Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Fun Grilling

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers revolutionize ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences.

These tantalizing morsels blend rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate with remarkable intensity.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a mouth-watering blend of comfort and sophistication in every single bite.

Tender chicken pieces absorb complex seasonings, promising a delightful fusion of herbs and cheese that elevates home cooking.

Marinating techniques infuse each skewer with deep, robust tastes that guarantee memorable meals for family and friends.

Weekend gatherings or weeknight dinners become special occasions when these delectable skewers emerge from the kitchen.

Crisp exterior and juicy interior make these chicken skewers an irresistible option for anyone craving bold, satisfying flavors.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Are Great for Grilling

  • Burst with Flavor: Packed with zesty garlic, paprika, and parmesan, these skewers deliver an explosion of mouthwatering tastes that dance on your palate.
  • Effortless Gourmet Cooking: The air fryer method makes restaurant-quality chicken super easy, cutting down cooking time while ensuring crispy, juicy results without complex techniques.
  • Quick Family-Friendly Meal: Ready in under 30 minutes, these skewers are perfect for busy weeknights, appealing to both kids and adults with their crowd-pleasing cheesy, savory profile.
  • Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy as a protein-packed main dish, appetizer, or party snack that can be customized with extra spice or cheese to suit different preferences.

Ingredients for Tender Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Tenders, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breast: Tender and juicy meat that absorbs flavors well, with options for different cuts based on preference.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a light, smooth flavor to the chicken during cooking.
Butter Sauce Components:
  • Butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the sauce that coats the chicken with intense flavor.
  • Garlic: Provides a sharp, aromatic punch that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce with its natural texture.
  • Hot Sauce: Brings a tangy heat that can be adjusted to personal spice preference.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a consistent, mild spiciness throughout the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herb note that cuts through the richness of the butter.
Chicken Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika: Provides a warm, slightly sweet color and mild pepper flavor.
  • Garlic Powder: Offers a concentrated garlic essence that distributes evenly.
  • Onion Powder: Contributes a savory, rounded background note.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all other flavors in the seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and aromatic complexity to the chicken.

How to Grill Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

  • Submerge wooden skewers in cool water for half an hour
  • This prevents burning during cooking and keeps skewers intact

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

Mix all dry spices in a spacious mixing bowl:
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Olive oil

Cut chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks

Drizzle chicken with olive oil

Thoroughly coat chicken pieces with spice blend

Carefully thread seasoned chicken onto water-soaked skewers

Step 3: Craft Luxurious Butter Sauce

Melt butter with minced garlic in microwave

Whisk in remaining sauce ingredients

Ensure smooth, well-blended consistency

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Preheat air fryer to 400°F

Arrange skewers in air fryer basket

First cooking phase: 5 minutes

Flip skewers

Generously brush with garlic parmesan sauce

Cook additional 2 minutes

Flip again

Baste with more sauce

Cook 5-6 minutes

Verify chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature

Finish with final sauce coating

Optional: Sprinkle extra parmesan

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy hot with fresh herbs or lemon wedges

Tips for Even Cooking and Maximum Flavor on Skewers

  • Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to stop them from charring during cooking.
  • Maximize Flavor Coating: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly coated by using your hands to massage the seasoning mixture thoroughly into the meat.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
  • Manage Air Fryer Space: Cook skewers in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
  • Sauce Application Technique: Baste skewers generously and repeatedly with garlic parmesan butter sauce to enhance moisture and create a rich, flavorful exterior.

Storing Chicken Skewers Without Drying Them Out

  • Refrigeration: Seal leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the skewers cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and prevent moisture buildup.
  • Reheating in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place skewers in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Warm for 3-4 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating and restore crispy exterior.
  • Microwave Option: When time is tight, reheat skewers on a microwave-safe plate for 30-45 seconds. Add a splash of water or extra butter sauce to prevent dryness and maintain moisture. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Great Pairings for Garlic Parmesan Skewers

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Complement the garlicky, cheesy flavors with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio, cutting through the richness while enhancing the herbs and spices.
  • Serve with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: Create a light side of cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the skewers' intense flavors and add refreshing contrast.
  • Match with Cool Ranch Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch dressing using buttermilk, sour cream, herbs, and garlic powder to provide a cool, tangy counterpoint to the spicy, warm chicken skewers.
  • Add Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a side of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus with olive oil and herbs to complement the skewers' robust garlic parmesan profile and add nutritional variety.

Skewer Variations for Garlic Parmesan Fans

  • Mediterranean Marvel: Replace paprika with dried oregano and add lemon zest to the seasoning mix. Swap parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and incorporate chopped fresh mint into the butter sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Smoky Southwest Sensation: Trade paprika for smoked paprika and add ground cumin to the seasoning blend. Mix chipotle peppers into the butter sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro for a spicy southwestern kick.
  • Honey Mustard Fusion: Blend honey and whole grain mustard into the butter sauce. Incorporate dried thyme into the chicken seasoning and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished skewers for added crunch and nutty complexity.
  • Asian Inspired Harmony: Substitute hot sauce with sriracha and add ginger to the seasoning mix. Replace parsley with chopped green onions and mix soy sauce into the butter sauce for an umami-rich experience.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with zesty herb-infused grilled perfection. Tender marinated chicken pieces glazed with rich parmesan and garlic create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chicken tenders, thighs, or breast

Chicken Seasoning Blend:

  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter
  • 810 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan, grated
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (more if desired)
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup (8 grams) fresh parsley, minced

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for half an hour to prevent charring during cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
  2. Create a robust seasoning blend by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
  3. Transform chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks, gently massaging with olive oil and thoroughly coating with the prepared spice mixture.
  4. Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, ensuring tight and secure placement.
  5. Craft a luxurious sauce by melting butter with minced garlic in a microwave-safe vessel, releasing aromatic flavors.
  6. Enhance the melted butter mixture by whisking in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan until achieving a silky, harmonious blend.
  7. Activate the air fryer, setting the temperature to 400°F for optimal crispy results.
  8. Strategically arrange skewers inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing.
  9. Cook the first side for 5 minutes, then carefully rotate the skewers to ensure even browning.
  10. Apply a generous layer of garlic parmesan butter sauce, allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken during a 2-minute cooking interval.
  11. Rotate skewers once more, lavishing with additional sauce, and continue cooking for 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  12. Conclude the cooking process with a final brushing of sauce and optional sprinkle of extra parmesan for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

  • Wooden skewers protect from burning by soaking them beforehand, ensuring even cooking and preventing potential fire hazards during grilling.
  • Seasoning chicken with a blend of spices creates layers of flavor, transforming simple protein into a mouth-watering culinary experience.
  • Garlic parmesan butter sauce elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, adding richness and depth that makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 561
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 45 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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