Italian-Inspired Chicken and Parmesan Kebabs You’ll Love

These Chicken and Parmesan Kebabs bring together the bold, savory flavor of Parmesan with tender, marinated chicken in a fun, skewer-ready form. Grilled to perfection and loaded with herbs and seasoning, they’re a lighter take on classic Italian-inspired comfort food—without the breadcrumbs, oil, or extra carbs. Ideal for summer cookouts, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, these kebabs are as nutritious as they are delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High-Protein & Satisfying – Lean chicken breast keeps it light but filling.
Cheesy Flavor Boost – Parmesan adds richness without the need for heavy sauces.
Grill or Bake – Flexible cooking options make them easy to enjoy year-round.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Great served hot or cold with salads, grains, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1½-inch cubes
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 8–10 wooden or metal skewers
• Optional: diced red onion, bell peppers, or zucchini for threading with the chicken

Instructions

Soak Skewers (if using wood)
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.

Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).

Assemble the Kebabs
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If desired, alternate with chunks of onion, peppers, or zucchini.

Cook the Kebabs
Grill over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F).
Alternative method: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm with a squeeze of lemon or a side of your favorite light dip or salad.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 180
Protein: 27g
Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Fiber: 0g

Tips for Success

• Cut Evenly – Uniform chicken pieces help ensure even cooking.
• Grate Fresh Parmesan – It adds better flavor and melts beautifully onto the chicken.
• Get Creative – Add herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness before serving.
• Brighten It Up – A splash of lemon juice or balsamic glaze can elevate the final dish.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is all about balance—simple, whole ingredients seasoned well to maximize flavor. The Parmesan acts as both a seasoning and a coating, helping the chicken caramelize beautifully on the grill or in the oven. It’s an easy way to turn lean protein into something bold, satisfying, and completely crave-worthy.

These Chicken and Parmesan Kebabs are everything you want in a light meal: protein-packed, easy to make, and full of flavor. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or baking indoors, they bring a deliciously simple twist to dinner that’s both nourishing and fun to eat—perfect for any day of the week.