Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers because they’re incredibly flavorful and versatile. The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, savory, and slightly spicy, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to each juicy bite. Whether you’re cooking them in an air fryer, oven, or grill, these skewers are super easy to make, and the sauce is just the right balance of buttery, cheesy, and garlicky goodness. Perfect for family dinners, parties, or a special treat!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast

2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

1 stick butter

8-10 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup parmesan, grated

1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)

2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced

For the Chicken Seasonings:

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon salt

½ 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: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together the chicken seasonings—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 mixture, then toss to coat evenly.

Skewer the Chicken: Pack the chicken pieces tightly onto each skewer, ensuring no space between the pieces. This will help them stay juicy while cooking. If necessary, trim the tops of the skewers to fit in your air fryer.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter with the minced garlic until partially melted.

Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan to the melted butter and whisk to combine. If the sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and stir to re-emulsify.

Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce to use for basting the chicken during cooking, and reserve the remaining sauce for basting the cooked chicken. Be sure to wash your basting brush between uses to avoid cross-contamination.

3. Cook the Chicken

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Cook 2-3 skewers at a time in the air fryer, cooking them for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers, baste with the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Flip them back over, baste with more sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cook time will be 12-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the butter sauce a couple of times.

Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 minutes to get the tops golden brown. Remove from the oven and baste with the remaining butter sauce.

Grill Method:

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers over direct heat, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes, basting with the garlic parmesan butter throughout the cooking process.

Remove from the grill and baste with the remaining butter sauce.

4. Serve

Once cooked, drizzle the remaining garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken skewers, and sprinkle with extra parmesan for added flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 6 skewers, serving about 4 people. The prep time is around 20 minutes, and the cook time is about 15 minutes, bringing the total time to around 35 minutes.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for a spicier version of this dish.

Add Vegetables: Add veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for extra flavor and color.

Different Proteins: You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, beef, or even tofu for a different variation of the skewers.

Storage/Reheating

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

Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through.

Reheating: For reheating, you can also heat them in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 375°F to retain their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders or thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, though they may need to be cut into smaller pieces and cooked for a slightly longer time to ensure they are fully cooked and juicy.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, especially if you’re grilling or cooking in the oven.

Can I make these skewers without an air fryer?

Yes, you can use the oven or grill to cook these skewers. The oven method will give you a crispy, golden-brown crust, and grilling adds a nice smoky flavor.

Can I make the garlic parmesan butter sauce in advance?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week and reheat it in the microwave before basting the skewers.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make the garlic parmesan sauce dairy-free by using a dairy-free butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that’s bursting with flavor. Whether cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, the homemade garlic parmesan sauce keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. With a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking process, these skewers are perfect for dinner, a party appetizer, or meal prep. Enjoy them with rice, veggies, or on their own for a tasty, satisfying meal!

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