Oh, I absolutely love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because it brings together that perfect blend of garlicky richness and cheesy goodness wrapped in juicy, tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend cookout, these skewers always impress. They’re quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill — talk about flexibility!
When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite, especially since the garlic parmesan butter sauce adds that extra cozy comfort I crave. You’ll find that the bold spices combined with the creamy sauce make each bite irresistible. Plus, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is perfect for sharing, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The savory garlic parmesan butter sauce gives the chicken a rich, mouthwatering taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 35 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you have an air fryer, oven, or grill, you can make these skewers with ease.
- Family Friendly: Everyone in my household, from kids to adults, literally goes crazy for these skewers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I’ve carefully chosen each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe to create a harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Using fresh garlic and real parmesan cheese truly elevates the dish, and the spice blend adds the perfect kick without overpowering the chicken’s natural juiciness.
- Chicken tenders, thighs or breast: Tender cuts work best to keep the skewers juicy and cook evenly.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
- Butter: The base for the silky garlic parmesan sauce that coats the skewers.
- Garlic, minced: Fresh is non-negotiable here — it packs so much more punch than pre-minced.
- Parmesan, grated: Aged parmesan adds a nutty, cheesy depth to the sauce.
- Hot sauce: Adds a subtle heat; feel free to adjust based on your heat tolerance.
- Red pepper flakes: Complement the hot sauce for a layered spicy note.
- Fresh parsley, minced: Brightens up the richness with a fresh herbal touch.
- Paprika: Smoky depth and beautiful color for the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- Salt and pepper: The basics that bring all the flavors together.
Variations
I love making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe my own by switching up the heat level or swapping the chicken parts. It’s a super forgiving recipe, inviting you to have fun and customize it for your crowd.
- Mild Version: Cut down or omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes if you’re serving kiddos or prefer less spice—I still get all the garlic parmesan goodness.
- Herb Boost: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary in the marinade for an earthier dimension I discovered on a whim once and loved.
- Chicken Alternatives: Dark meat thighs stay juicier longer, but breast or tenders work for a lighter dish.
- Grilled Veggie Skewers: Pair with bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes grilled alongside for a colorful, balanced meal.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken
Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes so they don’t burn during cooking—this little trick is a kitchen must-have. Next, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for your seasoning blend. Cut your chicken into roughly 3-inch pieces for even cooking, toss them with olive oil and the seasoning until evenly coated, then thread them tightly onto the skewers. I like to pack mine snugly—no gaps—because it locks in moisture, giving you the juiciest chicken every time. If your skewers are too long for your air fryer or grill, don’t hesitate to snip off a few inches; safety and fit are key!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
Pop your butter and minced garlic into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until the butter is half-melted—just enough to release that garlicky aroma without burning the garlic. Stir in the parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley, whisking until smooth and combined. Sometimes the sauce can separate a bit; if that happens, just add a tablespoon or two of softened butter and whisk again to bring it back to silky perfection. I like to scoop out about a third of the sauce right away for basting the chicken as it cooks—this keeps things safe and sanitary.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken Skewers
Place 2-3 skewers in your air fryer basket (or oven tray or grill, depending on your method). Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with the reserved sauce—this step seals in flavor and keeps the chicken succulent. Return to cook for another 2 minutes, flip and baste again, finishing with 5-6 more minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Total cook time should be around 12-14 minutes but watch closely since air fryer models vary. Once done, give the skewers one last brush with the clean garlic sauce and a sprinkle of extra parmesan for that wow factor.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Soak Your Skewers: Never skip soaking wooden skewers; it prevents burning and adds moisture during cooking.
- Pack the Chicken Tight: I learned packing pieces snugly keeps the chicken juicy and cooks evenly without drying out.
- Baste Often: Basting after every flip seals flavor and keeps the chicken tender and well-coated in sauce.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid guesswork by cooking to 165°F ensuring perfectly done chicken without overcooking.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of extra grated parmesan and a handful of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that wakes up the dish. If I’m feeling fancy, a squeeze of lemon over the top always brightens things up beautifully.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, buttery garlic bread, or even a side of roasted vegetables. My go-to is a simple Caesar salad and some herbed rice, but grilled asparagus or a light quinoa salad works just as well for a healthy balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve the skewers on a wooden platter lined with parchment, surrounded by little bowls of extra garlic parmesan sauce, lemon wedges, and fresh herbs for guests to customize their bites. It always sparks conversation and feels festive, kinda like having a mini garlic parmesan party right at your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
My experience with storing these skewers is that sealing them tightly in an airtight container in the fridge keeps them fresh for up to 3 days. I always separate the sauce from the chicken to avoid sogginess, keeping each at their best texture.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these skewers before with good results—just make sure to flash freeze them on a tray first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can keep up to 2 months frozen. When thawing, I prefer overnight in the fridge to retain moisture and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes or onto a baking sheet in a 350°F oven until warmed through. This method crisps the outside without drying the chicken out. I like to brush a little extra garlic parmesan sauce on before reheating to keep that fresh, saucy flavor alive.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well if cut into uniform, tender-sized pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Just be mindful not to overcook, as breasts can dry out faster than thighs or tenders.
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What’s the best way to prevent skewers from burning in the air fryer?
Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking is the key to preventing them from burning. If you’re using metal skewers, this step isn’t necessary, but always be careful with handle heat during cooking.
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Can I make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep and skewer your chicken ahead, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce is best made fresh, but can be reheated gently if prepared earlier.
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Is it possible to bake or grill these skewers instead of using an air fryer?
Definitely. The recipe notes oven and grill instructions that yield equally delicious results. Baking involves flipping and basting midway, while grilling adds a lovely smoky char to the dish.
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How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, which add a pleasant warmth without overwhelming the garlic parmesan flavors. You can adjust or omit these ingredients easily based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those keeper recipes I’m thrilled to have in my rotation. It’s simple, flavorful, and versatile enough to make your dinner routine exciting without loads of fuss. If you’re on the fence, give it a try—I promise you’ll fall in love with the juicy chicken, the garlicky parmesan sauce, and the smile it brings to everyone at your table. Trust me, once you taste these skewers, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned with a flavorful spice blend, basted in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, and cooked to juicy perfection using an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for a quick, savory meal with multiple cooking options including air frying, baking, and grilling.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast, cut into 3″ pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- Prep and Skewer Chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Mix the chicken seasonings (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) in a small bowl. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces and place in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and seasoning mix, tossing well to coat all pieces evenly. Thread chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, trimming the tops of skewers if needed to fit your air fryer.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and minced garlic. Microwave until butter is partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk together until well combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify. Reserve about one-third of this sauce to baste par-cooked chicken, and keep the rest for basting after cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry 2-3 skewers at a time at 400°F for 5 minutes. Remove and flip the skewers; baste with reserved sauce. Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Flip the skewers again, baste with more sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cooking time ranges between 12 to 14 minutes, depending on your air fryer. After cooking, brush with a final layer of the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle extra parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken skewers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with garlic butter sauce multiple times during cooking. Switch oven to broil, cook an additional 2 minutes until tops are golden brown. Remove, baste once more with sauce, and sprinkle with leftover parmesan before serving.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook skewers over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side, continuously basting with garlic butter sauce. Remove from grill, baste again, and sprinkle with leftover parmesan cheese before serving.
- Ensure wooden skewers are soaked to avoid burning in cooking.
- Use a food-safe brush for basting and clean between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
