If you’re on the hunt for a keto recipe that’s bursting with flavor and low in carbs, let me tell you—you’ve just hit the jackpot. These Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything. Picture tender chunks of chicken marinated to perfection, skewered with crispy veggies, and coated in a cheesy, garlicky crust that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, firing up the grill for a family BBQ, or just craving something ridiculously tasty, this recipe delivers.
Why You’ll Love These Skewers
Let’s talk perks.
- Low Carb Heaven: Perfect for anyone on keto, each skewer is packed with protein and healthy fats while keeping the carbs to a bare minimum.
- Versatile AF: Swap out the veggies, tweak the spices, or even bake them instead of grilling—this recipe works with whatever you’ve got on hand.
- Quick & Easy: Marinate, skewer, cook. That’s it. You don’t need to be a Michelin-star chef to pull this off.
Ready to make magic happen? Let’s break it down.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple yet flavorful. Everything on this list should already be in your pantry or fridge.
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for a kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Optional Veggies for the Skewers:
- Zucchini slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mushroom halves
- Bell peppers, cut into squares
Other Essentials:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make these Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in just a few straightforward steps:
1. Prep the Chicken
First things first: trim the chicken into evenly sized cubes. This helps everything cook at the same pace. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to keep them from catching fire on the grill. Nobody needs a skewer bonfire in their life.
2. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces into the marinade, making sure each piece gets fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours if you’re prepping ahead). The longer the marinade works its magic, the better the flavor.
3. Mix the Parmesan Coating
While your chicken is marinating, combine the grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and onion powder in a shallow bowl. This mixture is what takes your skewers to the next level—crispy, cheesy heaven.
4. Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers, alternating with veggies if you’re using them. Pro tip: don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave a little breathing room between each piece for even cooking.
5. Coat the Skewers
Roll each skewer in the Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating sticks. Yes, it’s a bit messy, but trust me—it’s so worth it.
6. Cook to Perfection
Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly on the grill grates and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F).
Oven Method: No grill? No problem. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Lay the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2–3 minutes.
Pro Tips for Skewer Success
- Even Cuts Are Key: Keep your chicken cubes and veggies similar in size to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Marinade: That 30-minute soak is where the magic happens. The garlic and spices infuse every bite with flavor.
- Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill means you’ll get those beautiful sear marks while locking in the juiciness.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: The pre-grated stuff just doesn’t melt and crisp the same way. Grating it yourself makes all the difference.
Why This Recipe Is Perfect for Keto
One of the toughest parts of sticking to a keto lifestyle is avoiding carb-heavy sauces and coatings. Enter Parmesan cheese—it’s like the unsung hero of keto cooking. It crisps up beautifully without breadcrumbs, giving you that satisfying crunch while keeping things keto-friendly. Plus, the fat from the cheese and olive oil keeps you fuller for longer, which is kind of the point, right?
How to Serve Your Skewers
These Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a meal in themselves, but pairing them with the right sides can really make them shine.
Keto-Friendly Side Ideas:
- Cauliflower Rice: Soak up all the garlicky goodness.
- Zucchini Noodles: Toss them in olive oil and lemon juice for a light, tangy side.
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with the crispy chicken.
- Grilled Asparagus: Simple, delicious, and keto-approved.
And let’s not forget the garnishes! Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Meal Prep Like a Pro
This recipe isn’t just a one-hit wonder—it’s a meal prep superstar. Make a double batch, store the skewers in airtight containers, and you’ve got grab-and-go lunches for the week. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep the coating crispy.
Common Substitutions and Add-Ons
What’s great about these skewers is how adaptable they are.
- No Chicken? Try shrimp, turkey, or even chunks of salmon.
- Want More Veggies? Add chunks of onion, broccoli florets, or even brussels sprouts.
- Spice Things Up: Add a dash of cayenne to the coating or drizzle with sriracha for some heat.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but hey, it happens), here’s how to handle them:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Pop them in the air fryer or oven to keep that Parmesan coating nice and crispy.
Why These Skewers Deserve a Spot on Your Weekly Menu
Honestly, these Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers check all the boxes. They’re fast, flavorful, and healthy without tasting like “diet food.” Perfect for weeknights, impressing your keto-loving friends, or just treating yourself to something good without the guilt.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, grab your skewers, and get cooking. Your taste buds—and your keto macros—will thank you.
PrintEasy Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Keto Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick, low-carb recipe packed with cheesy garlic flavor. Perfect for grilling or baking, they’re easy to make and great for meal prep or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: zucchini, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers (for skewers)
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with veggies if using.
- Roll skewers in the Parmesan mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches 165°F.
Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness. - Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Customize with your favorite low-carb veggies.
- For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper to the Parmesan coating.
Please note: The recipe or ingredients shown in the video might vary slightly from what’s listed here. Use the video as an illustration, but for the best results, you might want to stick to the recipe provided in this article.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320 Sugar: 1g Sodium: 480mg Fat: 18g Saturated Fat: 5g Unsaturated Fat: 10g Trans Fat: 0g Carbohydrates: 3g Fiber: 1g Protein: 36g Cholesterol: 110mg