If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to impress, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These juicy, tender chicken skewers are coated in a homemade garlic parmesan butter sauce and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or pairing them with rice and veggies for a complete meal, these skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, with options to cook them in the oven or on the grill, you’ll have the flexibility to make them no matter your kitchen setup. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 35 minutes, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
- Packed with Flavor: The garlic parmesan butter sauce is rich, savory, and has just the right amount of spice.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Air fryer, oven, or grill – choose the method that works best for you!
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or pair it with your favorite side dishes for a personalized touch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- 1 stick butter
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
Chicken Seasonings:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep and Skewer the Chicken
Before you begin, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- In a small bowl, mix together the chicken seasoning ingredients (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper).
- Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and the seasoning mix, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
- Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the skewers. If necessary, trim the skewers to fit your air fryer basket.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter partially and stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated parmesan. Whisk until smooth.
- Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce for basting during cooking. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting after the chicken is cooked to avoid cross-contamination.
Pro Tip: If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and whisk again to re-emulsify.
3. Cook the Chicken Skewers
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place 2-3 skewers in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with the garlic parmesan butter sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Flip again, baste with more sauce, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time should be around 12-14 minutes.
- Once done, brush with the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan before serving.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place the skewers on it. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with sauce several times during cooking.
- Switch to broil mode for an additional 2 minutes to achieve a golden-brown finish. Remove from the oven, baste one last time with clean sauce, and sprinkle with parmesan.
Grill Method:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers directly over the heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with sauce throughout.
- Once cooked through (internal temp of 165°F), remove from the grill and finish with a final brush of clean sauce and a sprinkle of parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile! Here are some ideas for serving them:
- As an Appetizer: Serve them with a side of garlic aioli or ranch dressing for dipping.
- Over Rice: Pair with fluffy white rice or lemon herb rice for a hearty meal.
- With Veggies: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or bell peppers for a balanced plate.
- In Wraps: Slide the chicken off the skewers and use it as a filling for wraps or pita bread with fresh greens and tzatziki sauce.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Skip Soaking Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them prevents burning during cooking.
- Cut Evenly: Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly so they cook evenly.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safety and juiciness!
FAQs
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to skewer and cook.
Q: What can I use instead of hot sauce?
A: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the hot sauce or replace it with a splash of apple juice or balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Absolutely! Allow the cooked skewers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in an air fryer or oven until warmed through.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: No problem! The oven and grill methods outlined above work just as well.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delightful combination of bold flavors and tender textures that will make any meal special. Whether you’re cooking them in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill, these skewers are sure to become a family favorite. The rich garlic parmesan butter sauce elevates this dish to restaurant-quality status while being simple enough for home cooks to master.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy these irresistible skewers today!
PrintGarlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Juicy and flavorful chicken skewers basted with a homemade garlic parmesan butter sauce. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer, oven, or grill. Serve as an appetizer or over rice and veggies for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken:
2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
1 stick butter
8–10 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
Chicken Seasonings:
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
Instructions
Prep and Skewer Chicken:
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Combine the chicken seasoning mixture in a small bowl and set aside.
- Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Toss with olive oil and the seasoning mixture, coating all sides.
- Thread the chicken tightly onto skewers with no spaces in between. If needed, snip the top few inches of the skewers to fit in the air fryer.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and minced garlic. Heat until partially melted.
- Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan. Whisk until combined.
- If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tbsp of softened butter and stir to re-emulsify.
- Scoop out ⅓ of the sauce for basting the par-cooked chicken and reserve the rest for final basting. (Ensure no cross-contamination by using clean utensils and washing the basting brush.)
Cook the Chicken in an Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F.
- Flip again, baste with more sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is approximately 12-14 minutes (varies by air fryer).
- Once cooked, baste with the reserved clean sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and serve.
Oven Preparation (Optional):
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
- Place chicken skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the butter sauce.
- Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to brown the tops.
- Remove from the oven, baste one last time with the butter sauce, and sprinkle with leftover parmesan.
Grill Preparation (Optional):
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the skewers over direct heat and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with butter throughout the cooking process.
- Remove from the grill, baste one last time with the butter sauce, and sprinkle with leftover parmesan.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the chicken pieces are tightly packed on the skewers to seal in moisture.
- Adjust the level of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Leftover garlic parmesan butter can be served as a sauce or spread over rice and veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
