Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer Fun

Sizzling summer barbecues demand a standout chicken skewers recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

These mouthwatering garlic parmesan chicken skewers blend savory seasonings into an irresistible grilled delight.

Tender chicken chunks marinate in a zesty blend of herbs and cheese, promising a restaurant-quality experience right at home.

Each skewer packs a punch of robust garlic and nutty parmesan that dances across your taste buds.

The marinade infuses the meat with rich, complex flavors that guarantee every bite is memorable.

Perfectly charred edges and a golden, crispy exterior make these skewers the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any outdoor gathering.

Serve these delectable skewers and watch your guests ask for seconds before the first plate is even finished.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 12-13 minutes

Total Time: 42-43 minutes

Calories: 485 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Tenders, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Breast: Select fresh, tender cuts with minimal fat for juicy and succulent skewers, ensuring even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Parmesan Cheese, Hot Sauce, Red Pepper Flakes, Fresh Parsley: Combine bold ingredients to create a zesty, creamy sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delicacy, balancing spicy, tangy, and rich taste profiles.

• Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Craft a robust spice mix that elevates the chicken's natural flavors, adding depth, warmth, and a subtle kick to each bite, ensuring a perfectly seasoned result.

Kitchen Gear for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Wooden skewers: Essential for threading chicken pieces, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
• Air fryer: Primary cooking appliance to crisp and cook chicken skewers evenly.
• Microwave-safe bowl: Perfect for melting butter and mixing garlic parmesan sauce.
• Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining seasonings and preparing chicken coating.
• Whisk: Necessary for blending sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting chicken into uniform 3-inch pieces.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure spices and seasonings.
• Cooking tongs: Useful for flipping skewers and handling chicken during cooking.

Cooking Method for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Skewer Preparation

Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. Select fresh chicken and slice into bite-sized chunks. Coat chicken pieces with olive oil and seasonings for enhanced flavor.

• Flavor Infusion

Create a savory butter sauce by combining melted butter with garlic, red pepper flakes, and herbs. Whisk ingredients until smooth and aromatic.

• Cooking Process

Preheat air fryer to high temperature. Arrange chicken skewers carefully in the basket, ensuring even spacing. Cook in batches if needed. Rotate skewers midway through cooking to guarantee uniform browning. Brush generously with garlic butter sauce during cooking process.

• Final Touches

Check chicken’s internal temperature to confirm doneness. Remove skewers when meat is fully cooked and golden brown. Sprinkle additional parmesan cheese for extra richness. Let rest briefly before serving to seal in juices.

• Serving Suggestions

Plate skewers on a warm platter. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Pair with light salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. Enjoy immediately while hot and flavorful.

Ways to Adapt Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Smart Skewering Tricks: Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken. Metal skewers work great too and eliminate pre-soaking steps.
• Chicken Cutting Hacks: Slice chicken into uniform 3-inch pieces for even cooking. Slightly chilled chicken makes cutting cleaner and more precise. Use a sharp knife for clean, smooth cuts.
• Flavor Boosting Techniques: Let chicken marinate in seasoning mix for 15-30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption. Refrigerate during marinating to keep meat fresh and safe.
• Sauce Flexibility: Transform butter sauce by adding different herbs like basil or thyme. Experiment with hot sauce intensity to match your spice preference. Low-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt can replace some butter for lighter version.
• Temperature Testing Pro Tips: Always use meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature. Perfect doneness hits exactly 165°F. Let skewers rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and maintain tender texture.

Best Way to Plate Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Party Platter Paradise: Create a vibrant appetizer spread by arranging these sizzling skewers on a large wooden board with colorful dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli for guests to enjoy.
• Meal Companion Magic: Serve these skewers alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp summer salad to transform them into a complete and satisfying meal that will delight everyone at the dinner table.
• Mediterranean Picnic Style: Pack these skewers in a portable container for outdoor adventures, beach trips, or park gatherings – they're perfect as a protein-packed lunch or casual dinner option that travels well and tastes amazing at room temperature.
• Cocktail Hour Champion: Present these skewers as a crowd-pleasing finger food during happy hour or game night, paired with chilled white wine or a refreshing craft beer to elevate your entertaining game and impress your friends with minimal effort.

Planning Ahead with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare multiple skewers at once and store extras in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. These chicken skewers stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making meal prep a breeze.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap uncooked seasoned skewers individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen skewers maintain top-quality flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
• Smart Sauce Strategy: Keep the garlic parmesan butter sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Pro tip: Gently reheat the sauce before basting to restore its original rich, creamy consistency.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken skewers into delicious salad toppers, wrap fillings, or quick pasta additions. Chop the chicken and mix with fresh herbs for an instant flavor boost that prevents food waste and keeps meals exciting.

Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 42-43 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring zesty flavors to summer grilling. Juicy marinated chicken pieces grill to perfection with crisp herbed edges, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
• 2 tsps paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 stick (113 g) butter
• 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup (50 g) parmesan, grated
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
• 2 tsps red pepper flakes
• ⅓ cup (8 g) fresh parsley, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

1. Skewer Preparation: Submerge wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking, promoting uniform heat distribution.
2. Seasoning Creation: Blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing container to craft a robust flavor profile.
3. Chicken Preparation: Slice chicken into consistent 3-inch chunks, massaging with olive oil and thoroughly coating with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Sauce Development: Melt butter with minced garlic in a microwave-safe container, then whisk in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped parsley, and grated parmesan to create a silky, aromatic sauce.
5. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 400°F, carefully threading seasoned chicken onto pre-soaked skewers and arranging them in the basket with adequate spacing, working in batches if necessary.
6. Cooking Process: Cook skewers for 5 minutes, rotate, brush with garlic parmesan butter sauce, and continue cooking for an additional 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally and ensuring chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
7. Finishing Touch: Complete the dish with a final sauce brushing and optional parmesan sprinkle, creating a golden, flavor-packed result.

Notes

• Prevent Skewer Burning: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to avoid charring and ensure even cooking.
• Seasoning Mastery: Blend paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a robust flavor profile that elevates chicken.
• Sauce Success: Whisk melted butter with garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan for a silky, aromatic coating.
• Temperature Precision: Cook chicken at 400°F, rotating skewers and checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy results.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-13 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 485
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg