Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Imagine this: you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal but want something quick, easy, and packed with flavor. That’s exactly how I discovered these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a juicy, buttery, and cheesy delight.

Perfect for beginners, this dish requires minimal prep, uses basic kitchen tools, and can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these skewers are a foolproof way to impress.

Ingredients and Their Role

Before we dive into the cooking steps, let’s break down the ingredients and their purpose:

• Chicken (breasts, thighs, or tenders) – The base of the dish, providing a juicy and tender texture. Thighs offer more richness, while breasts keep it lean.
• Olive oil – Helps coat the chicken evenly with spices for a well-seasoned result.
• Garlic – The star ingredient, adding deep, savory flavor. Fresh minced garlic works best.
• Butter – Creates a rich, silky sauce that bastes the chicken throughout cooking.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, umami depth and enhances the crispiness of the coating.
• Paprika – Contributes a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
• Onion powder & garlic powder – Boosts the savory profile without overpowering the fresh garlic.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential seasonings to balance flavors.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle kick; adjust based on spice preference.
• Hot sauce (optional) – A small splash deepens the flavor without making the dish too spicy.
• Fresh parsley – A bright, fresh contrast to the rich butter sauce.
• Wooden or metal skewers – Essential for threading the chicken pieces together.

Ingredient Substitutions

• No fresh garlic? Use garlic paste or granulated garlic.
• Need a dairy-free version? Swap butter for olive oil and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
• Prefer a lower-carb alternative? Serve the skewers over zucchini noodles instead of rice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Skewers

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning. Meanwhile, cut the chicken into 3-inch chunks.

In a bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken with olive oil and the spice blend until well coated.

Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly together for maximum juiciness.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, parmesan, hot sauce (if using), and fresh parsley. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Separate the sauce into two portions—one for basting the raw chicken and one for final drizzling to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers

Air Fryer Method:
Preheat to 400°F. Arrange skewers in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with the garlic parmesan sauce. Cook for another 7-9 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Method:
Preheat to 450°F. Place skewers on a lined baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting occasionally. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for extra golden color.

Grill Method:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly over the heat and grill for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with the sauce frequently.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, brush the skewers with the reserved clean garlic butter sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and serve over rice, pasta, or salad.

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How do I know the chicken is cooked? Use a meat thermometer—it should read 165°F at the thickest part.
• What if my chicken dries out? Packing the chicken tightly on the skewer helps retain moisture. Also, avoid overcooking.
• Can I make these ahead? Yes! Marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the fridge before cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if necessary to ensure even crisping.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these skewers with:

• Rice or Quinoa – Toss cooked grains with leftover garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables – Bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent sides.
• Crispy Garlic Bread – For an indulgent touch, serve with toasted bread to soak up the extra sauce.
• Dipping Sauce – A side of garlic aioli or ranch dressing adds even more flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in an oven or air fryer.

Try This Recipe and Share Your Experience

I love hearing from you! If you try this Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe, let me know in the comments. What did you pair it with? Did you tweak the ingredients?

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FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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