Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness, and just the right amount of heat. What makes this recipe truly special is the homemade garlic parmesan butter sauce, which you’ll baste the chicken with throughout the cooking process for maximum flavor. The skewers cook up quickly in the air fryer, making this a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings. Plus, it’s versatile – you can also easily cook them in the oven or on the grill.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast

• 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 (more if desired)

• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Chicken Seasonings

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prep and Skewer Chicken
   Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. In a small bowl, combine the chicken seasoning mixture (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. Toss in olive oil and the seasoning mixture, coating the chicken well.

2. Skewer the Chicken
   Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers tightly, leaving no gaps to ensure maximum juiciness. If necessary, trim the ends of the skewers to fit in the air fryer.

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic. Heat until partially melted. Stir in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan. Whisk until well combined. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and stir to re-emulsify.

4. Baste and Cook the Chicken
   Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce and reserve it for basting the par-cooked chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F. Flip them back, baste with more sauce, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is approximately 12-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

5. Finish and Serve
   Once the chicken is cooked, baste it one final time with the reserved garlic parmesan sauce, sprinkle with extra parmesan, and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 skewers

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Oven preparation: Preheat your oven to 450°F. Place the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with butter a few times during the baking process. Switch to broil for an additional 2 minutes to get the tops golden brown.

• Grill preparation: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers over direct heat, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes, while basting with butter throughout the cooking process.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover garlic parmesan chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just cut them into 3-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly.

2. Can I cook these skewers on the grill?

Absolutely! Preheat the grill to medium-high and cook the skewers over direct heat, basting with garlic parmesan sauce throughout.

3. How do I make sure the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be fully cooked.

4. Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake the skewers in the oven at 450°F or cook them on the grill for the same delicious result.

5. How spicy is this recipe?

The level of spice can be adjusted by adding more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.

6. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Make sure to baste the chicken with the garlic parmesan sauce while cooking. This helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor.

7. Can I use store-bought garlic parmesan sauce?

While homemade sauce yields the best flavor, you can use store-bought garlic parmesan sauce in a pinch. Just be sure to add some extra hot sauce and red pepper flakes for a kick!

8. Can I prepare these skewers in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the skewers up to 24 hours ahead of time. Keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

9. What sides go well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

These skewers pair perfectly with a side of rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.

10. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before preparing.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you choose to cook them in an air fryer, oven, or grill, these skewers deliver tender, juicy chicken packed with irresistible garlic parmesan flavor. Make them for your next family dinner, party, or as a fun appetizer – no matter the occasion, they’re sure to be a hit!