Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 24 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 stick butter; 8-10 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated; 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste); 2 tsp red pepper flakes; 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

By:

Sarah

Published:

June 8, 2025

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a fantastic way to enjoy a delicious meal that’s both easy to make and packed with flavor. If you love the rich taste of garlic and the nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese, then you’re in for a treat. Picture tender pieces of chicken marinated in a savory garlic butter sauce, skewered together, and cooked to perfection. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner, prepping for a busy week, or simply want to impress your guests, this recipe has you covered.

The best part? You can throw these skewers together in under 30 minutes! Imagine sitting down to a plate of juicy, golden-brown skewers, bursting with flavor, all while managing to keep it easy and fun in the kitchen. So, roll up your sleeves and prepare to enjoy some seriously scrumptious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that will make everyone at the table smile.

Why This Recipe Works

The harmony of garlic and Parmesan in this recipe takes simple chicken skewers to a whole new level of deliciousness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, elevating a commonplace dish into something truly special. The garlic offers a warm, soothing aroma that immediately ignites your appetite. Meanwhile, the Parmesan adds a savory richness that’s simply hard to resist.

Another fantastic aspect of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is the cooking method — using an air fryer. This handy kitchen gadget ensures that the chicken comes out with a crispy, golden exterior while the inside remains juicy and tender. Trust me; nobody enjoys dry chicken, and this method guarantees moist, flavorful bites every time.

Layering in a homemade garlic Parmesan sauce while cooking continues to build flavor. Each baste not only coats the chicken, but it infuses every piece with delicious richness. This means every bite will taste just as great as the last!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are perfect for just about any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing for a party, they’re super versatile. Need something that works well for meal prep? Check! Looking for a crowd-pleaser appetizer? You’ve found it!

Customization is one of the best aspects of this dish. You can add your favorite spices and choose complementary dipping sauces that suit your taste. That lets everyone at the table enjoy a bit of something special. And because preparation and cooking are both quick, you’ll have a flavorful meal done and served in less than 30 minutes. Who doesn’t love a fast, tasty dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor?

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

Gathering these ingredients will set you up for success in making these amazing skewers. With just a few simple items, you can pull together a dish that will have everyone raving about your cooking skills.

Prep and Skewer Chicken

Before you start cooking, you’ll want to prepare your skewers. First things first, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it prevents them from burning during cooking.

While the skewers are soaking, let’s bring together the spices. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This spice mix will ensure that your chicken is packed with flavor.

Next, cut the chicken into pieces, about 3 inches. Then, either place the pieces in a large bowl or a zip-top bag. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, followed by your seasoning mix. Toss everything until the chicken pieces are well coated.

Now, it’s time to thread the chicken onto the skewers. Be sure to pack them tightly, ensuring there’s no space between pieces. This method helps keep them juicy. You may need to trim skewers down if they’re too long to fit in the air fryer.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Moving on to the garlic Parmesan butter sauce — this is what makes the skewers absolutely divine! Grab a microwave-safe bowl and combine the stick of butter with the minced garlic. Heat it up until the butter is partially melted, which should only take a minute or so.

Stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well blended. If your mixture looks a little separated, simply whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify it. Just set aside about a third of the sauce for basting after cooking, making sure to keep it safe from contamination.

Cook the Chicken

Now comes the exciting part! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Once it’s ready, it’s time to cook your skewers in batches. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you can usually fit 2-3 skewers in at a time. Air fry them for about 5 minutes.

Carefully flip the skewers, baste them with the reserved garlic Parmesan sauce (make sure it’s the one set aside earlier), and air fry for an additional 2 minutes. After flipping again, baste with more sauce and let them cook for another 5-6 minutes. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Overall, expect around 12-14 minutes of cooking time.

Once they’re cooked through, finish strong with one last basting of that delicious garlic sauce and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top. They’re now ready to serve!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving these skewers, the possibilities are endless. You could go for fresh vegetables or a side salad for a lighter meal. Garlic bread is also a great option if you’re craving something a bit heartier.

Adding a creamy dip like ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha mayo can also elevate your meal. It encourages fun dipping and makes for an enjoyable eating experience. If you’re hosting guests, consider serving your skewers on a platter for easy sharing.

Tips for Success

To get the most out of your skewers, make sure the chicken is cut evenly. This will help with consistent cooking. Also, feel free to adjust the garlic and red pepper flakes based on your preferences. If you enjoy a bit more heat, throw in an extra pinch.

Don’t forget not to overcrowd your air fryer basket; this may lead to uneven cooking. If you find it too crowded, cooking in batches can help ensure all skewers turn out perfectly.

Variations

Feel like switching things up a bit? You can easily substitute chicken with shrimp or vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for a different twist. Adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary adds an extra layer of flavor, too.

If you want to experiment further, different cheeses like feta or cheddar can create unique variations. Don’t hesitate to put your personal touch on these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating and skewering.

2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here. It should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the chicken.

3. Can I bake the skewers instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for around 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

4. How should I store leftovers?
Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

5. Can I make the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the sauce earlier and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not just simple to prepare; they bring together incredible flavors that both family and friends will appreciate. With that crispy outside and juicy chicken inside, they are truly a show-stopping dish. Whether you enjoy them straight off the air fryer or grill, don’t hesitate to explore new dips and sides to make your meal extraordinary!