Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have transformed our family cookouts from ordinary to extraordinary. The perfect balance of savory garlic and nutty parmesan creates a flavor explosion that keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you use your air fryer, oven, or grill, these skewers deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

I first made these skewers when hosting an impromptu backyard gathering and needed something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The empty platter and requests for the recipe told me everything I needed to know about their success.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken tenders, thighs or breast Thighs offer more flavor and moisture, but breasts work beautifully too
• 2 tablespoons olive oil Use a good quality oil as it forms the base of your marinade
• 1 stick butter The richness creates that irresistible sauce
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for authentic flavor
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated Opt for freshly grated for best melting properties
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce Adds depth without overwhelming heat
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes Adjust according to your heat preference
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced Brightens the rich flavors
• 2 teaspoons paprika Adds beautiful color and subtle smokiness
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder Reinforces the fresh garlic flavor
• 1 teaspoon onion powder Provides depth without actual onions
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all other flavors
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper Fresh cracked provides the best flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Skewers and Chicken

Soak wooden skewers in water for a full 30 minutes to prevent burning. While they soak, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces for even cooking, then toss thoroughly with olive oil and the seasoning mixture until every piece is well coated.

Create the Signature Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely before adding minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and minced parsley, then remove from heat before folding in the parmesan cheese. Immediately divide the sauce into two portions one for basting during cooking and one for the final touch.

Assemble the Skewers

Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, packing them tightly together with no gaps between pieces. This ensures juicy results by minimizing exposed surface area. If using an air fryer, trim skewer ends if necessary to fit your basket properly.

Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Arrange skewers in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for exactly 5 minutes, then flip each skewer, brush generously with the basting sauce, and cook for 2 more minutes. Flip once more, apply another coat of sauce, and cook for 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Finish with Flair

Remove skewers and immediately brush with the reserved clean sauce for maximum flavor. Sprinkle with additional grated parmesan and fresh parsley for a professional presentation that tastes as good as it looks.

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The garlic butter sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. I discovered that allowing it to cool slightly before adding the parmesan prevents the cheese from clumping and creates that smooth, velvety texture that coats the chicken perfectly. My teenage son who typically avoids anything with visible herbs now requests these weekly.

Oven and Grill Adaptations

For oven cooking, preheat to 450°F and place skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, turning and basting halfway through until chicken reaches 165°F internally. The high temperature creates a similar effect to the air fryer, giving you golden brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior.

For grilling, preheat to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Place skewers directly on clean, oiled grates for 4-5 minutes per side, basting after each turn. Keep the lid closed between turns to maintain consistent heat. Grill marks add extra flavor complexity that complements the garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.

Make-Ahead Options

These skewers offer excellent flexibility for entertaining. You can marinade the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, keeping it covered in the refrigerator. The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to two days ahead and gently reheated just before using. For maximum convenience, you can even thread the skewers earlier in the day and keep them refrigerated until cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these skewers into a complete meal by serving alongside a bright lemon herb couscous or simple green salad. For a low carb option, consider cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables tossed in some of the same seasonings for flavor continuity. These skewers also make wonderful appetizers when prepared with smaller pieces of chicken on cocktail picks.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare these chicken skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the garlic parmesan sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Keep both refrigerated separately in airtight containers. Thread the chicken onto skewers just before cooking for best results.

→ How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken skewers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest piece - the meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

→ What's the best way to prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This creates a protective barrier that slows burning, especially important when grilling or using high oven temperatures.

→ Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

Absolutely! Metal skewers work excellently and eliminate the need for pre-soaking. Just be careful when handling them after cooking as they will be very hot. Allow them to cool slightly before serving.

→ What side dishes pair well with these chicken skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with Mediterranean-inspired sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple lemon-herb quinoa or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce also works beautifully.

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken for this dish?

Yes, this recipe works with chicken breast, thighs, or tenders. Thighs tend to stay juicier, while breast meat cooks faster. Just ensure all pieces are cut to roughly the same size (about 3 inches) for even cooking.