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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Avatar photoByLauren
Jump to Recipe·5 from 105 reviews

If you’re craving something juicy, flavorful, and downright irresistible, you’re going to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. I absolutely love how the garlicky, buttery parmesan sauce just clings to every tender bite of chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next BBQ, these skewers bring big flavor with simple ingredients—and they’re surprisingly easy to make too. Stick around, and I’ll share everything you need to know to nail this recipe every single time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge.
  • Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken: The secret trick of tightly packing the skewers keeps every bite tender and juicy.
  • Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you want to use an air fryer, oven, or grill, this recipe works perfectly.
  • A Sauce to Swoon Over: The garlic parmesan butter sauce is the real star and makes clean-up worth it!
A close-up view of two golden brown grilled skewers with a crispy texture, laid on a white plate; the skewer in front is being brushed with a sauce made of finely chopped green herbs, bits of garlic, and small red chili flakes that glisten with oil, creating a shiny coating on the meat surface. The wooden skewer pierces through the pieces of meat, which show slight char marks and a moist, textured finish. In the background, the second skewer has a similar appearance but is untouched by the brush. The setting has a white marbled surface that enhances the warm colors of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe work harmoniously for rich, savory flavor with just the right amount of heat. When I shop for this dish, I always pick fresh garlic and parmesan, because they truly elevate the sauce beyond a simple butter glaze.

  • Chicken (tenders, thighs, or breast): I love using tenders for quick cooking, but thighs add extra juiciness.
  • Olive oil: Helps season the chicken and keeps it moist before cooking.
  • Butter: The base for the luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
  • Garlic cloves: Use fresh minced garlic for that punch of flavor—you’ll notice the difference!
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best; adds nutty, salty depth.
  • Hot sauce: I recommend starting with 1 tablespoon, but feel free to adjust for your heat preference.
  • Red pepper flakes: These pack subtle heat and a lovely color to your sauce.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
  • Paprika: Gives a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
  • Garlic powder & onion powder: These deepen the seasoning in the chicken.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I find this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a fantastic base, and I’ve had a lot of fun tweaking it to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment to keep things fresh and exciting in your kitchen!

  • Spicy Kick: I once added a bit more hot sauce and crushed red pepper for a fiery version that my spouse absolutely adored.
  • Herb Swap: Tried swapping parsley for fresh basil or thyme to give it an herbaceous twist—equally delicious!
  • Keto-Friendly: This recipe is already low-carb, just skip any sugary sides and you’re good to go.
  • Grill Style: Perfect for summer gatherings; grilling adds a wonderful smoky char that pairs beautifully with the garlic parmesan sauce.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Before anything, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning—trust me, I learned that the hard way. While they soak, mix your chicken seasoning: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cut your chicken into 3-inch pieces and toss them in a bowl or zip-top bag with olive oil and the seasoning mix until everything is nicely coated. Then, pack the chicken tightly onto each skewer so there aren’t any gaps—that’s the trick to juicy chicken that doesn’t dry out as it cooks. If your skewers are too long for your air fryer or oven, snip a couple of inches off the ends to fit comfortably.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter together with minced garlic, heating until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt—about 30-40 seconds usually does it. Then whisk in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, freshly chopped parsley, and grated parmesan. If your sauce looks separated or oily, add a tablespoon or two of softened butter and whisk until smooth and shiny. Scoop out about a third of this sauce for basting the chicken early in the cooking process, and save the rest for basting the cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination. And yes, washing your basting brush between uses is key for food safety!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers

For the best results, cook 2-3 skewers at a time in your air fryer at 400°F. Start by cooking them for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with your reserved garlic parmesan butter sauce. Pop them back in for another 2 minutes. Flip one more time, baste again, and cook for a final 5-6 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a digital meat thermometer because it takes the guesswork out and guarantees juicy, safe chicken every time. If you don’t have an air fryer, don’t worry—I’ve got oven and grill instructions below to make this easy for you.

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Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

  • Soak Skewers First: Wooden skewers soak to prevent scorching and add safety—don’t skip this step.
  • Tightly Pack Chicken: This helps the chicken stay moist and cooks evenly without drying out.
  • Use Fresh Garlic and Parmesan: I’ve found these fresh ingredients really make the sauce sing with flavor.
  • Baste Carefully: Use separate portions of sauce for raw and cooked chicken to keep it safe and delicious.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

The image shows several skewers with pieces of grilled meat that have a crispy brown color. The meat is covered with a creamy, pale yellow sauce mixed with small green herb bits, likely parsley or cilantro. The sauce is unevenly spread on the meat and has a slightly grainy texture, possibly from cheese or breadcrumbs sprinkled on top. The skewers rest on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Some bits of the sauce and herbs spill around the meat, creating a fresh and rich visual effect. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle extra freshly grated parmesan and a little more chopped parsley on top right before serving—it adds a fresh, herbaceous pop and looks beautiful on the plate. Sometimes I even add a lemon wedge on the side for a quick squeeze of brightness. It’s amazing how something so simple can really brighten the flavors!

