Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with juicy, tender chicken, then this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic, parmesan, and a bit of heat from red pepper flakes and hot sauce, these skewers are packed with savory goodness and a touch of buttery richness. Whether you’re grilling, air-frying, or cooking indoors, these skewers deliver an irresistible combination of flavor and texture that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the simplicity of this ingredient list fool you. Every component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, ensuring your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are bursting with deliciousness from the first bite to the last.

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy results.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps coat the chicken for even seasoning and a nice crust.
• 1 stick butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the garlic parmesan sauce.
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the flavor with aromatic punch.
• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated: Brings savory, nutty depth that defines the dish.
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired): Adds just the right kick to keep things interesting.
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes: A little heat for balance without overwhelming.
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced: Brightens the dish with a fresh herbal note.
• 2 teaspoons paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor with a smooth finish.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds savory complexity to the seasoning blend.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for amplifying all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Gives a hint of warmth and mild spice.

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 to prevent them from burning during cooking. Then, cut your chicken into 3-inch pieces for even cooking and maximum juiciness. Combine the olive oil and spices in a large bowl or a zip-top bag, toss the chicken until it’s evenly coated, and pack the pieces tightly onto the skewers. This close packing locks in moisture for every succulent bite.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Microwave the butter and minced garlic until the butter is partially melted, then whisk in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh parsley, and parmesan cheese. If the sauce separates, simply add a little more softened butter to bring it back together. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe, infusing every bite with buttery, garlicky goodness.

Step 3: Par-Cook and Baste the Chicken

Before cooking the chicken skewers fully, baste them with about one-third of the sauce to build layers of flavor. Keep the remaining sauce reserved and make sure you don’t cross contaminate by washing your basting brush in between uses. This step ensures the sauce caramelizes nicely on the chicken without any health risks.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Place 2 to 3 skewers in your air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes before flipping and basting again. Continue to cook for 5 to 6 more minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The total cook time is about 12 to 14 minutes, but this can vary depending on your air fryer.

Step 5: Final Baste and Serve

Once cooked through, give the skewers one last generous brush with the clean reserved garlic parmesan sauce, sprinkle more parmesan on top, and serve immediately. The final sauce layer adds that perfect glossy finish and bursts of flavor you crave.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled over the skewers adds a lovely pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the garlic parmesan sauce beautifully. A final sprinkle of parmesan right before serving seals the deal with extra savory oomph.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with crisp salads, roasted veggies, or fluffy rice to soak up any extra buttery sauce. For a more indulgent option, serve with garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes for a meal that feels like a celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe family-style on a large wooden board with lemon wedges and small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. For a casual party vibe, set out plates of grilled vegetables and colorful sides alongside the skewers for an inviting spread everyone can share.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken skewers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep any extra garlic parmesan sauce separate to maintain freshness and flavor when reheating.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your skewers is in the oven or an air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 8 to 10 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist while reviving the crispy edges. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both chicken breast and thighs work well in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Just keep an eye on cook time since breast can dry out faster and adjust accordingly.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No worries! You can grill the skewers over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic parmesan butter sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before using to re-emulsify.

How spicy are the skewers?

The red pepper flakes and hot sauce add a gentle but noticeable kick that enhances the flavor without overpowering. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce based on your preference.

Are wooden skewers necessary?

Wooden skewers are ideal because they’re easy to handle and soak up marinade flavors well. Remember to soak them beforehand to prevent burning. If you prefer, metal skewers work great too for reusable convenience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe enough if you want a go-to dish that’s simple yet packs incredible flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or any time you want to impress with minimal fuss. Once you try these skewers, their garlicky, buttery goodness will surely have you coming back for more.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.1 from 2 reviews

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish made with tender chicken pieces marinated in a blend of spices, then air-fried to perfection and basted with a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal, they offer a spicy kick balanced with savory cheese and fresh herbs.

• Author: Paula
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast, cut into 3” pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

• 1 stick butter (8 tbsp)
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

1. Soak Wooden Skewers: Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
2. Prepare Chicken and Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss with olive oil and the seasoning mixture in a large bowl or zip-top bag until evenly coated.
3. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto each skewer without any gaps to ensure juiciness. Trim the skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer.
4. Make Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter partially with minced garlic. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk until combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk to re-emulsify.
5. Baste Par-Cooked Chicken: Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken. Use this portion to baste during the initial cooking stages, making sure to clean your basting brush between uses to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Air Fry the Chicken Skewers: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place 2-3 skewers into the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Remove, flip the skewers, and baste with reserved sauce. Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. Final Cooking and Basting: Flip the skewers back to the original side, baste again, and cook for 5-6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time will be approximately 12-14 minutes but may vary depending on your air fryer.
8. Serve: After cooking, brush the skewers with the remaining clean garlic parmesan sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top and serve immediately.

Notes

• Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning and adds safety during air frying.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Use fresh parsley for a bright herbal note, but dried parsley can be substituted with less quantity.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, these chicken skewers can be grilled or baked in an oven at 400°F until cooked through.
• Using thighs will give more juicy and tender results, but tenders or breast meat can be used for a leaner option.