If you’re looking to brighten up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with something both flavorful and irresistible, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken cubes marinated in a zesty garlic and lemon blend, kissed with fragrant herbs and freshly grated parmesan, then grilled to juicy perfection alongside vibrant bell peppers and red onions. These kebabs are a delicious celebration of bold flavors, perfect for a casual cookout or a cozy family meal. Each bite bursts with savory goodness that feels special but is surprisingly simple to pull off.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that will make your taste buds sing. From the creamy sharpness of parmesan to the fresh pop of lemon juice and herbs, these essentials come together beautifully.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, perfect for quick grilling and soaking up all those delicious marinades.
- Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps carry the flavors of garlic and herbs deep into the chicken.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for an aromatic punch that’s at the heart of this recipe.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright acidity that balances the richness of parmesan.
- Dried oregano and basil: Classic Mediterranean herbs that add earthiness and warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami depth both in the marinade and as a finishing touch.
- Large bell pepper and red onion: Provide vibrant color, sweetness, and a slight crunch for contrast.
- Fresh parsley: Optional but highly recommended for a fresh, green garnish.
- Fresh lemon zest and additional parmesan: For a special parmesan coating that elevates the presentation and flavor.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup of freshly grated parmesan in a medium bowl. The combination of lemon juice and parmesan creates a tangy, savory base that tenderizes and flavors the chicken wonderfully. Toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in this mixture, making sure every morsel is thoroughly coated. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes—if you can wait longer, up to two hours intensifies those flavors beautifully.
Step 2: Cut the vegetables
While the chicken soaks up the marinade, chop your bell pepper and red onion into chunks about the same size as your chicken cubes. This keeps everything cooking evenly on the grill, ensuring a perfect chew and a balanced bite every time.
Step 3: Assemble the kebabs
Now comes the fun part. Thread the marinated chicken cubes and vegetable chunks alternately onto skewers. This classic presentation delivers eye-catching color and a blend of juicy meat with sweet, slightly charred veggies. Don’t overcrowd the skewers—give each piece a little breathing room so the grill can work its magic.
Step 4: Fire up the grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and give the grates a quick brush with oil to prevent sticking. This step ensures clean grill marks and easy flipping. A properly heated grill is the secret to locking in those irresistible char flavors and grilling the chicken evenly.
Step 5: Grill the kebabs
Place your skewers on the grill and let them cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning gently to avoid losing any of those precious juices. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Don’t forget to baste occasionally with the leftover marinade for an added punch of garlicky, cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Add final touches and serve
Once off the grill, sprinkle your kebabs with additional freshly grated parmesan and a scattering of chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve these beauties hot, and get ready for a burst of flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is not just for decoration—it adds a gentle herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the parmesan. A light sprinkle of lemon zest can also elevate the kebabs, delivering an extra zing that ties together the garlic and cheese marvelously.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like garlic herb rice, a crisp garden salad, or even warm pita bread. Consider serving alongside grilled vegetables or a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce to balance the robust flavors of the chicken kebabs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive presentation, serve the kebabs on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper. Add lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze on more citrus goodness. You can also slide the grilled chicken and veggies off the skewers and toss them over pasta or salad for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so they make excellent next-day meals, whether reheated or enjoyed cold.
Freezing
To freeze, remove the chicken and veggies from the skewers and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can keep for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your garlic parmesan chicken kebabs gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the chicken and soften the vibrant vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before using?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading helps prevent them from burning on the grill, keeping your kebabs safe and intact.
Can I make this recipe without a grill?
Definitely. You can broil the kebabs in your oven or cook them on a grill pan over the stove. Keep an eye to get nice charred edges while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight will deepen the flavors even more, but don’t go longer than 24 hours as the acidity from the lemon juice could start to break down the chicken’s texture too much.
What’s the best way to get freshly grated parmesan?
Buying a block of parmesan and grating it yourself yields the best flavor and texture. Pre-grated versions can sometimes be dry or contain additives, which affects the melting and taste.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together comforting flavors and the joy of outdoor cooking or an easy weeknight meal. It’s one of those dishes that tastes far more complicated than it actually is, making it a winning choice for both beginner cooks and seasoned grill masters alike. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this flavorful, cheesy, garlicky delight—you won’t regret it!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kebabs are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish featuring tender marinated chicken pieces coated in a savory garlic and parmesan mixture, skewered with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual summer barbecue.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Kebabs
- 1 large bell pepper, cut into chunks
- 1 large red onion, cut into chunks
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Parmesan Coating
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese to create a flavorful marinade. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Cut the bell pepper and red onion into chunks roughly the same size as the chicken pieces to ensure even cooking on the skewers.
- Assemble the Kebabs: Thread the marinated chicken pieces alternately with bell pepper and onion chunks onto skewers, creating a colorful and balanced kebab.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote grill marks.
- Grill the Kebabs: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, turning carefully, until chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 165°F. Baste occasionally with leftover marinade for enhanced flavor and moisture.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle the kebabs with additional freshly grated parmesan cheese and optional fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy the fragrant and cheesy kebabs fresh off the grill.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop; longer marination up to 2 hours will intensify taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
- Adjust grill temperature as needed to avoid burning the cheese coating.
- Serve with a side of rice, salad, or grilled vegetables for a full meal.
