Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking to serve pure comfort and big flavor on a stick, you need to try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Juicy pieces of chicken are soaked with a zesty seasoning blend, then basted again and again with a homemade garlic parmesan butter sauce as they cook. Thanks to the trusty air fryer, every skewer is melt-in-your-mouth tender but deliciously crispy at the edges. Whip these up for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer, or make them the main show on a bed of rice and veggies for a weeknight treat that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is that every ingredient works overtime, bringing just the right notes of savoriness, creaminess, and a little punch of heat. Simple ingredients, maximum flavor, and a gorgeous golden color that just begs for a taste.

• Chicken (2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast): Choose your favorite cut for the juiciest, most flavorful skewers. Thighs stay extra tender, but breasts or tenders are also perfect.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps everything moist during cooking.
• Butter (1 stick): The base for your luscious garlic parmesan sauce; opt for unsalted if you want more control over the saltiness.
• Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced): The star flavor! Don’t skimp—fresh garlic gives the sauce a mouthwatering aroma.
• Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): Provides a salty, nutty punch and an irresistible golden crust.
• Hot sauce (1 tbsp, or more if desired): Adds a subtle, tangy heat without overpowering the rich flavors.
• Red pepper flakes (2 tsp): For just the right amount of gentle background heat (adjust to your taste).
• Fresh parsley (1/3 cup, minced): Brings fresh, vibrant color and a herbal brightness to balance the dish.
• Paprika (2 tsp): Gives a mild smokiness and beautiful golden-red hue.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Boosts the garlicky undertones in every bite.
• Onion powder (1 tsp): Partners with garlic for deeper, savory flavor.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the natural flavors—taste as you go!
• Pepper (1/2 tsp): For a light touch of sharpness to round out the seasoning.
• Wooden skewers: Soak in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This little step saves you from burnt or brittle sticks! Next, stir together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cut your chicken into about 3-inch pieces so every bite cooks quickly and absorbs all that flavor. Toss the chicken pieces in olive oil and the seasoning mix, ensuring every morsel is well coated. Now, carefully thread the chunks onto your soaked skewers, packing them tightly together. The closer they are, the juicier they’ll stay as they cook. If your skewers are too long for your air fryer, don’t hesitate to trim a few inches off the top after threading the chicken on!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Melt the butter and minced garlic together in a microwave-safe bowl just until the butter is mostly melted and the garlic is nice and fragrant. Whisk in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan. If the sauce looks separated, a spoonful or two of softened butter and some vigorous stirring will bring it right back together. For food safety, scoop out about a third of the sauce to use for basting during cooking, and keep the rest set aside for a final, clean drizzle at the end. Be sure to wash your brush between tasks!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Working in batches, lay 2-3 skewers inside, giving them plenty of space for air to circulate. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the skewers and brush with your reserved basting sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, then flip once more and brush with even more sauce. Finish them off with another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temp hits 165 degrees and the outsides are golden and caramelized—this should take about 12-14 minutes total. The finishing touch? A final, generous brush of the clean, untouched garlic parmesan sauce and a shower of extra parmesan on top.

Step 4: Oven and Grill Instructions (Optional)

For oven magic, preheat to 450 degrees and place your skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway. For an ultra-appetizing finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes, watching closely for a gorgeous golden top. To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high and cook the skewers over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting as you go. No matter how you cook them, be sure to give those Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a final pass of sauce just before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Don’t stop at just the sauce—pile on fresh extra parmesan, a sprinkle of minced parsley, and maybe even an extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a burst of color and flavor that makes each skewer feel like a mini celebration. A squeeze of fresh lemon over the top adds a perfect zing that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers play beautifully with so many sides. Serve them atop fluffy rice with sautéed veggies for a hearty meal, or go lighter with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple lemon vinaigrette. They’re also fantastic alongside garlicky mashed potatoes, a platter of roasted veggies, or even some warm, crusty bread for mopping up any extra buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn the skewers into a fun appetizer board by laying them over a bed of arugula or rainbow veggie ribbons and setting out small bowls of extra garlic parmesan butter for dipping. For parties, make mini skewers—slide just a couple of chicken pieces on each stick for bite-sized perfection. Or nestle them over a platter of grains and greens for a low-fuss but seriously impressive dinner spread that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have extra Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (trust me, they disappear fast!), simply store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Separate any leftover sauce and keep it chilled as well.

Freezing

The cooked chicken skewers can be cooled, then individually wrapped and placed into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months, ready for a quick weeknight meal whenever a craving strikes. I recommend freezing the sauce separately in a small container for easy reheating.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat the skewers in a 350-degree oven or an air fryer for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave, but the texture won’t be quite as crisp. Warm the leftover garlic parmesan sauce gently in the microwave or on the stove, then brush over the hot chicken for that freshly-made taste.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually my personal favorite for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers because they stay extra moist and flavorful, but tenders or breast chunks work wonderfully too.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem at all—you can bake the skewers in a hot oven or on the grill. Both methods give you great flavor and a nice golden crust, especially if you baste a couple of times during cooking as described above.

How spicy do these skewers turn out?

The level of heat is up to you. The hot sauce and red pepper flakes give a gentle kick that enhances the cheese and garlic, but if you want less spice, feel free to scale them back or leave out the flakes entirely.

Can I prepare the chicken and sauce in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken with the seasonings and olive oil up to a day ahead, and the garlic parmesan butter sauce can be made and refrigerated for a couple of days. Just bring everything to room temperature before assembling and cooking.

Are there any dairy-free alternatives for this recipe?

If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based butter and your favorite dairy-free parmesan substitute. The results will still be rich and flavorful, and the main elements of the dish will shine through.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have become a staple in my kitchen for good reason: they’re incredibly easy, wildly flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends. I can’t wait for you to try these and experience just how irresistible chicken on a stick can be!

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