Oven-Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of savory flavors, making them a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful chicken with a gourmet twist. To begin with, this recipe combines simple ingredients, such as tender boneless, skinless chicken breast, rich Parmesan cheese, and aromatic garlic. Together, these elements create a dish that is not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. Moreover, the unique oven-fried method offers all the crispiness of traditional frying without the excess oil. As a result, you get a healthier, golden-brown coating that’s just as satisfying.
To make these Oven-Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll start with chicken breast cut into convenient 1-inch cubes, which are ideal for even cooking and easy skewer assembly. Next, the marinade—a flavorful blend of olive oil, mayo, and spices like sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper—ensures that every bite is packed with bold, savory notes. Additionally, dried oregano, paprika, and chili powder add layers of depth, while the grated Parmesan cheese forms a delightful crust as the chicken bakes. This combination of ingredients makes every bite deliciously complex yet perfectly balanced.
What truly makes these Oven-Fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers stand out, however, is the innovative cooking technique. Instead of traditional frying, you’ll use a stainless steel wire rack set over a baking pan. This allows hot air to circulate freely around each skewer, ensuring a satisfying, crispy texture on all sides. Furthermore, there’s no need to worry about flipping pieces in a pan. Instead, simply bake the skewers in the oven, increase the heat during the final minutes for an extra crisp exterior, and enjoy that perfectly golden finish.
For the finishing touch, you can sprinkle fresh chives on top as an optional garnish. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also provide a subtle hint of freshness that complements the bold flavors. These skewers are perfect for gatherings, game nights, or even a family dinner when you want to serve something special. In fact, with this recipe, you’ll enjoy an elevated take on chicken skewers that’s sure to impress. Ultimately, it showcases both comfort and elegance in every delicious bite.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 lb. Chicken Breast (boneless, skinless)
2 tbsp. Olive Oil
2 tbsp. Mayo
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
3 cloves Garlic, minced
3/4 tsp. Sea Salt
3/4 tsp. Black Pepper
3/4 tsp. Onion Powder
3/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper
3/4 tsp. Oregano
3/4 tsp. Paprika
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder
1/4 cup Chives, fresh (for garnish, optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Prepare the Chicken: Thoroughly rinse and pat dry the chicken breasts, then cut them into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and ideal skewer size.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil and mayo until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, garlic, sea salt, black pepper, onion and garlic powders, crushed red pepper, oregano, paprika, and chili powder. Add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with the marinated chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 8 hours to overnight, to enhance flavor and tenderness.
3. Preheat and Prepare: When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place a stainless steel wire rack (cookie cooling rack) inside your baking pan. This setup allows air to circulate evenly around the chicken, ensuring it stays crispy while any drippings collect neatly in the pan below.
4. Arrange Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto stainless steel skewers, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Place the skewers on the prepared baking pan with the wire rack.
5. First Bake: Bake the chicken skewers in the preheated oven at 350°F for 20 minutes.
6. Crisp Up: Increase the oven temperature to 475°F and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the chicken is golden, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F, as measured by a meat thermometer.
7. Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chives if desired, and serve hot. To complement your chicken, pair it with dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, classic ranch, or a sauce of your choice for an extra layer of flavor.
Enjoy your deliciously crispy, oven-fried Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!