If you’re craving something irresistibly crunchy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside, you have to try this Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of perfectly seasoned chicken cubes coated with a flavorful breadcrumb and Parmesan crust that bakes or grills to golden perfection. Each bite bursts with a satisfying snap before revealing succulent meat underneath, making it an ideal dish for dinner parties, family meals, or even a casual weekend treat. Trust me, once you make these crispy breaded chicken skewers, they’ll become a fast favorite in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe comes together with a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that play crucial roles in creating its signature crunch, flavor, and color. Each item is chosen to elevate the dish without any fuss, making it easy to whip up anytime.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easy skewering.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that extra crispy texture that holds up beautifully when baked or grilled.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty richness that perfectly complements the crunchy coating.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warm aroma and depth of flavor.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and a lovely golden hue to the crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that heighten every other flavor.
- Eggs: Act as the perfect binder to help the breading adhere firmly to the chicken.
- All-purpose flour: A light dusting prepares the chicken surface so the coating sticks nicely.
- Olive oil: Just a drizzle ensures a crispy, golden finish without greasiness.
- Lemon wedges (optional): Adds a refreshing citrusy zing when served on the side.
How to Make Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Grill
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or get your grill warmed to medium-high heat. This ensures that the skewers cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden crust without drying out the chicken inside.
Step 2: Mix the Breading
In a shallow bowl, blend together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where all the bold flavors come together to form the irresistible crispy coating on your chicken.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Stations
Beat the eggs in a separate bowl to create an egg wash. Place the flour in a third bowl. You’ll use these three bowls in sequence — flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture — to coat each chicken cube perfectly.
Step 4: Skewer and Coat the Chicken
Thread the chicken cubes carefully onto skewers, leaving a bit of space between pieces. Then lightly coat each cube in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure the coating adheres well so it stays crispy after cooking.
Step 5: Cook the Skewers
If baking, arrange the breaded chicken skewers on a lined baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp beautifully. For grilling, brush the skewers lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or grill for 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing your Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe with a few lemon wedges adds a burst of fresh acidity that cuts through the richness and highlights the spices perfectly. You can also scatter some fresh chopped parsley or chives for a splash of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, fluffy rice pilaf, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a more vibrant plate, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a tangy coleslaw—each complements the chicken’s crisp crust and juicy interior beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests, arrange the skewers on a wooden board with dipping sauces such as garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. You can even serve them over a bed of couscous or mixed grains for a hearty, colorful presentation that’s both inviting and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the coating intact is easier if you place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked breaded chicken skewers by laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they hold their shape and coating perfectly until you’re ready to bake or grill. Use within 1 month for the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftover cooked skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, since it can make the breading soggy and the chicken rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and a richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking and follow the same breading and cooking steps.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work in a pinch, but they won’t be as light and crunchy as panko. To boost crispiness, you could try mixing in some crushed crackers or cornflakes.
Is it necessary to soak the skewers if they’re wooden?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken helps prevent them from burning during cooking, especially on the grill.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives such as almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version that keeps its crunch.
How can I tell when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?
The safe internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your skewers are perfectly done without overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite—from the exciting crunch to the flavorful, juicy chicken inside. It’s quick to prepare, feeds a crowd easily, and can be baked or grilled depending on your preference. Give it a go and watch how quickly these skewers disappear from your table and become an instant favorite everyone asks for again and again.
Print
Crispy Breaded Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (baking) or 12-16 minutes (grilling)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful breaded chicken skewers coated with a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices, then baked or grilled to juicy perfection. These skewers are perfect as a tasty appetizer or main dish, served with a fresh squeeze of lemon for added zest.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Finishing
- Olive oil, for drizzling
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare your grill for medium-high heat to ensure proper cooking temperature for the skewers.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful breading mixture.
- Prepare Wet and Dry Dips: In one bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly. In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour ready for coating.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken cubes onto skewers. Lightly dust each chicken piece with flour, dip into the beaten eggs to moisten, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange and Oil: If baking, arrange the breaded chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil and drizzle lightly with olive oil. If grilling, brush the skewers with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning.
- Cook: Bake the skewers in the oven for 20-25 minutes or grill them over medium-high heat for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Serve the breaded chicken skewers immediately with lemon wedges on the side for an optional bright and tangy finish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken cubes in a little lemon juice or buttermilk before breading.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning on the grill.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C) to avoid undercooking.
- Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli for variety.
