Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious skewers:

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Seasonings:

• 2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick butter
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Skewers

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces.
• Toss chicken in olive oil and the seasoning mix (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper).
• Thread chicken pieces tightly onto skewers so they stay juicy while cooking.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

• Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
• Stir in minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
• Whisk until smooth. If the sauce looks separated, stir in 1–2 tbsp of softened butter to bring it back together.

3. Cook the Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Method (Quick & Easy)

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Place 2–3 skewers in the basket.
• Cook for 5 minutes, flip, baste with sauce, and cook 2 more minutes.
• Flip again, baste, and cook another 5–6 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
• Brush with extra sauce before serving.

Oven Method

• Preheat oven to 450°F.
• Arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet.
• Bake for 14 minutes, flipping once and basting with sauce halfway through.
• Broil for 2 minutes at the end for golden tops.
• Brush with extra sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.

Grill Method

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side, basting with sauce as they cook.
• Brush with more sauce before serving for the ultimate flavor boost.

Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Don’t skip soaking skewers – This prevents wooden skewers from burning.
• Use a meat thermometer – Chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C).
• Trim skewers if needed – Cut them down to fit your air fryer basket.
• Marinate ahead of time – Let the chicken sit in the seasoning and olive oil for up to 16 hours in the fridge for even more flavor.
• Baste often – The secret to juicy, flavorful skewers is brushing on sauce as they cook.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These skewers are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As an appetizer – Serve with extra garlic butter sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
• With sides – Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a hearty dinner.
• With bread – Garlic bread or naan make the perfect pairing to soak up the sauce.
• Over salad – Slice the chicken off the skewers and toss over a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Freeze uncooked skewers (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in the oven at 375°F until warmed through.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 258 kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.6g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 61mg | Sodium: 339mg | Fiber: 0.5g | Sugar: 0g | Vitamin A: 514 IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 0.35mg