I’m always on the hunt for recipes that feel fancy but don’t require culinary school skills, and these Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers hit that sweet spot perfectly. There’s something magical about biting into tender chicken only to discover melty mozzarella hiding inside.
The marinade does most of the heavy lifting here, infusing the meat with garlicky goodness while you relax. Want to know my secret for getting that cheese to stay put during grilling without making a sticky mess? Let me show you how it’s done.
Why You’ll Love these Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers
Who doesn’t love a good surprise?
These skewers hide a gooey, melty secret inside – a cube of mozzarella that creates the most incredible cheese pull with every bite.
I’m obsessed with how the garlic and Italian seasonings infuse the chicken, creating layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance.
They’re perfect for summer grilling, yet simple enough for weeknight dinners.
The best part? They look fancy but require minimal effort.
Kids go crazy for the cheese, adults appreciate the sophisticated flavors, and you’ll love how quickly they disappear from the table.
What Ingredients are in Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers?
These skewers combine simple, accessible ingredients that work together to create something truly special – juicy chicken with a molten cheese surprise.
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 8 mozzarella cheese cubes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers
When shopping for ingredients, opt for fresh mozzarella if possible as it melts more beautifully, and don’t skimp on the garlic – it’s what gives these skewers their signature flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
How to Make these Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers
Place your wooden skewers in water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill, which, trust me, makes a huge difference in both presentation and ease of cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
In a bowl, combine 1 lb of cubed boneless chicken breasts with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
Mix everything thoroughly so each piece of chicken is coated evenly with this flavorful mixture.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)
For truly spectacular flavor, consider marinating the chicken in this garlic-herb mixture overnight.
The longer those flavors have to mingle and get to know each other, the more amazing your skewers will taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto your pre-soaked skewers, but here’s where the magic happens—hide a mozzarella cheese cube in the center of each skewer.
This creates that delightful, molten surprise that makes these skewers so special.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Place your assembled skewers on a preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to guarantee even cooking.
While you’re waiting for the skewers to cook, you could prepare a creamy dipping sauce using a professional milk frother to achieve the perfect consistency.
You’re looking for that beautiful golden exterior that signals perfectly cooked chicken.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once cooked, let the skewers rest for about 2 minutes before serving.
This short wait allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken and gives the cheese that perfect, gooey consistency.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your skewers to a serving platter and serve while they’re still warm.
The moment someone bites into that hidden pocket of melted mozzarella is truly what cooking is all about—pure joy on a stick.
What to Serve with Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers
These cheesy, garlicky skewers are dinner-party heroes on their own, but they really shine with the right supporting cast.
A simple Mediterranean orzo salad with cucumbers, tomatoes and feta makes for a light, bright companion to balance the richness. For something green, try grilled asparagus or a peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette.
Want something heartier? Garlic bread (because let’s be honest, there’s never too much garlic) or crispy roasted potatoes work beautifully.
For drinks, a chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling lemonade cuts through the richness of the cheese.
These skewers work perfectly for dinner but can easily moonlight as impressive appetizers too.
Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers Substitutions and Variations
- Cooking Methods: No grill? Broil on high for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or air-fry at 375°F for about 10 minutes.
- Finishing Touches: Drizzle with balsamic glaze, sprinkle with fresh herbs, or add a light dusting of smoked paprika just before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for these Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers
These skewers are at their absolute best fresh off the grill when the cheese is still gloriously gooey, but leftovers can be a delicious time-saver for busy weeknights.
Refrigerator Storage: Place cooled skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Pro tip: store them with the wooden skewers removed to save space.
Freezer Option: These freeze surprisingly well! Wrap individual skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 1 month.
Reheating: To maintain that coveted cheese-pull effect, reheat in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch but may toughen the chicken. A quick 30-second rest after reheating helps the cheese redistribute without burning your mouth.
Preventing Dryness: Sprinkle a few drops of water on the skewers before reheating to maintain moisture.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Mozzarella Chicken Skewers represent everything wonderful about casual entertaining—simplicity with a touch of surprise.
The hidden pockets of melted cheese transform ordinary grilled chicken into something guests will talk about long after the meal ends. They’re ideal for summer gatherings when the grill is already hot, but equally perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something special without hours of preparation.
The combination of garlic, herbs, and that irresistible cheese pull creates a comfort food that feels both familiar and exciting.
For a different yet equally delicious weeknight option, try a creamy pasta dish featuring chicken cooked in garlic butter and a rich cheese sauce.
Sometimes the most memorable dishes are the ones that bring simple ingredients together in clever ways.