Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe for busy weeknights, weekend cookouts, or game day snacking. Juicy, tender chunks of chicken are seasoned to perfection, air-fried (or grilled!) until golden, and smothered in a rich garlic butter sauce with plenty of Parmesan cheese. The result? A savory, buttery, and slightly spicy bite that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Best of all, these skewers can be cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill—making them a versatile choice for any kitchen setup. If you love bold flavors with minimal fuss, this recipe is your new go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Flavor-Packed: Garlic, Parmesan, and butter are the ultimate trio for rich, irresistible taste.
Air Fryer Friendly: Cooks in under 15 minutes with a perfectly crispy outside and juicy inside.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, use your favorite cuts of chicken, or try different cooking methods.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Skewer and season the chicken ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners.
Party-Perfect: Fun to eat, easy to grab, and guaranteed to impress guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
8–10 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup fresh parsley, finely minced
Step-by-Step: How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
1. Prep the Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning during cooking.
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces (about 3 inches) for uniform cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Skewer the Chicken
Thread the chicken pieces snugly onto skewers, making sure there are no gaps so they stay juicy while cooking.
If using an air fryer and the skewers are too long, trim the ends to fit.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter halfway.
Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan until combined.
Set aside ⅓ of the sauce in a separate bowl for basting partially cooked chicken. Keep the remaining sauce clean for the final coating.
5. Cook the Skewers
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange 2–3 skewers in the basket and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip, baste with reserved sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Flip again, baste with sauce, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 7 minutes, flip, baste, and bake another 7 minutes.
Switch to broil and cook for 2 more minutes to get the tops golden.
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Cook skewers over direct heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with sauce as they cook.
6. Finish and Serve
Brush cooked skewers with the clean reserved sauce.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Helpful Tips
Even Cooking: Cut chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly.
Extra Juicy: Pack chicken tightly on skewers to keep it moist.
Fresh Garlic Wins: While garlic powder is great for seasoning, fresh minced garlic makes the sauce shine.
Avoid Overcooking: Chicken breast cooks faster than thighs, so adjust cooking time accordingly.
Double the Sauce: Make extra garlic butter for dipping—trust me, you’ll want it.
Substitutions and Variations
Protein Swap: Try turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a twist.
Cheese Swap: Replace Parmesan with Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a different flavor.
Spice Level: Reduce or omit red pepper flakes for a milder flavor, or add extra for more heat.
Herb Options: Substitute parsley with basil, cilantro, or oregano for a different flavor profile.
Low-Carb Option: Skip the hot sauce and serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a keto-friendly meal.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: You can season and skewer the chicken up to 24 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Freezer: Wrap skewers tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in an air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes or in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings)
Calories: 320
Protein: 32g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 520mg
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp green salad for a light, fresh meal.
Serve over garlic butter rice for extra indulgence.
Add pita bread and tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired platter.
Perfect with grilled corn, roasted potatoes, or vegetable skewers.
Great as a party appetizer alongside other finger foods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can season and skewer the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
2. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier during cooking, but chicken breast works perfectly if you avoid overcooking.
3. How spicy are these skewers?
They have a mild heat from the red pepper flakes and hot sauce. Adjust these to taste for a spicier or milder result.
4. Can I bake these without skewers?
Absolutely—just arrange the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and follow the same oven cooking times.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer or grill, which ensures even cooking and crispy edges.
Conclusion
Thank you for stopping by to try my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe! This dish is one of my absolute favorites because it’s so easy to make yet bursting with bold, buttery, garlicky flavor. Whether you’re whipping them up in the air fryer for a quick dinner, grilling for a summer BBQ, or serving as a party appetizer, they never fail to impress. I hope you enjoy every juicy, cheesy bite and that this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking, and thank you for being part of this delicious, food-loving community!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made with seasoned chicken, cooked to perfection, and smothered in buttery garlic Parmesan sauce. Quick, flavorful, and perfect for air fryer, oven, or grill.
Ingredients
2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
8–10 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
. Prep the Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to keep them from burning during cooking.
Cut chicken into even-sized pieces (about 3 inches) for uniform cooking.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place chicken in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the top. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Skewer the Chicken
Thread the chicken pieces snugly onto skewers, making sure there are no gaps so they stay juicy while cooking.
If using an air fryer and the skewers are too long, trim the ends to fit.
4. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter halfway.
Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan until combined.
Set aside ⅓ of the sauce in a separate bowl for basting partially cooked chicken. Keep the remaining sauce clean for the final coating.
5. Cook the Skewers
Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Arrange 2–3 skewers in the basket and cook for 5 minutes.
Flip, baste with reserved sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Flip again, baste with sauce, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 7 minutes, flip, baste, and bake another 7 minutes.
Switch to broil and cook for 2 more minutes to get the tops golden.
Grill Method:
Preheat grill to medium-high.
Cook skewers over direct heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with sauce as they cook.
6. Finish and Serve
Brush cooked skewers with the clean reserved sauce.
Sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay juicier than breast meat.
Make extra garlic butter for dipping.
You can prepare the skewers up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until cooking.
Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx. ⅙ of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 32g