If you’re after a showstopper that will have everyone asking for the recipe, look no further than Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Juicy chicken coated in a rich garlicky butter sauce, finished with a shower of golden parmesan and vibrant fresh herbs, these skewers pack irresistible flavor into every bite. Whether you’re entertaining friends, getting the kids excited for dinner, or meal-prepping for the week, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers deliver smoky, tangy, cheesy goodness that’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for a weekend treat!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients! Every component here brings something essential: bold flavor, tenderness, a pop of color, or a subtle hint of heat. Take a peek at what you’ll need to transform basic chicken into unforgettable Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Chicken (2 lbs tenders, thighs, or breast): Choose your favorite cut—tenders are juicy and effortless, while thighs bring deeper flavor and breast keeps things light.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and adds richness.
Butter (1 stick): The base of the luscious garlic parmesan sauce and a secret to moist, flavorful chicken.
Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced): Use fresh for maximum punch; it’s the backbone of that dreamy savory flavor.
Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): Go for freshly grated if you can—it melts better and has unbeatable taste.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp, or more): Adds a zippy kick; use your favorite brand and adjust to taste.
Red pepper flakes (2 teaspoons): Bring just the right tingle of heat without overpowering the sauce.
Fresh parsley (1/3 cup, minced): Adds color and a fresh herbal balance to the richness of butter and cheese.
Paprika (2 teaspoons): Rounds out the spice blend with warmth and a little color.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the garlic notes while coating every bite evenly.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): For just a hint of sweet, savory depth in the marinade.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens the other flavors—taste as you go to avoid over-salting with the parmesan.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds an essential finishing note of heat and bite.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Skewers

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps them from charring or burning while cooking (trust me, you don’t want to skip it!). Cut your chicken into bite-sized 3-inch pieces. The uniform size allows for even cooking, making sure every skewer turns out moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Season and Skewer

Mix your seasoning blend in a small bowl—olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Place the chopped chicken in a large bowl or a zip-top bag, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle in the spice blend. Toss thoroughly, making sure every piece is well-coated. Thread the chicken onto each skewer, packing them close together to lock in juiciness. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, trim the skewers for a perfect fit.

Step 3: Mix the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic, microwaving until the butter is just partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped parsley, and all that lovely grated parmesan. Whisk it all together—a quick trick: if the sauce starts to separate, add a tablespoon or two of softened butter and whisk until it comes back together. This sauce is pure gold; resist the urge to eat it with a spoon!

Step 4: Baste and Cook the Skewers

Scoop out about a third of the garlic parmesan sauce and set it aside for initial basting (keep the remaining sauce set aside for later to avoid any risk of raw chicken contamination). Air fry two to three skewers at a time at 400 degrees for five minutes, flip, baste with sauce, and air fry for another two minutes. Flip again, baste, and finish cooking for another five to six minutes—just until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. This should take about 12 to 14 minutes per batch, depending on your air fryer.

Step 5: Final Baste and Serve

When the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are just the right level of golden and juicy, brush them with the reserved clean sauce. Give them a generous sprinkle of extra parmesan and perhaps a little more parsley. Serve immediately while everything is fresh and warm, and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

For an extra hit of flavor and flair, pile on a handful of freshly chopped parsley and a generous dusting of grated parmesan right before serving. A final twist of cracked black pepper brings some drama, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes makes them pop with color and heat. These finishing touches take your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers over the top!

Side Dishes

Pairing side dishes with your skewers is all about balance. A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette, garlicky roasted potatoes, or even fluffy rice pilaf are perfect to soak up those flavors. If you’re in a party mood, try setting out a platter of grilled veggies or warm crusty bread to scoop up any leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Dress up your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for any occasion—line them up over a bed of bright-herbed couscous, nestle them into flatbreads for a modern twist, or stack them artfully with lemon wedges and rosemary sprigs for a rustic, eye-catching centerpiece. They’re also fantastic served bite-sized for appetizers at gatherings or game day spreads.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the skewers cool completely before storing. Remove the chicken from the skewers and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay deliciously moist for up to three days—perfect tossed into salads or sandwiches for a quick meal.

Freezing

Yes, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers freeze beautifully! Allow the cooked chicken to cool, remove from skewers, and freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to two months—just remember to label them so you don’t lose out on this flavor-packed treat!

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken gently in the oven or air fryer at 350 degrees until heated through. A quick splash of chicken broth or extra garlic parmesan sauce will keep them juicy. Avoid the microwave if possible as it can make the chicken a bit chewy, but if you’re in a hurry, cover with a damp paper towel and use short bursts.

FAQs

Can I grill Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers instead of air frying?

Absolutely! This recipe adapts wonderfully to the grill. Charcoal or gas grills add extra smokiness—just turn skewers frequently and baste with sauce until cooked through and perfectly golden.

What’s the best way to make this recipe ahead for a party?

Marinate and skewer the chicken a day ahead, then refrigerate. Prepare the garlic parmesan sauce separately, and cook just before serving so everything stays juicy and vibrant. Easy and stress-free for entertaining!

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

You can, but fresh-grated parmesan melts better and gives a much richer flavor. If you’re using pre-grated, opt for a high-quality brand without any additives for best results in these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Is the sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle heat from the red pepper flakes and hot sauce, but nothing overpowering. Feel free to dial up the spice if you love a fiery kick, or dial it down for a milder version everyone can enjoy.

Can I use other herbs besides parsley?

Yes! Fresh basil or chives work beautifully in place of parsley. Feel free to get creative and use what’s in your fridge to make these skewers your own.

Final Thoughts

Give Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a whirl, and you might just find a new household favorite! They’re a breeze to make, packed with flavor, and totally customizable for every taste. Gather your ingredients and get ready for happy faces around your table—these skewers are made for sharing and savoring together.