If you’re anything like me, you know that sometimes the simplest recipes turn out the most incredible meals. That’s exactly the charm of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe! It’s packed with bold flavors from garlic, parmesan, and a little kick of heat, all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken that’s grilled or air-fried to perfection. Whenever I make these, they become an instant hit whether for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe special is that it’s both straightforward and impressive—perfect when you want to serve something that looks fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Plus, the garlicky parmesan butter sauce takes these skewers from good to mind-blowingly delicious. You’ll find yourself reaching for seconds without even thinking twice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Flavorful: The garlic parmesan butter sauce is an easy way to pack in tons of flavor with minimal effort.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: You can make these skewers in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill—whatever works best for your setup.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a party appetizer, these skewers always impress.
- Juicy and Tender: Packing the skewers tight ensures the chicken stays succulent and juicy through cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient here plays a key role in making the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe a standout. You’ll want fresh garlic for the best flavor and freshly grated parmesan to get that cheesy punch. Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers if you use them, it really makes a difference when cooking!
- Chicken (tenders, thighs, or breast): I love using chicken tenders for tenderness, but thighs offer extra juiciness and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and adds richness without overpowering.
- Butter: The base of that luscious garlic parmesan sauce; real butter makes all the difference.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh minced garlic gives that authentic pungent kick you want in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Use freshly grated parmesan for best texture and flavor.
- Hot sauce: Just enough to add a subtle heat—feel free to add more if you like it spicy!
- Red pepper flakes: Adds a smoky heat that balances the richness of the butter and cheese.
- Fresh parsley (minced): Brightens up the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Paprika: Brings warmth and a hint of earthiness to the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic powder: Gives an extra layer of garlic flavor beyond the fresh mince.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to highlight all the other flavors.
Variations
I’m all for making recipes your own, and this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is no exception. I often tweak it to fit the occasion or what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment with different spices or sauces—there’s room to make it uniquely yours.
- Spicy Variation: I’ve added extra hot sauce and red pepper flakes before when I wanted a fiery kick—my family loved the extra heat!
- Herbal Twist: Sometimes I swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a fresh herb variation that changes the flavor profile entirely.
- Low-Carb Friendly: This recipe is naturally low-carb, but you can pair it with grilled vegetables instead of starches for an extra healthy meal.
- Oven-Baked Version: If you don’t have an air fryer, baking these skewers in the oven still gives fantastic results with just a little extra attention.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken Like a Pro
First things first, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes—this little step helps prevent them from burning during cooking. Meanwhile, mix your seasoning blend (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into roughly 3-inch pieces—this size helps the meat cook evenly and stay juicy.
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and the spice mix ensuring each piece is well-coated. When threading onto skewers, pack the pieces tightly side by side—this is one of my favorite tricks to keep the chicken extra tender and juicy while cooking. If your skewers are too long for your air fryer, snip off a few inches at the top before threading the chicken.
Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
Next, melt the butter with fresh minced garlic in the microwave or on the stove until it’s just partially melted—this keeps the garlic from burning while mixing. Add in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated parmesan, then whisk everything together until smooth and unified. If the sauce looks like it’s separating, whisk in a tablespoon or two of softened butter to bring it back together; this trick saved me more than once!
Reserve about one-third of this sauce for basting the chicken before it’s fully cooked. Keep the rest separate so you can baste the finished skewers without cross-contamination—always rinse or use a fresh basting brush between uses.
Step 3: Cook Your Skewers with Love
Whether you’re using an air fryer, oven, or grill, timing is key! For the air fryer, place 2-3 skewers inside and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip them carefully, baste with the reserved sauce, then cook another 2 minutes. Flip and baste again, then cook for a final 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F for safety and juiciness. Total cook time is about 12-14 minutes, but this can vary depending on your air fryer model.
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 450°F, arrange the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting a couple of times. Finish with a quick broil for 2 minutes to get that beautiful golden crust. Grilling calls for medium-high heat, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes with basting throughout. No matter your method, finish with a final brush of the clean sauce and a sprinkle of extra parmesan to make these skewers irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Soak Your Skewers: It’s a small step that prevents the skewers from burning or catching fire during cooking.
- Pack Chicken Tightly: Tightly packed pieces retain more juices and ensure even cooking without drying out.
- Separate Basting Sauces: Use different brushes or bowls for raw and cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Check Internal Temperature: I always use a thermometer to get that perfect 165°F so the chicken stays moist and safe.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these skewers off with a sprinkle of extra freshly grated parmesan and a little handful of chopped fresh parsley—it adds that fresh, bright note that balances the richness of the sauce. Adding a twist of lemon zest over the top can also give a subtle zing that livens up each bite.
Side Dishes
For sides, I often go with a crisp garden salad or some garlic roasted asparagus to keep it light. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf are also fantastic if you want something heartier. Sometimes, grilled corn on the cob rounds out the meal perfectly, especially when serving these skewers during a summer cookout.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served these skewers on a beautiful wooden board layered with fresh herbs and lemon wedges. It makes for a stunning visual that gets guests excited. Another fun idea is threading veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers between chicken pieces to add color and extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before sealing, I like to keep the extra garlic parmesan sauce separate so I can freshen them up before reheating.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these skewers after cooking. Wrap each skewer tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When I’ve done this, they reheat surprisingly well if thawed overnight in the fridge first.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop the skewers into a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, basting with some reserved garlic parmesan sauce halfway through to keep them moist. The air fryer also works well for reheating, typically a shorter time around 4-5 minutes at 370°F.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but because it’s leaner, try not to overcook it to keep it from drying out. Cutting the breast into even, bite-sized pieces and marinating with the olive oil and seasonings helps maintain juiciness.
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Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before cooking?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire during cooking, especially when grilling or air frying.
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Can I make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The recipe uses naturally gluten-free ingredients, but just be sure your hot sauce and parmesan cheese labels confirm they’re gluten-free to avoid any hidden gluten.
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What’s the best way to avoid sauce separation?
If your garlic parmesan butter sauce starts to separate, adding a tablespoon or two of softened butter while whisking can help bring it back together smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something fast, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter, and cheesy parmesan is just unbeatable. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll become a quick favorite in your household too—so grab those skewers, fire up your air fryer or grill, and make some magic happen!
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 and juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers featuring tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and coated with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer for a quick, easy, and mouthwatering meal that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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 (8 tbsp)
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (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. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss the chicken pieces in olive oil and season with the spice blend, making sure each piece is well coated. Thread the chicken tightly onto the skewers, ensuring no gaps to keep the chicken juicy. Trim the skewers if necessary to fit in the air fryer.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: Melt the butter with minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan cheese until combined. If the sauce separates, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify. Reserve 1/3 of the sauce for basting partially cooked chicken, and keep the remaining sauce for basting after cooking to avoid cross contamination. Clean the basting brush between uses.
- Cook The Chicken: Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes. Remove skewers, flip them over, and baste with the reserved sauce. Return to air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes. Flip the skewers back, baste again, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The total cooking time is about 12-14 minutes but may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Finish and Serve: After cooking, give the skewers a final brush with the clean reserved sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting a few times with the garlic parmesan butter sauce. Switch oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to brown the tops. Remove, baste one last time with the sauce, and sprinkle with extra parmesan.
- Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Place skewers directly over the heat and cook each side for 5-6 minutes, basting with garlic parmesan butter sauce throughout. Remove from grill, baste one last time, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving.
- Soak wooden skewers before cooking to avoid burning.
- Use a clean basting brush to prevent cross contamination.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
