Growing up in a food-loving household, my weekends were often filled with sizzling skewers and the bold aroma of garlic dancing through the kitchen. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers were a frequent request, especially when we needed a dish that was comforting, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress guests or satisfy family cravings.
What makes these skewers stand out is their adaptability—they’re just as at home on a summer grill as they are in a winter air fryer session. Packed with juicy chicken, rich garlic butter, a hint of spice, and finished with melty parmesan, this American-inspired dish is comfort food on a stick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Buttery garlic meets spicy flakes and savory parmesan.
- Quick and simple: Ready in under 30 minutes with easy prep.
- Perfect for any occasion: Ideal for summer BBQs or cozy winter dinners.
- Air fryer-friendly: Minimal mess, max flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust spice and sauce levels to your liking.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
Chicken & Seasoning:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts (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
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, minced
Preparation Step
Step 1: Prep the Skewers and Chicken
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, coat chicken pieces with olive oil and seasoning mixture.
- Thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers tightly, minimizing gaps for juicy results.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter partially (don’t overheat).
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan.
- Whisk until fully emulsified. If it separates, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to bring it back together.
- Important: Separate ⅓ of the sauce for basting mid-cooking. Keep the rest clean for post-cooking drizzle.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add 2–3 skewers at a time to the basket.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Flip again, baste once more, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Optional Cooking Methods:
- Grill: Medium heat, 10–12 minutes, turning and basting frequently.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F on a lined tray for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway and basting once.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- After cooking, give the skewers a generous coating of the clean reserved sauce.
- Sprinkle additional parmesan and a pinch of parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Perfect Pairings
- Garlic Herb Rice
- Grilled or Roasted Vegetables
- Creamy Coleslaw
- Cornbread or Corn on the Cob
- Lemon Potato Salad
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier skewers.
- Make it spicier with extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Dairy-free? Use a plant-based butter and skip the parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.
- Add veggies: Alternate chicken with chunks of bell pepper or zucchini on the skewers.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 375°F.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are more than just another chicken dish—they’re a flavor-packed, satisfying solution for any season. The savory richness of garlic butter and parmesan, paired with a spicy kick, creates a combination that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s grilling season or you’re craving a cozy meal indoors, this recipe delivers every single time.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made in the air fryer or grill – perfect all year round!
Servings 3
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasoning:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders thighs, or breasts (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
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 minced
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Skewers and Chicken
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl or zip-top bag, coat chicken pieces with olive oil and seasoning mixture.
- Thread the chicken onto the soaked skewers tightly, minimizing gaps for juicy results.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter partially (don’t overheat).
- Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan.
- Whisk until fully emulsified. If it separates, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to bring it back together.
- Important: Separate ⅓ of the sauce for basting mid-cooking. Keep the rest clean for post-cooking drizzle.
Step 3: Cook the Skewers in the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Add 2–3 skewers at a time to the basket.
- Cook for 5 minutes, flip, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Flip again, baste once more, and cook for an additional 5–6 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Optional Cooking Methods:
- Grill: Medium heat, 10–12 minutes, turning and basting frequently.
- Oven: Bake at 425°F on a lined tray for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway and basting once.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- After cooking, give the skewers a generous coating of the clean reserved sauce.
- Sprinkle additional parmesan and a pinch of parsley for a fresh finish.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
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