Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

I cannot get enough of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe — it’s honestly one of those dishes that makes any weeknight feel like a special occasion. The combination of tender, juicy chicken coated with a garlicky, buttery parmesan sauce is just heavenly. Whenever I make this, everyone at the table ends up asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds!).

This recipe works perfectly for casual dinners, backyard barbecues, or even when you want to impress your friends without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, using an air fryer means it’s fast and easy, and less messy than pan-frying. Trust me, once you try these skewers, you’ll want to keep this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create big flavor. Each component plays a part in making your chicken irresistibly juicy, well-seasoned, and bursting with that savory garlic-parmesan punch. When shopping, look for fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan—it really makes a difference!

• Chicken tenders, thighs or breast: I love thighs for juiciness but chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness while cooking.
• Butter: For the luscious garlic parmesan sauce, use unsalted so you can control the saltiness.
• Garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is key here — no shortcuts with powder for this part!
• Parmesan, grated: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives that tangy nutty flavor you want.
• Hot sauce: Adds just a hint of heat, balanced perfectly with the creamy butter.
• Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick and a nice contrast to the buttery sauce.
• Fresh parsley, minced: Brightens up the dish with fresh herb flavor and color.
• Paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a lovely color to the chicken.
• Garlic powder: For an extra layer of garlic flavor even before dipping into the sauce.
• Onion powder: Deepens the savory notes without overpowering.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. You can tweak the heat level, swap proteins, or even change up the herbs to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Extra spicy: I sometimes add more hot sauce and double the red pepper flakes for a fiery twist that my spice-loving friends adore.
• Herb swap: Instead of parsley, basil or thyme work beautifully — I’ve used fresh rosemary on occasion with great results.
• Chicken alternatives: Turkey tenderloins also soak up the flavors wonderfully if you want a slight change.
• Dairy-free version: Substitute the butter with vegan butter and parmesan with nutritional yeast to keep the flavor profile for dairy-free diets.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

First things first—soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking. Then, gather your chicken and seasonings. Cut the chicken into evenly sized 3-inch pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate. Toss them in olive oil and the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper mixture until every piece is nicely coated. When threading onto the skewers, pack the pieces snugly—this keeps the chicken juicy and helps it cook evenly.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Next, melt the butter with the minced garlic, either in the microwave or on the stovetop. Once nice and fragrant, whisk in the parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley. You’ll want to keep an eye on the sauce—if it starts to separate, just stir in a bit more softened butter until it’s creamy again. This sauce is the magical coating that sets this recipe apart, so don’t skip or substitute it lightly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers

I usually cook 2-3 skewers at a time in my air fryer at 400°F. Start by cooking them for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with some of the garlic parmesan sauce you set aside earlier. Cook for another 2 minutes, flip and baste again, then finish cooking for about 5-6 more minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remember, cooking times can vary a bit depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them. When done, give the skewers a final baste with the reserved sauce for that extra punch and sprinkle on some more parmesan before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these skewers with extra grated parmesan and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce—it’s a personal fave that elevates the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often go with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to keep things light and balanced. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers also pair incredibly well with buttery mashed potatoes or garlic bread for those comforting meal vibes. During summer, a cold couscous salad with fresh herbs complements all the flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

A fun way I like to serve these skewers at parties is on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of extra sauce, lemon wedges, and a sprinkle of parmesan. They also look gorgeous served over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a creamy dip like ranch or tzatziki for easy entertaining. It’s amazing how a little presentation effort really impresses your guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually line the bottom of the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture which helps the chicken stay tender and prevents sogginess. Just make sure to keep the sauce separate if you want to reapply it fresh when reheating.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, these Chicken Skewers freeze well, too. I like to freeze them on a tray first, so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a great option for meal prep or quick dinners!

Reheating

Reheat the skewers gently in an air fryer or oven to keep that crispy exterior without drying out the chicken. I usually heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, brushing on a little fresh sauce during reheating to keep things moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to make the chicken rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes I keep returning to because it’s reliably delicious and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or prepping for a gathering, these skewers deliver big flavor with minimal fuss. I hope you love making and sharing this recipe as much as I do—because good food shared with good company really is the best kind of magic.

Print