Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that turns any meal into a mini celebration. Juicy chunks of chicken, seasoned perfectly and coated with a luscious garlic parmesan butter sauce, come together on skewers for a stunning presentation and unbeatable flavor. These skewers are outrageously tender, packed with garlicky goodness and just the right amount of heat, making them perfect for weeknight dinners, game day spreads, or anytime you want to wow family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh touches, you’re set to whip up Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that pack a punch. Each ingredient adds something special, whether it’s crunchy texture, vibrant color, or rich, buttery depth.

• Chicken tenders, thighs, or breast (2 lbs): Choose your favorite cut for the juiciest, most tender skewers.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): This keeps things moist and helps those spices stick beautifully.
• Butter (1 stick): The backbone of the luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
• Garlic, minced (8-10 cloves): Nothing beats fresh garlic for that bold, savory flavor.
• Parmesan, grated (1/2 cup): For a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce.
• Hot sauce (1 tbsp or more): Adds a kick—adjust to your personal spice preference.
• Red pepper flakes (2 teaspoons): Layer in subtle heat that works so well with the creamy parmesan.
• Fresh parsley, minced (1/3 cup): Adds fresh, herby brightness and a beautiful pop of green.
• Paprika (2 teaspoons): For a touch of smokiness and vibrant color.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Deepens that garlicky profile and ties all the seasonings together.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory depth and a slight sweetness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and heightens every other flavor.
• Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For just the right hint of warmth.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Start by giving your wooden skewers a soak in water—at least 30 minutes—so they don’t char up in the air fryer. While those soak, mix your paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chop your chicken into hearty 3-inch pieces for even cooking. Toss the pieces in olive oil and the spice blend, then thread them tightly onto skewers. Make sure there are no gaps between the pieces; this helps keep every bite as juicy as possible. If your skewers are a bit too long to fit in the air fryer basket, just snip the tops before loading them up.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and garlic and heat gently until the butter is mostly melted and the garlic is wonderfully fragrant. Whisk in the red pepper flakes, your splash (or two) of hot sauce, all that fresh parsley, and a generous shower of grated parmesan. This sauce is pure magic—creamy, herby, and flecked with a little spice. If it looks like it’s separating, no stress! Just add a tablespoon or two of softened butter and whisk until silky.

Step 3: Baste and Cook the Chicken Skewers

Set aside a third of your sauce in a clean bowl for basting the chicken halfway through cooking so there’s zero risk of cross-contamination. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees, then work in batches, laying in 2-3 skewers at a time. Cook for about 5 minutes, flip them over, and brush on your reserved basting sauce. Back in they go for 2 more minutes. Flip them again, baste a little more, and let them go another 5-6 minutes until the chicken is superbly juicy and sizzling, and reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees. When they’re done, finish with a final brush of that dreamy garlic sauce (from the clean bowl!) and a sprinkle of extra parmesan for good measure.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The right garnish brings your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to life visually and flavor-wise. Shower the finished skewers with a little more grated parmesan and some fresh chopped parsley to brighten things up. A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty pop and balances the richness of the butter sauce.

Side Dishes

These skewers play well with almost anything. Try them over fluffy rice, paired with buttery roasted potatoes, or alongside a crisp, simple green salad. A bowl of herby tzatziki or a punchy chimichurri sauce also makes a great dunking companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual gathering, serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers over a big platter of grilled veggies so everyone can dig in. Want more of an appetizer vibe? Cut the chicken into smaller chunks before skewering and pass them around with toothpicks. For a hearty family dinner, tuck them into warm flatbreads with plenty of fresh greens and a drizzle of that extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers should cool to room temperature before being tucked into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay moist and full of flavor for up to three days—perfect for next-day lunches or quick snacks.

Freezing

If you want to stock up, freeze the fully cooked and cooled skewers in a single layer, then transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container. They’ll keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

The best way to revive Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is to reheat them gently in the air fryer or oven at 350 degrees until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp and the chicken juicy. Add a touch of extra parmesan and a drizzle of leftover sauce, if you have it, to freshen them up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs or tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work beautifully in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—the key is to cut them into even pieces so they stay juicy. Be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out more quickly than thighs.

Can I grill these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes! If you’d rather fire up the grill, preheat to medium and cook the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning and basting with sauce regularly. Just watch for any flare-ups from the butter sauce and move the skewers if they start to brown too quickly.

Is it possible to make these ahead for a party?

You bet—assemble and marinate the chicken skewers up to a day ahead, then refrigerate. When party time rolls around, just cook and baste them fresh for the best texture and flavor. The sauce can be made ahead too—simply rewarm before using.

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without hot sauce?

Of course! The hot sauce adds a subtle kick, but you can easily leave it out for a milder version without sacrificing any of that awesome garlicky-parmesan flavor.

What can I use instead of wooden skewers?

Metal skewers are a fantastic reusable option and don’t need soaking. You can even roast the seasoned chicken pieces on a sheet pan in a pinch—just keep everything in a single layer for even cooking and baste as you go.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—they’re juicy, bursting with big flavors, and incredibly easy to pull off. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want to treat yourself to something special, these skewers will quickly become your new go-to recipe. Give them a shot, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in a flash!

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