Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe has been my go-to for quick weeknight dinners and impressive appetizers alike. I remember the first time I made these, the aroma of garlic and cheese filling my kitchen was absolutely divine, and my family devoured them in minutes! They’re so incredibly easy to whip up, making them my favorite easy garlic parmesan chicken skewers. If you’ve ever wondered how to make garlic parmesan chicken skewers that are bursting with flavor and perfectly tender, you’re in the right place. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with these amazing skewers:
- Incredible flavor explosion with savory garlic and rich Parmesan cheese.
- Super quick prep time means dinner is on the table fast!
- A healthier option, especially when air-fried or grilled, making it a great light dinner idea.
- Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank.
- This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
- Versatile enough for a weeknight main course or a show-stopping appetizer.
- The perfect blend of juicy chicken and a delicious, herby sauce.
- You’ll be making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe Recipe again and again.
Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Gathering these simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe ingredients is the first step to culinary success. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into 3-inch pieces – I prefer thighs for extra juiciness, but breast or tenders work great too!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – this helps the spices adhere beautifully to the chicken.
- 1 stick butter – the base for our luscious garlic parmesan sauce.
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced – don’t be shy with the garlic, it’s the star!
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated – use freshly grated for the best flavor and melt.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional) – adds a subtle kick that complements the cheese.
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes – for a touch of heat, adjust to your preference.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced – adds a lovely freshness and color.
- 2 tsp paprika – for a hint of smokiness and color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – boosts that garlic flavor even more.
- 1 tsp onion powder – adds a savory depth.
- 1/2 tsp salt – essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp pepper – freshly ground is always best.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Let’s get these delicious skewers cooking! It’s a simple process that yields amazing results.
- Step 1: Begin by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning during cooking. While they soak, prepare your chicken.
- Step 2: Cut your chicken into uniform 3-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking.
- Step 3: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Make sure each piece is well-coated; this is the base of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe marinade.
- Step 4: Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them relatively tightly. Don’t overcrowd them, but you want a good amount of chicken per skewer.
- Step 5: Now, let’s make that irresistible sauce. Melt 1 stick butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
- Step 6: Stir in the 8-10 cloves garlic, minced, 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated, 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional), 2 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced. Let it simmer gently for just a minute or two until fragrant and the Parmesan is starting to melt. This sauce is key to the amazing flavor of these skewers.
- Step 7: Preheat your chosen cooking method. For an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). For a grill or oven, preheat to 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- Step 8: Cook the skewers. In an air fryer, cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping and basting with the garlic Parmesan sauce halfway through. For grilling or in the oven, cooking times will vary, so keep an eye on them and baste frequently. The most important part of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers cooking instructions is ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Step 9: Once cooked, brush the skewers generously with any remaining garlic Parmesan sauce. Sprinkle with a little extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade delights!

Pro Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Want to elevate your skewers from good to absolutely incredible? Follow these tips:
- Don’t skip soaking the skewers; it’s crucial for preventing burnt wood.
- Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice and oil mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender, not dry.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
The secret to the best garlic Parmesan chicken skewers is the luscious butter sauce. Simmering the garlic and Parmesan in butter with herbs creates a rich, flavorful coating that infuses the chicken beautifully.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skewers (season and thread onto skewers) up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. Cook as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Avoid dry chicken by not overcooking it – use a meat thermometer! Also, ensure your skewers are properly soaked to prevent burning. Finally, don’t skimp on the sauce; it’s what makes these skewers so special.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These versatile skewers are fantastic for so many occasions! For a perfect garlic parmesan chicken skewers appetizer, serve them hot off the grill or out of the oven with a side of ranch or blue cheese dip. They’re also a fantastic garlic parmesan chicken skewers dinner idea. Imagine them alongside a fresh Caesar salad, some roasted asparagus, or creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic and Parmesan flavors pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides that let the skewers shine.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Let’s break down the deliciousness of these skewers. Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving (which is about 1 skewer):
- Calories: 210
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources on nutrition.gov.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Don’t you hate when delicious leftovers go to waste? I’ve got you covered! Once your garlic parmesan chicken skewers have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. You can find more great tips like this on my garlic parmesan chicken skewers food blog!
To reheat, I find the best method is to pop them back into the air fryer at around 300°F (150°C) for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that lovely crispness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the chicken a bit chewy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on the grill?
Absolutely! Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook these skewers. Just follow the general instructions for preheating your grill to 350-400°F (175-200°C). Remember to baste frequently with the garlic Parmesan sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. For great garlic parmesan chicken skewers grilling tips, make sure your grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking!
What if I don’t have wooden skewers?
No worries if you don’t have wooden skewers! Metal skewers work perfectly fine and don’t require soaking. If you’re using metal skewers, you might find that the chicken cooks a tad faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. Just thread your chicken onto the metal skewers and proceed with the recipe.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time for a party?
Yes, you totally can! You can prepare the chicken by seasoning it and threading it onto the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator. When it’s time to cook, just proceed with your chosen method (grill, oven, or air fryer). You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be starting from cold.
How do I ensure my chicken is fully cooked?
The safest internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (74°C). I always recommend using a meat thermometer to check. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken piece, avoiding the bone if you’re using thighs. Once it reaches 165°F, your chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to enjoy.
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers You Can Try
Looking to mix things up or cater to different tastes? These skewers are incredibly adaptable! For a bright, zesty twist, try adding the zest of one lemon to the butter sauce, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. This really enhances the flavors and makes them pop. If you love fresh flavors, don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs. Besides parsley, fresh oregano or thyme work beautifully in these garlic parmesan chicken skewers with herbs. You can also make these garlic parmesan chicken skewers with lemon by adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha to the sauce. You can even swap out the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu for a different protein!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this Garlic Honey Lime Chicken recipe or these Spicy Honey Lime Chicken options. If you’re looking for a different appetizer, these Korean BBQ Meatballs are also a hit!
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Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 6 skewers 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers offer a flavorful and tender bite, marinated in a savory garlic and Parmesan sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, they are easy to prepare and can be cooked using an air fryer, grill, or oven.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, packing them tightly.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in minced garlic, Parmesan, hot sauce (if using), red pepper flakes, and parsley. Simmer briefly.
- Preheat your cooking method: air fryer to 400°F, or grill/oven to 350-400°F.
- Cook skewers: Air fryer: 12-14 minutes total, flipping and basting halfway. Grill/Oven: Adjust timing, basting frequently. Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Brush skewers with remaining sauce, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a brighter flavor, add lemon juice or zest to the butter sauce.
- For more heat, increase red pepper flakes or add chili crisp.
- Cilantro or chili crunch can be used as alternative herbs or additions to the butter sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes for best texture.
- These skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course/Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer/Grill/Oven
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
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