Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering and easy-to-make dish, featuring juicy pieces of chicken grilled to perfection and glazed with a savory garlic parmesan butter sauce. Whether you’re using an air fryer, oven, or grill, this recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken with a delightful garlicky, cheesy finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, weekend barbecue, or any gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with irresistible flavors. The garlic butter sauce with parmesan adds richness and depth, while the seasoning mix ensures the chicken is perfectly spiced. The skewers are easy to make, and the cooking method options (air fryer, oven, or grill) give you flexibility based on your preferences. They’re a crowd-pleaser and work well as an appetizer, side, or main dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts

• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick butter

• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)

• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

For the 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

Prep and Skewer the Chicken:

1. Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag, add olive oil, and toss with the seasoning mix until evenly coated.

4. Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly to ensure maximum juiciness. Trim the skewers if necessary to fit in your air fryer or grill.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and garlic together until partially melted (about 30-40 seconds).

2. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan cheese. Whisk until well combined.

3. Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce and set it aside for basting the par-cooked chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting once the chicken is fully cooked.

Cook the Chicken:

Air Fryer Method:

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

2. Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip, baste with the reserved sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

3. Flip back again, baste with more sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Total cooking time should be around 12-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

4. Finish with Sauce: Once cooked, baste the chicken with the reserved sauce (not used for raw chicken) and sprinkle with extra parmesan.

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).

2. Place the chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil.

3. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with sauce throughout the cooking process.

4. Switch the oven to broil for the final 2 minutes to get the tops golden brown.

5. Remove from the oven, baste with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with extra parmesan.

Grill Method:

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Grill the skewers over direct heat for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting with sauce during the cooking process.

3. Once cooked, baste the skewers one last time with the garlic parmesan butter and sprinkle with extra parmesan.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Once the chicken is cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and additional parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 skewers (approximately 4 servings)

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Parmesan Skewers: Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper for extra heat if you enjoy a spicier flavor.

• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a plant-based option.

• Cheese Variations: For a twist on the classic, try using different cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago in the garlic butter sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and skewering.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

3. Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before using.

4. How long can I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but you can marinate it up to overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.

5. Can I use a different kind of oil?

Yes, olive oil or avocado oil both work well in this recipe, but any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil will also work.

6. Can I make this dish without skewers?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or on a regular baking sheet if you prefer not to use skewers.

7. Can I substitute the parmesan cheese with another cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or another hard cheese, but keep in mind it may change the flavor slightly.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. The skewers can be prepped and stored in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

9. Can I cook this on a stovetop?

Yes, you can cook the chicken skewers on a stovetop grill pan or a large skillet, basting with the sauce as you cook.

10. How do I keep the skewers from sticking to the grill or pan?

Make sure to lightly oil the grill or pan before placing the skewers on it. You can also brush the skewers with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

 

Garlic Butter Shrimp and Rice Skewers are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that everyone will love. With tender chicken, flavorful seasoning, and a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, these skewers are perfect for grilling or air frying. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or at your next BBQ, they’re sure to be a hit! Enjoy the savory goodness with your favorite sides and a sprinkle of parmesan. Print