Oh, my goodness, you guys! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite summer recipes: Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. When I make these, the aroma wafting through my kitchen transports me back to those balmy summer evenings spent grilling in the backyard, friends gathered around, and laughter filling the air. These skewers are like little bites of joy, each piece marinated in buttery garlic goodness and topped off with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Now, I don’t want to brag, but these skewers have been known to steal the spotlight at gatherings! There’s just something so satisfying about biting into succulent pieces of chicken with that perfect spicy kick. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up! Trust me, you’ll be making these over and over again. Let me walk you through the magic of making these delightful skewers.
What’s in Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Chicken Breast: The star of the show! I use 1 pound of fresh chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes. Make sure to pick pieces that are tender and juicy – it really makes a difference.
Parmesan Cheese: We’re using 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. It adds that rich, nutty flavor and ensures every bite bursts with cheesy goodness!
Unsalted Butter: I use 1/4 cup of melted unsalted butter to bring the marinade together. It gives the chicken a luscious, buttery coating that’s hard to resist.
Garlic: Four cloves of minced garlic have an undeniable influence on flavor – they add a pungent punch that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Red Pepper Flakes: Spiciness alert! One teaspoon of red pepper flakes (you can adjust this to taste) gives these skewers their kick. Feel free to dial it up or down depending on your spice tolerance!
Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon of chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds freshness and color to our dish.
Salt & Black Pepper: Just a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper are essential for bringing together all the flavors in the dish.
Paprika: One teaspoon of paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and enhances the overall appearance of the skewers.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon of olive oil for brushing the grill. Trust me; we don’t want any chicken sticking!
Skewers: You can use wooden or metal skewers for this recipe. If using wooden ones, don’t forget to soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill!
Is Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Good for You?
Absolutely! These chicken skewers are packed with protein and flavor without being overly heavy.
Chicken Breast: A great source of lean protein, making them perfect for fueling your body without weighing you down.
Parmesan Cheese: While it’s rich in flavor, keep in mind that cheese can be a bit higher in calories and saturated fat. Moderation is key!
Garlic: This wonder ingredient is known for its health benefits, including its potential to boost the immune system and reduce blood pressure.
Just be mindful of the butter and cheese content if you’re keeping an eye on your intake. Enjoy these with a side of fresh veggies or a salad to round out the meal!
Ingredients
– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry you are!
How to Make Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
1. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while grilling.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it all together until well blended.
3. Toss the chicken cubes into the marinade, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes; if you can, let it go for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. The longer, the better!
4. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little olive oil to keep those skewers from sticking.
5. Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, packing them tightly but leaving a little space between each piece.
6. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely golden brown color. You want that internal temperature to hit 165°F (75°C).
7. In the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the chicken skewers to melt and create even more cheesy goodness!
8. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
9. Finally, garnish with the chopped parsley before serving, and dig in!
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Goodness
You can serve these skewers with a side of dipping sauce like ranch or garlic aioli for extra flavor! I also love having them over a fresh bed of greens or alongside some grilled veggies for a full meal. You could even make some flavorful rice or quinoa as a side to soak up all those delicious juices!
I can’t wait for you to try these Spicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. They’re a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to come to your table. If you give them a go, let me know how they turned out! Happy grilling!
