These Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs are bursting with flavor! Tender chicken pieces marinated in garlic and sprinkled with cheese make for a tasty meal that everyone will love.
Grilling these kebabs is so fun! The cheese gets all melty and gooey—yum! I like serving them with a side salad for a light touch. Who can resist that cheesy goodness? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for these kebabs as they stay juicy. If you want a change, you could use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even shrimp for a seafood twist!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that bold flavor, but pre-minced garlic or garlic powder can work in a pinch if you’re short on time. Just remember, the fresher the better!
Parmesan Cheese: I love using freshly grated Parmesan for its rich flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy taste, or you could try a vegan Parmesan alternative.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil are great, but fresh herbs offer brighter flavors. If you have fresh basil or oregano, go ahead and use them instead. Just use about three times the amount as dried!
How Do I Get My Kebabs Perfectly Cooked Without Drying Them Out?
Getting the chicken kebabs juicy and tender is all about the marinade and cooking technique. First, marinating helps the chicken soak in all those flavorful ingredients and keeps it moist. It’s key to marinate for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is even better.
- When grilling, preheat your grill so the chicken cooks evenly.
- Keep an eye on your kebabs. Grill them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them a few times.
- Let the kebabs sit for a few minutes after grilling to help retain their juices.
Following these tips will help you serve perfectly juicy chicken every time!
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kebabs:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and requires at least 1 hour of marinating time—2 to 3 hours is better for enhanced flavor! Grill time is around 10-12 minutes, giving you a total of about 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, including marinating and grilling. It’s totally worth the wait for those juicy, flavorful kebabs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. This marinade will pack a lot of flavor into the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Once your marinade is ready, add the cubed chicken to the bowl. Toss everything together so the chicken pieces are well coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour—2-3 hours is ideal for maximum flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets a nice sear on the outside.
4. Assemble the Kebabs:
Once your chicken is done marinating, it’s time to thread the pieces onto the skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they are soaked in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Kebabs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill the kebabs for about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to turn them every few minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through evenly and develops a nice char on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, remove the kebabs from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, garnish your kebabs with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve them hot with your favorite sides, like a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or rice.
Enjoy your juicy, garlicky, cheesy chicken kebabs! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue!
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as the breasts for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have A Grill?
No problem! You can make these kebabs on a grill pan or even in the oven. If using the oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C) and bake the kebabs on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.
How Should I Store Leftover Kebabs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep them moist, or use the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container and add the chicken when you’re ready to cook. This can actually enhance the flavors even more!
