Juicy, marinated chicken skewers seasoned with fresh herbs and Parmesan, perfectly grilled for a flavorful appetizer or main dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh and savory: Bright herbs and salty Parmesan perk up simple grilled chicken.
- Great for gatherings: Easy to make in batches and serve on skewers.
- Low-carb & protein-rich: Perfect for light dinners or party grazing.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano), chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & pepper
- Wooden or metal skewers
directions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Add cubed chicken and toss to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate up to 2 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread chicken evenly onto skewers, leaving a small gap between pieces.
- Grill skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, turning until chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Remove from grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Makes 6 skewers (serves 4).
Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes (with maximum marinating)
Variations
- Spicy herb blend: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili powder.
- Parmesan crisps: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on skewers just before grilling.
- Veggie combo: Alternate chicken with bell pepper, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Marinade twist: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt for extra tender chicken.
storage/reheating
- Refrigerator: Store cooled skewers airtight for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes or microwave lightly.
- Freezing: Freeze individually wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in oven (add a few minutes).
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes—thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving on the grill.
How do I prevent skewers from drying out?
Avoid overcooking; aim for internal 165°F. Baste with leftover marinade while grilling.
Can I bake instead of grill?
Yes—overroast at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway.
Do wooden skewers need soaking?
Yes—soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
Can I make these ahead?
Marinate and skewer up to 2 hours ahead; grill just before serving.
Is Parmesan necessary?
It adds salty, cheesy flavor, but can be omitted or substituted with Pecorino.
Can I freeze uncooked skewers?
Yes—freeze pre-marinated skewers in a single layer, then grill straight from freezer (add a few extra minutes).
How do I know when chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
What sides pair well?
Serve with rice pilaf, grilled veggies, or salad and a wedge of lemon.
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes—herb seasoning is mild enough for kids. Serve with ketchup or yogurt dip if preferred.
Conclusion
These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herbs and Parmesan are simple yet sophisticated—easy to prep, full of flavor, and perfect for both casual meals and entertaining.
PrintGrilled Chicken Skewers with Herbs and Parmesan
These Grilled Chicken Skewers with Herbs and Parmesan are a savory, protein-packed dish that’s easy to prepare and full of fresh flavor. Marinated in olive oil, garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, the skewers are grilled to juicy perfection—ideal for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour (including marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers and sprinkle evenly with grated Parmesan.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and slightly charred.
- Remove from grill, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Pairs well with tzatziki, garlic yogurt sauce, or over rice and salad.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to skewers for variation.
- Can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled if grill is unavailable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg