Name: Mediterranean Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed; 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Wooden or metal skewers

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 15 reviews

If you’re looking to bring sun-soaked flavors to your dinner table with nearly zero fuss, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are your golden ticket to Mediterranean joy. Juicy morsels of chicken meet a bold, herb-kissed marinade, then are grilled or baked until irresistibly crispy-edged and cheesy. Whether you’re hosting a summer evening BBQ or simply craving a fast, satisfying weeknight meal, this vibrant Mediterranean dish brings beloved flavors (think: olive oil, lemon, garlic, Parmesan) together on a single skewer. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to make double—these skewers never last long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients to conjure up this spectacular Mediterranean meal. Each one has a purpose—layering in richness, tang, or a pop of color that makes these skewers shine on the plate.

Chicken breasts or thighs (1.5 lbs, cubed): Choose tender, boneless cuts for the juiciest Mediterranean-style skewers.
Olive oil (1/3 cup): The Mediterranean’s liquid gold! It keeps chicken succulent and helps fuse flavors in the marinade.
Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Adds bright acidity and gently tenderizes the chicken for maximum juiciness.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): The star of this dish—fragrant and punchy, giving the marinade depth and complexity.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Lends a salty, savory crust that turns golden and tantalizing as the skewers cook.
Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped): Sprinkles the whole dish with green freshness and a little vibrant bite.
Salt (1 tsp): Seasons the chicken and keeps flavors balanced.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds gentle warmth and spice.
Italian seasoning (1/2 tsp, optional): For an extra Mediterranean herby note, this blend brings everything together.
Red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): Want some kick? Use these to give your skewers a subtle heat.
Wooden or metal skewers: Thread your chicken with ease; soak wooden ones first to prevent burning.

How to Make Mediterranean Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Whisk Up the Mediterranean Marinade

Grab your biggest mixing bowl—this is where all the Mediterranean magic happens. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and those optional Italian seasoning and pepper flakes. Every ingredient infuses the chicken with classic Mediterranean vibrance. You’ll know the marinade is perfect when the scent makes you want to dip bread right in.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add those juicy chicken cubes to the bowl, tossing to coat until every piece is gleaming. Don’t rush this next part—cover and refrigerate anywhere from 30 minutes (in a pinch) to 4 hours. This time lets the chicken soak up every savory, garlicky, cheesy note and ensures the best Mediterranean flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Prep Your Skewers

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent scorching on the grill or in the oven. Now, thread chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them just close enough for even cooking but with a bit of wiggle room to crisp up those edges. Pro tip: If you love veggies, tuck bell peppers, onions, or zucchini between the chicken for a true Mediterranean touch.

Step 4: Grill or Bake to Perfection

To grill, heat your grill to medium-high and lay the skewers down, turning once after about 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Baking? Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the skewers on a wire rack set over a sheet pan, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Don’t skip a final 2-minute broil for that irresistible, bubbly Parmesan topping!

Step 5: Serve and Savor Your Mediterranean Skewers

Remove your skewers from the heat and let them rest briefly. The cheese will be mouthwateringly melty, and those garlicky herby aromas will fill the room. Serve them up hot with your favorite Mediterranean sides, or enjoy as is—they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.

How to Serve Mediterranean Skewers

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, an extra dusting of Parmesan, and maybe a drizzle of good olive oil capture everything you love about Mediterranean freshness. Lemon wedges on the side add a bright, zesty hit that brings all those flavors into sharp relief.

Side Dishes

Keep the Mediterranean mood going by serving these skewers over fluffy rice or with a crisp Greek-style salad brimming with tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. They’re also fabulous tucked into pita bread with tzatziki, or paired with roasted vegetables for a colorful, healthy feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping platter, build a Mediterranean mixed grill by arranging these chicken skewers alongside grilled veggies and lamb for variety. Mini-skewers make perfect finger food for parties, or serve the chicken off the stick as part of a vibrant bowl with greens, grains, and herbs—ideal for meal prep!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Mediterranean chicken skewers are a lifesaver for busy weeks. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they’ll stay delicious and juicy for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Mediterranean skewers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly or store in a freezer bag with as much air removed as possible. When you’re ready for a taste of sunshine, thaw overnight in the fridge and refresh with an extra sprinkle of parsley.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Mediterranean chicken skewers on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave, but reheating in the oven keeps that irresistible cheesy crust crisp.

FAQs

Can I prepare the Mediterranean marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can whisk up the marinade a day in advance and keep it chilled. Just add the chicken no more than 4 hours before cooking to ensure it stays tender and doesn’t get rubbery.

What type of chicken works best for Mediterranean chicken skewers?

Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs are fantastic for this recipe. Thighs are a bit juicier and more forgiving, making them especially great for grilling.

Can I use store-bought grated cheese instead of fresh Parmesan?

You can, but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives that iconic nutty flavor that really stands out in Mediterranean dishes. Pre-grated will still work in a pinch!

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes! Simply swap out the Parmesan for nutritional yeast. You’ll still get a deep, savory flavor without any dairy, so everyone can enjoy these Mediterranean skewers.

What dips go well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Classic tzatziki is always a Mediterranean winner, as are garlicky yogurt sauces, hummus, or even a light squeeze of lemon over the top. Get creative!

Final Thoughts

Sunny, satisfying, and bursting with classic flavors, these Mediterranean Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will quickly become your go-to for effortless entertaining or simple weeknight joy. Let your grill (or oven) transport you, and don’t forget to make plenty—everyone will want seconds!