If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a delectable main dish, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-try. They feature succulent, fall-apart chicken pieces basted in a luscious garlic Parmesan butter sauce, offering layers of flavor with every bite. Not only are these skewers a breeze to prepare, but they’re also incredibly versatile—perfect for an air fryer, oven, or grill. Serve them as an appetizer or over rice and vegetables for a heartier meal. Let’s dive into the ingredients, preparation, and some pro tips to make this dish a success.
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Grilled to perfection, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor! Marinated in garlic, herbs, and a sprinkle of parmesan, each bite is a delicious delight! 🍗✨
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast – Use boneless cuts for easy skewering and even cooking. Thighs bring a richer flavor, while breasts and tenders are leaner.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps to evenly distribute the seasoning and keeps the chicken juicy.
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 1 stick butter – This rich base brings together all the sauce ingredients.
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the star of the sauce, infusing deep, savory flavors into the skewers.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired) – Adds a gentle kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional, but recommended for added depth and a hint of heat.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
For the Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika – Gives a warm, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season the Chicken: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces, then place in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the olive oil and seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers tightly, leaving no gaps between them. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If necessary, snip the ends of the skewers to fit them in your air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter and Garlic: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat until the butter is partially melted, then whisk together.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan. Whisk until combined. If the sauce starts to separate, add 1-2 tbsp of softened butter to re-emulsify it.
- Separate the Sauce for Basting: Set aside one-third of the sauce for basting the raw chicken during cooking. Reserve the remaining two-thirds to baste the cooked chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Air Fryer Method
- Cook in Batches: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place 2-3 skewers in at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Initial Cook: Cook the skewers for 5 minutes, then remove and flip them.
- First Baste: Baste with the reserved sauce, then cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F.
- Final Cook: Flip again, baste with sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Final Baste and Serve: Once done, give a final brush with the reserved sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Oven Method
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Bake the Skewers: Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with butter a few times.
- Broil for Crispy Edges: Switch to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes for a golden finish.
- Final Baste and Serve: Remove from the oven, give a final baste with the sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Grill Method
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Cook and Baste: Place skewers over direct heat, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting throughout.
- Final Baste and Serve: Remove from the grill, baste one last time, and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevents burning in high-heat cooking.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cooking in small batches ensures even cooking.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prep Time: 20 Minutes
- Cook Time: 15 Minutes
Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
This recipe marries the savory taste of garlic, the sharpness of Parmesan, and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes and hot sauce. The result? A well-balanced, flavorful dish that is as comforting as it is indulgent. The crispy edges from the Parmesan and garlic butter combined with juicy, tender chicken make these skewers a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast – Use boneless cuts for easy skewering and even cooking. Thighs bring a richer flavor, while breasts and tenders are leaner.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – Helps to evenly distribute the seasoning and keeps the chicken juicy.
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- 1 stick butter – This rich base brings together all the sauce ingredients.
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is the star of the sauce, infusing deep, savory flavors into the skewers.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated – Freshly grated is ideal for the best flavor.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired) – Adds a gentle kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes – Optional, but recommended for added depth and a hint of heat.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
For the Chicken Seasoning
- 2 tsp paprika – Gives a warm, smoky flavor to the chicken.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season the Chicken: Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces, then place in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the olive oil and seasoning mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers tightly, leaving no gaps between them. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If necessary, snip the ends of the skewers to fit them in your air fryer.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- Melt the Butter and Garlic: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat until the butter is partially melted, then whisk together.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan. Whisk until combined. If the sauce starts to separate, add 1-2 tbsp of softened butter to re-emulsify it.
- Separate the Sauce for Basting: Set aside one-third of the sauce for basting the raw chicken during cooking. Reserve the remaining two-thirds to baste the cooked chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Air Fryer Method
- Cook in Batches: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place 2-3 skewers in at a time to avoid overcrowding.
- Initial Cook: Cook the skewers for 5 minutes, then remove and flip them.
- First Baste: Baste with the reserved sauce, then cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F.
- Final Cook: Flip again, baste with sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Final Baste and Serve: Once done, give a final brush with the reserved sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan before serving.
Oven Method
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Bake the Skewers: Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with butter a few times.
- Broil for Crispy Edges: Switch to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes for a golden finish.
- Final Baste and Serve: Remove from the oven, give a final baste with the sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Grill Method
- Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high.
- Cook and Baste: Place skewers over direct heat, cooking for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting throughout.
- Final Baste and Serve: Remove from the grill, baste one last time, and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
The Flavor Experience
Each bite of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is a satisfying blend of textures and flavors. The outside crisps up beautifully, giving a slight crunch from the Parmesan. Inside, the chicken is tender and juicy, infused with hints of garlic, a bit of heat, and the earthy richness of butter. The red pepper flakes and hot sauce provide a subtle heat that balances the creaminess, while fresh parsley cuts through with a vibrant finish.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
- Chicken: For a different protein, try this recipe with shrimp or even cubed tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Butter Substitute: Substitute with ghee for a nutty flavor or olive oil for a lighter option.
- Parmesan: Romano cheese can be used instead, though it has a stronger taste.
- Hot Sauce: Replace with chili flakes or a mild sriracha if you prefer a different type of heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve the skewers over a bed of jasmine rice with roasted vegetables. The garlic butter sauce pairs wonderfully with the mild, fragrant rice.
- As a Wrap: Remove the chicken from the skewers and place in a tortilla with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream.
- With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, pair with a green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
Tips for Success
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Prevents burning in high-heat cooking.
- Do Not Overcrowd: Cooking in small batches ensures even cooking.
- Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers offer a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to make yet feels gourmet. Whether cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, the combination of buttery garlic, Parmesan, and lightly spiced chicken makes these skewers a favorite.