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these skewers are garlic butter roasted potatoes and a crisp green salad. The potatoes soak up any extra garlic parmesan sauce, and a fresh salad keeps everything light and balanced. If you’re grilling, grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement these skewers perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served these skewers on a wooden platter lined with fresh greens and sprinkled with edible flowers—it really impresses guests! Another fun idea is to thread slices of cherry tomatoes or bell peppers in between chicken pieces for pops of color and extra flavor. You could even pair the skewers with a creamy dip for entertaining kids or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep everything neat, I drizzle a little leftover garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken to keep it moist when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze for later, I recommend freezing the raw marinated chicken pieces (before skewering or cooking). Pop them in a freezer-safe bag and label it. When you’re ready, thaw overnight and assemble the skewers fresh for best texture and flavor. Cooked skewers don’t freeze quite as well due to the buttery sauce texture but can be frozen if wrapped tightly.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or air fryer to keep the chicken juicy and avoid rubberiness. Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warmed through. A quick fresh brush of garlic parmesan sauce after reheating brings back that amazing flavor and shine.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

    Yes, but you’ll want to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and skewering. This ensures even cooking and helps the seasonings soak in better. Cooking frozen chicken on skewers might cook unevenly and produce less juicy results.

  2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

    No worries! You can bake these skewers in the oven at 450°F for about 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through, then broil for a couple minutes at the end to get that golden finish. Grilling is also fantastic, especially for an outdoor cookout vibe.

  3. How spicy is the hot sauce and red pepper flakes combination?

    The spice level is mild to moderate, depending on your hot sauce. If you prefer less heat, start with less hot sauce and fewer red pepper flakes, then adjust next time. I love a little kick, but the garlic and parmesan buttery richness balance the heat nicely.

  4. Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones?

    Absolutely! Metal skewers don’t need soaking and can handle higher heat. Just be mindful they get hot during cooking, so use tongs or heat-resistant gloves when handling.

  5. How do I know when the Chicken Skewers are done?

    I rely on a digital meat thermometer—when the thickest piece of chicken reads 165°F internally, it’s safe and juicy. The skewers will also have a nice golden color and feel firm but still tender when pressed.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a favorite in my house for good reason. It’s comfort food elevated by fresh garlic, herbs, and a cheesy, buttery sauce that’s seriously addictive. I love how versatile it is—you can air fry, grill, or bake it any time of year. If you want a fail-proof recipe that impresses without fuss, give this one a try. I’m confident you’ll end up craving these skewers again and again, just like my family does!

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Lauren
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 skewers
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat
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Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful chicken pieces coated in a savory blend of spices and basted in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. These skewers are easy to prepare and cook quickly in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill, making them a perfect handheld meal or appetizer packed with bold, cheesy garlic flavor.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast, cut into 3-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • 1 stick butter (8 tbsp)
  • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce, more if desired
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

  1. Prep and Skewer Chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Combine the chicken seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) in a small bowl. Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and seasoning mixture in a large bowl or ziptop bag until evenly coated. Thread the chicken tightly onto the skewers, eliminating space to keep them juicy. Trim the skewers if needed to fit the air fryer.
  2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and minced garlic until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and grated parmesan cheese. Whisk thoroughly to combine. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tbsp softened butter and stir to re-emulsify. Set aside 1/3 of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken and reserve the remainder for the fully cooked skewers to avoid cross-contamination. Clean your basting brush between uses.
  3. Cook The Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Remove skewers, flip them over, and baste with the reserved sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes. Flip the skewers again, baste with more sauce, and cook an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is about 12-14 minutes but may vary based on your appliance.
  4. Final Baste and Serve: When cooked through, give the skewers a final coating of the clean reserved garlic parmesan butter sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top before serving for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F. Place chicken skewers on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the butter sauce a few times. Switch oven to broil and cook an additional 2 minutes to get a golden brown crust. Remove and baste one last time with sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan.
  • Grill Preparation: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently with the garlic parmesan butter sauce. Remove from grill, baste with sauce again, and sprinkle with leftover parmesan.
  • Always soak wooden skewers before cooking to prevent burning.
  • Adjust hot sauce amount in the butter sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken has reached 165°F for safe consumption.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 0.5 g
  • Sodium: 400 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
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Hey there! I’m Lauren Braiden—your foodie friend who believes every meal should be tasty and low-stress. Expect easy peasy recipes, plenty of kitchen laughs, and zero judgment if you sneak a bite before the timer dings. Let’s cook, chat, and eat the good stuff together! 🎉🍴

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