry, butchery, charcuterie, food safety, sanitation, restaurant operations, and the nutritional side of healthy cooking, with real-world practice tied to the college’s student-run restaurant.

Susan is the steady, practical guide at Mary Sue & Susan, bringing clarity, structure, and a warm sense of encouragement to every recipe she touches. Susan joined the site with a simple goal: help people cook with more confidence and less guesswork.

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