Introduction

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Infused with a savory garlic butter sauce, these skewers come out tender and packed with bold flavors every time.

Four grilled chicken skewers are laid side by side on a white plate over a white marbled surface. Each skewer shows golden-brown chicken pieces with slightly charred edges, covered in a thick, creamy yellow sauce mixed with finely chopped green herbs and bits of garlic. The skewers are topped with a light sprinkling of grated white cheese, adding a slightly crumbly texture. The sauce looks glossy and rich, melting slightly over the chicken, creating a delicious, textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 2: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to make your seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag, add olive oil and the seasoning mixture, then toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 4: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers without leaving gaps, ensuring juiciness. If needed, trim the skewers to fit your air fryer.
Step 5: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan until combined. If the sauce separates, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify.
Step 6: Reserve about one-third of the sauce for basting par-cooked chicken. Use this portion to baste the chicken after the initial cook, keeping the remaining sauce clean for after cooking.
Step 7: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Flip the skewers, baste with reserved sauce, then cook for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F.
Step 9: Flip the skewers again, baste with sauce once more, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time should be around 12-14 minutes but may vary depending on your air fryer.
Step 10: Once cooked, apply the reserved clean garlic parmesan sauce for a final glaze. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and hot sauce.
Swap chicken breast for thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, tangy finish.
If you don’t have an air fryer, these skewers can be grilled or baked at 400°F for similar results.
Use metal skewers if you’d prefer to skip soaking time.

Storage

Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the exterior crisp and flavorful. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.

How to Serve

A close-up of two grilled chicken skewers held by a woman's hand, each skewer showing a thick layer of cooked, browned chicken with a crispy, slightly charred texture. The chicken is covered with a chunky topping that looks like chopped garlic, herbs, and possibly some Parmesan cheese, giving it a textured, speckled look with green, white, and red bits scattered across the surface. The skewers rest on a white plate, and the background is a clean white marble surface with some small oil droplets around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven temperature and texture.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be opaque and juices should run clear.