Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These garlic and parmesan chicken skewers have become my go-to choice for family summer meals, bringing together easy prep and a burst of Mediterranean flavors that everyone loves.

I stumbled upon this dish during a trip to southern France, and it's been part of our Sunday family tradition ever since. My kids always drop whatever garden games they're playing when the smell of these skewers starts wafting through the air.

What You'll Need

• 500 g chicken breast: go for firm fillets, free-range if possible for better taste
• 3 garlic cloves: pick fresh, firm cloves for stronger flavor
• 50 g grated parmesan: try aged parmesan (24+ months) for extra punch
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: extra virgin gives the best aroma
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: squeeze it fresh for balanced natural acidity
• 1 teaspoon herbs de Provence: dried herbs pack in all that Mediterranean goodness
• Salt and pepper: sea salt and freshly ground pepper boost all other flavors
• Skewer sticks: metal works best for grilling, or soak wooden ones in water first

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Simple Cooking Steps

Getting the chicken ready:

Cut chicken into roughly 3 cm cubes so they cook evenly. Try to make all pieces about the same size so you don't end up with some bits overcooked while others stay raw inside.

Mixing your flavor bath:

Finely chop the garlic and combine all marinade ingredients in a big bowl. The parmesan doesn't just add flavor - it helps create a slightly crispy outer layer when cooking.

Soaking time:

Coat chicken pieces completely in the marinade, stirring well for even coverage. Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour, but four hours works even better so flavors can really sink into the meat.

Building your skewers:

Carefully thread chicken pieces onto sticks, leaving small gaps between each chunk for even cooking. If you're adding veggies, alternate them with chicken for a pretty presentation and balanced taste.

Cooking them just right:

Heat your grill or pan to medium-high. Place skewers down and cook about 3 minutes per side until golden brown while keeping the chicken juicy inside. The internal temperature should hit 75°C for food safety.

Parmesan is my favorite secret ingredient in this dish. Unlike what you might think, it doesn't completely melt away but forms a tasty crust around the chicken. One memorable moment was an impromptu picnic where these cold skewers impressed my French friends who never thought to use parmesan this way.

Storing and Planning Ahead

These skewers keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days after cooking. To warm them up, wrap them loosely in foil and pop them in a 160°C oven for a few minutes. You can also prep the marinade and chicken up to 24 hours ahead, just store them separately in the fridge.

Different Regional Twists

In southern France, folks often add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary right onto the skewers. The Corsican version sometimes swaps parmesan for fresh brocciu cheese. Provençal cooks might add black olives between chicken pieces for an extra Mediterranean touch.

Perfect Side Dishes

These skewers go great with warm ratatouille, fresh tabbouleh, or just a green salad with lemon dressing. For a heartier meal, serve them with roasted new potatoes with thyme or almond pilaf rice. A sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon and fresh mint makes the perfect finishing touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I put vegetables on the skewers?

Sure, you can mix in chunks of veggies like bell peppers or zucchini between the chicken pieces for extra flavor and color.

→ How do I cook these skewers in the oven?

For oven cooking, heat it to 200°C and cook the skewers for about 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

→ What's the best dipping sauce to serve with these?

These skewers taste amazing with a lemon-yogurt sauce, homemade BBQ sauce, or just paired with a fresh salad.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least an hour to soak up the flavors. You can go up to 4 hours if you want a stronger taste.

→ Can I use cheese other than parmesan?

Sure, you can swap parmesan for pecorino or another grated cheese, though parmesan gives these skewers their special taste.