Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe

Let’s talk serious flavor: Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers bring together bold spices, creamy Parmesan, buttery richness, and just the right hit of garlicky heat. These irresistible skewers are juicy, tender, and just saucy enough to make your taste buds dance with every bite. Whether you’re firing up the grill on a sunny afternoon or want to put a crowd-pleasing twist on your weeknight dinner, this is one recipe destined to become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll unleash an explosion of taste and color. Every item on this list is thoughtfully chosen—nothing fancy or fussy, but each component plays its part in building layers of flavor and making these Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers so unforgettable.

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs (4 lb): The ultimate cut for juicy, tender skewers that stay moist when grilled.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Makes sure every spice hugs the chicken and adds that glossy finish as it cooks.
• BBQ seasoning (2 tbsp): A punchy, smoky blend that gives the chicken tons of character—choose your favorite or even make your own!
• Unsalted butter, softened (1 stick): The creamy base of our spicy garlic parmesan butter, soaking the chicken with flavor.
• Chopped parsley (1 tbsp): Adds a fresh pop of green and a herby lift that brightens everything.
• Roasted garlic paste (1 tbsp): Sweet, mellow, and packed with rich garlic flavor—the secret to deep, savory notes.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Salty, nutty, and melty—this cheese is the heart of the butter sauce.
• Buffalo sauce (3 tbsp): For that craveable spicy tang, balanced by creamy butter and cheese.
• Kosher salt (1 tsp): Essential for seasoning the mixture perfectly without overwhelming.
• Black pepper (1 tsp): Adds just the right depth, rounding out all the flavors beautifully.
• Wooden skewers: These make everything fun! Just soak them if you’re grilling to prevent burning.

How to Make Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Begin by cutting the chicken thighs into 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect for skewering and grilling, ensuring everything cooks evenly and stays tender. Once you’re set, place all the chicken pieces in a large bowl—the more room, the better for tossing everything together!

Step 2: Marinate and Season

Add two tablespoons of olive oil and your BBQ seasoning right into the bowl of chicken. Stir everything gently but thoroughly, making sure every piece is well-coated with spice and oil. This marinating moment is where all that lip-smacking flavor starts to seep in.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto the wooden skewers. Don’t pack them on too tightly—give them a bit of room to let the heat and smoke work their magic. This is the part that turns your kitchen prep into a party!

Step 4: Whip Up the Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Butter

In another bowl, blend together your softened butter, freshly chopped parsley, roasted garlic paste, grated Parmesan, buffalo sauce, salt, and black pepper. Mix until you have an irresistibly creamy and boldly fragrant mixture. Trust me, this butter sauce totally transforms Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers into flavor bombs.

Step 5: Grill to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken skewers, turning occasionally to encourage even cooking. Once they start to brown and you see a little char, you’re in business—but stay close for the next delicious step.

Step 6: Baste the Skewers

As soon as the chicken hits 135°F on the grill, start brushing it generously with your spicy parmesan-garlic butter. Keep grilling and basting until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), layering on that mouthwatering sauce as you go. You’ll notice the butter bubbling and cheese melting into every crevice. Heaven!

Step 7: Finish with One Last Brush

Once off the grill, give the skewers one final, luscious brush with the remaining butter. This last touch ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and decadence—now you’re ready to serve up a platter of Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers everyone will swoon over.

How to Serve Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Don’t skip this! A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few more fresh parsley leaves, or even a little splash of buffalo sauce right before serving brings color and extra punch to your skewers. It’s an easy way to make your Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers look as irresistible as they taste.

Side Dishes

Serve these skewers alongside buttery corn on the cob, a zippy green salad, or some fluffy rice to soak up all those garlicky, cheesy juices. If you love contrast, cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce is the perfect foil for the spicy, bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to wow your guests? Arrange the skewers in a fan shape on a serving board and scatter chopped herbs or microgreens around for a festive display. For a casual twist, slide the chicken off the skewers and stuff in warm pita with a crisp slaw—a whole new way to experience Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is honestly a challenge!), simply slide the chicken from the skewers, let it cool to room temperature, and store in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making lunch the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze cooked Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers. Remove the chicken from the skewers, let cool, and pack tightly in a freezer-friendly bag or container. When sealed well, the chicken will keep its superb flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Ideal for future you when cravings hit.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a 350°F oven covered loosely with foil until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a microwave works fine, but try to avoid overcooking so the chicken stays juicy. Add a little extra Parmesan and a drizzle of fresh buffalo sauce to brighten things right back up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs are less likely to dry out on the grill and offer richer, juicier results. If you use breasts, watch the cook time closely and baste generously!

How spicy are these Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers?

These skewers offer a nice kick from the buffalo sauce, but the butter and cheese mellow it out. You can always dial up or down the spice by adding more (or less) buffalo sauce.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Absolutely! Arrange the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet, roast at 400°F until cooked through, and baste often with the butter sauce for that signature flavor.

What if I don’t have roasted garlic paste?

No need to stress—swap in finely minced fresh garlic, or roast a few cloves in a hot pan to mellow them out before mixing with the butter. The roasted flavor is special, but you’ll still get lots of delicious garlicky punch.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Check that your BBQ seasoning and buffalo sauce are gluten-free—many brands are, but always verify those labels. With these swaps, Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers are fully gluten-free and safe for everyone at your table.

Final Thoughts

Once you dive into these Spicy Parmesan-Garlic Chicken Skewers, you might just find yourself inviting everyone you know for dinner—just for a reason to make them again. Fire up your grill and let this crowd-pleasing dish become a new favorite on your table!

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