Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan Delight

Name: Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces); 0.25 cup olive oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or basil); 0.5 teaspoon paprika; to taste salt and pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish); Skewers (wooden or metal)

by Victoria on January 21, 2025

Get ready to savor the flavors of Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan Delight! This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun barbecue with friends. You’ll love how the juicy chicken thighs soak up a mouthwatering marinade of garlic, cheese, and herbs. Let’s dive into the simple steps and tips to make these skewers your new favorite keto recipe! Trust me, you won’t want to miss this essential guide.

$- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese The main ingredients for your Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan are simple yet flavorful. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. Olive oil adds richness and helps the spices stick. Fresh garlic gives a nice punch of flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, adding a delightful crust. - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For seasoning, I recommend dried Italian herbs. They blend well with the chicken. Paprika brings a slight smokiness. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all flavors. Adjust them according to your taste. - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley - Wooden or metal skewers Fresh parsley is a great touch. It makes your dish look pretty and adds freshness. You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This step prevents them from burning on the grill. {{ingredient_image_1}} In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the following ingredients: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 4 cloves garlic (minced) - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or basil) - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste This mix creates a rich and flavorful marinade. It adds depth to the chicken skewers. Make sure to whisk until everything blends well. The olive oil helps keep the chicken juicy. The garlic and herbs infuse great taste. Next, add 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of the marinade. You want every bite to be packed with flavor. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor. Now, it’s time to grill. First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes. This step prevents them from burning. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). In the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers. The cheese will melt and stick to the chicken, adding a creamy finish. After cooking, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious keto chicken skewers! For the best taste, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, aim for 2 hours. This longer time helps the flavors soak in well. You can even prepare the marinade the night before. Place the chicken in the fridge for the best results. Grilling adds a nice char and smoky flavor. If you don't have a grill, baking is a good option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking. Use a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cook skewers for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The meat should be white, with no pink showing. Avoid overcooking, as it can make your chicken dry. Let your skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep them juicy and tender. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours can significantly enhance the flavors, making each bite more delicious. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider using fresh basil or oregano instead of dried for a brighter flavor profile. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix up the spices and herbs to suit your taste; adding cayenne pepper can introduce a nice kick! {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet touch. Use large shrimp for easy skewering. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Choose firm tofu, and press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. Both options will soak up the garlic and Parmesan flavors well. Spice things up with your favorite seasonings! Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also use a different marinade, like teriyaki or honey mustard. Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or cilantro. Each change can create a new taste profile. Have fun and find what you love! Pair these skewers with keto-friendly sides. A fresh salad with leafy greens and avocado works great. You can also serve them with grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. For a heartier option, try cauliflower rice or a creamy garlic dip. Each side will complement the chicken skewers perfectly. Enjoy your meal! Leftover Keto Chicken Skewers last for about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Before eating, always check for any strange odors or colors. Freezing cooked skewers is easy and effective. To freeze, place the cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together. After they freeze for a couple of hours, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat the skewers, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soggy. Enjoy your delicious skewers again! Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner than thighs, but it works. Just remember that breast meat cooks faster, so check for doneness sooner. It’s best to slice the breast into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Both cuts will take on the marinade flavors well. Absolutely! These skewers are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply marinate the chicken and thread them onto skewers. Cook them when ready to eat. They keep well for up to four days in the fridge. You can easily reheat them on the grill or in a pan. You have many great options to serve with these skewers. Here are a few ideas: - Zucchini noodles: They are light and pair well with the flavors. - Cauliflower rice: A tasty, low-carb side. - Grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add color and taste. - Salad: A fresh garden salad can balance the meal nicely. Choose what you enjoy most! This blog post shows you how to make great keto chicken skewers. You learned about the main ingredients, like boneless chicken thighs and Parmesan cheese. I shared how to prepare the marinade and grill the skewers. You also got tips on cooking techniques and variations for different proteins. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. These tips will help you create tasty meals that fit your diet. Now, go ahead and enjoy every bite you make!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor Combination: The blend of garlic and Parmesan creates a mouthwatering taste that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
Keto-Friendly: This recipe is low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is quick to make, even for beginners.
Great for Meal Prep: These skewers can be made ahead of time, making them a convenient option for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic

– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

The main ingredients for your Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan are simple yet flavorful. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender when cooked. Olive oil adds richness and helps the spices stick. Fresh garlic gives a nice punch of flavor. Grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully, adding a delightful crust.

Seasoning Components

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

For seasoning, I recommend dried Italian herbs. They blend well with the chicken. Paprika brings a slight smokiness. Don’t forget salt and pepper; they enhance all flavors. Adjust them according to your taste.

