Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Get ready to meet your new go-to dish for entertaining or weeknight dinners: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! These irresistibly juicy skewers are brushed with a homemade garlic parmesan butter sauce that’s garlicky, cheesy, and packed with a gentle kick of heat. What’s even better? You can whip them up straight in your air fryer for minimal mess and maximum flavor. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or as a main course on a hearty bed of rice and colorful veggies, these skewers are bound to earn rave reviews every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in their simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one brings something unique—juiciness, flavor, or texture—to this standout dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you absolutely shouldn’t skip a thing!

• Chicken tenders, thighs, or breast (2 lbs): The undeniable star, these cuts keep the skewers juicy and tender, so pick your favorite or mix it up!
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps everything wonderfully moist during cooking.
• Butter (1 stick): This forms the base of that lush garlic parmesan butter sauce—it creates a silken finish you’ll crave.
• Garlic, minced (8–10 cloves): Fresh garlic shines here, infusing every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
• Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup): Using grated Parmesan ensures every bite is cheesy, a little salty, and extra savory.
• Hot sauce (1 tbsp or more): Brings a touch of zippy heat to balance all that buttery richness—adjust to your own spice preference.
• Red pepper flakes (2 tsp): For fans of a little extra heat and gorgeous visual flecks throughout.
• Fresh parsley, minced (1/3 cup): Lends a pop of freshness and color that brightens up the dish beautifully.
• Paprika (2 tsp): Gives a delicate smoky depth and a lovely blush to the chicken.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Backs up all that fresh garlic for layers of flavorful complexity.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds gentle sweetness and ensures the seasoning rounds out perfectly.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Makes everything come alive and enhances all the flavors.
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): A classic finishing touch for the perfect subtle bite.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare and Skewer the Chicken

To kick things off, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes—this keeps them from burning if you’re using an oven or grill. Mix up your chicken seasoning in a small bowl so it’s ready and waiting. Cut your chicken into generous 3-inch pieces and tumble them into a big bowl or zip-top bag. Now drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with the seasoning mix, and toss it all together so every piece gets a flavorful, even coat. Thread the chicken tightly onto each skewer—no gaps! For air fryer users, snip off the top few inches of the skewers if needed to make them fit.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic, and heat until just partially melted. Now, stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and glorious grated Parmesan. Whisk until well combined. If the butter sauce looks separated at any point, stir in a tablespoon or two of softened butter to bring everything back together. Divide the sauce: scoop out a third for basting the par-cooked chicken, and keep the rest aside for the final luscious glaze.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

Place 2 or 3 skewers (depending on your air fryer’s size) into the basket and cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, brush generously with your reserved basting sauce, and cook another 2 minutes at 400 degrees. Give them another flip and more sauce, then finish off with a final 5–6 minutes until the chicken reaches a juicy 165 degrees inside. Your total cook time will be around 12 to 14 minutes and may vary with your air fryer. Just before serving, slather on that remaining, uncontaminated garlic parmesan sauce and shower with extra Parmesan for dramatic effect!

Step 4: Oven or Grill Options

If you’re not using an air fryer, don’t worry! For the oven, preheat to 450 degrees, arrange your skewers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet, and bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through. Broil for the last two minutes for extra golden tops. If you’re grilling, get your grill to medium-high and cook each side for 5–6 minutes, basting with sauce throughout. No matter the method, finish with that glorious garlic parmesan butter.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A big finishing sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a handful of minced parsley take the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from delicious to downright irresistible. If you want to go for extra flavor and flair, add an extra dusting of red pepper flakes for pops of color and a subtle heat.

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies. A simple green salad with a punchy vinaigrette adds vibrant freshness and balances the savory richness of the skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers into party-perfect appetizers by sliding the finished pieces off the skewer and serving with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping. Or, lay them atop a platter with vivid veggies and lemon wedges for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. You can even pile them inside soft wraps with crisp lettuce for a brilliant lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only deepen, making them just as crave-worthy the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch for later, these skewers freeze beautifully. Simply wrap individual cooked skewers in foil or freezer-safe wrap, pop them in a bag or airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to use.

Reheating

To reheat, place the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes, or warm gently in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Brush with any reserved garlic parmesan butter sauce (or a quick batch of fresh if you’re feeling extra!) for that “just cooked” moisture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

Yes, you can! While the sharp, salty bite of Parmesan is classic in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you could also try Pecorino Romano for extra tang, or even Asiago. Just be sure it’s finely grated so it melts smoothly into the sauce.

What’s the best chicken cut to use for skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs have the most flavor and stay incredibly juicy, but breast or tenders work perfectly too—just keep an eye on the cook time to avoid drying out the meat.

How spicy are these skewers?

The heat is subtle, thanks to the measured use of hot sauce and red pepper flakes. If you prefer more spice, increase the hot sauce or flakes. If you’re feeding kids or spice-sensitive guests, simply reduce or omit them.

Can I prep these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can season and skewer the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate. For even more convenience, the garlic parmesan butter sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, then gently reheated before cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem—these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers come out beautifully in the oven or on the grill. Just follow the instructions for those methods above, and you’ll still get irresistible flavor and juiciness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking a meal that’s impressive yet totally doable, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are simply unbeatable. Give them a try, and watch them quickly become the hit of your dinnertime, weeknight, or party spread!

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