Optional Additions

– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley

– Wooden or metal skewers

Fresh parsley is a great touch. It makes your dish look pretty and adds freshness. You can use either wooden or metal skewers. If you choose wooden, soak them in water for 15 minutes. This step prevents them from burning on the grill.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Marinade

In a medium bowl, start by whisking together the following ingredients:

– 1/4 cup olive oil

– 4 cloves garlic (minced)

– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or basil)

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

This mix creates a rich and flavorful marinade. It adds depth to the chicken skewers. Make sure to whisk until everything blends well. The olive oil helps keep the chicken juicy. The garlic and herbs infuse great taste.

Marinate the Chicken

Next, add 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of the marinade. You want every bite to be packed with flavor. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours for even more flavor.

Grill the Chicken Skewers

Now, it’s time to grill. First, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes. This step prevents them from burning.

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly. Once your grill is hot, place the skewers on it. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

In the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers. The cheese will melt and stick to the chicken, adding a creamy finish. After cooking, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your delicious keto chicken skewers!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Marinade

For the best taste, marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, aim for 2 hours. This longer time helps the flavors soak in well. You can even prepare the marinade the night before. Place the chicken in the fridge for the best results.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling adds a nice char and smoky flavor. If you don’t have a grill, baking is a good option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking. Use a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Cook skewers for 20-25 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking.

Achieving Ideal Texture

To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (75°C) inside. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut a piece open. The meat should be white, with no pink showing. Avoid overcooking, as it can make your chicken dry. Let your skewers rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep them juicy and tender.

Pro Tips

Marinate for More Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours can significantly enhance the flavors, making each bite more delicious.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish; consider using fresh basil or oregano instead of dried for a brighter flavor profile.
Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to mix up the spices and herbs to suit your taste; adding cayenne pepper can introduce a nice kick!

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet touch. Use large shrimp for easy skewering. Tofu is a great plant-based choice. Choose firm tofu, and press it to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and marinate just like the chicken. Both options will soak up the garlic and Parmesan flavors well.

Flavor Enhancements

Spice things up with your favorite seasonings! Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or lemon zest for brightness. You can also use a different marinade, like teriyaki or honey mustard. Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or cilantro. Each change can create a new taste profile. Have fun and find what you love!

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with keto-friendly sides. A fresh salad with leafy greens and avocado works great. You can also serve them with grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers. For a heartier option, try cauliflower rice or a creamy garlic dip. Each side will complement the chicken skewers perfectly. Enjoy your meal!

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Leftover Keto Chicken Skewers last for about three days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and safe to eat later. Before eating, always check for any strange odors or colors.

Freezing Tips

Freezing cooked skewers is easy and effective. To freeze, place the cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from sticking together. After they freeze for a couple of hours, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat the skewers, use the oven for the best taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them moist. Heat for about 10 to 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soggy. Enjoy your delicious skewers again!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast. Chicken breast is leaner than thighs, but it works. Just remember that breast meat cooks faster, so check for doneness sooner. It’s best to slice the breast into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Both cuts will take on the marinade flavors well.

Are these skewers suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These skewers are perfect for meal prep. You can make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Simply marinate the chicken and thread them onto skewers. Cook them when ready to eat. They keep well for up to four days in the fridge. You can easily reheat them on the grill or in a pan.

What can I serve with Keto Chicken Skewers?

You have many great options to serve with these skewers. Here are a few ideas:

– Zucchini noodles: They are light and pair well with the flavors.

– Cauliflower rice: A tasty, low-carb side.

– Grilled vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add color and taste.

– Salad: A fresh garden salad can balance the meal nicely.

Choose what you enjoy most!

This blog post shows you how to make great keto chicken skewers. You learned about the main ingredients, like boneless chicken thighs and Parmesan cheese. I shared how to prepare the marinade and grill the skewers. You also got tips on cooking techniques and variations for different proteins. Remember, proper storage keeps leftovers fresh. These tips will help you create tasty meals that fit your diet. Now, go ahead and enjoy every bite you mak

Keto Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan

Delicious and healthy chicken skewers marinated in garlic and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a keto diet.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 20

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Keto

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
0.25 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, or basil)
0.5 teaspoon paprika
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Add the diced chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor).
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
While the grill is heating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning (if using metal skewers, this step is not necessary).
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.
Once the grill is hot, place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers, allowing it to melt and adhere to the chicken.
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.

Keyword chicken, grill, keto, parmesan, skewers