Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Flavor Fans

Tender chicken pieces drizzled with garlic parmesan chicken skewers recipe dance with irresistible flavor on every perfectly grilled bite.

The marinades blend Mediterranean herbs and rich cheese into a mouthwatering melody of taste.

Succulent chunks of chicken absorb the zesty garlic and parmesan essence during marination.

skewers promise a quick and delectable meal that impresses without complicated preparation.

Each golden-brown morsel delivers a crisp exterior with a juicy interior that melts in your mouth.

Summer grilling or indoor cooking turns these skewers into an instant crowd-pleaser.

You won’t be able to resist the alluring combination of herbs, cheese, and perfectly charred chicken.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Flavor Burst

  • Quick Kitchen Win: Whip up these mouthwatering skewers with minimal prep and maximum flavor, perfect for busy cooks craving a delicious meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Protein: Packed with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of spice, these chicken skewers will satisfy everyone from kids to adults at the dinner table.
  • Versatile Cooking Method: Air fryer technique ensures crispy exterior and juicy interior, making this recipe foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels.
  • Flavor-Packed Simplicity: Combines classic ingredients like butter, garlic, and parmesan into a restaurant-quality dish that's super easy to prepare at home.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and juicy white meat cut into bite-sized pieces for easy skewering and even cooking.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Pepper Flakes, Hot Sauce: Combination of spicy and aromatic ingredients that add bold and zesty flavor to the chicken.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a rich, salty, and nutty taste that complements the chicken's mild flavor.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright and clean taste to the dish.
Oil and Binding Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken and allows seasonings to adhere to the meat.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and smooth sauce base that helps distribute flavors and adds depth to the dish.
Additional Ingredients:
  • Wooden Skewers: Used for holding and grilling the chicken pieces in a compact and organized manner.

Steps for Chicken Skewers with Garlic Parmesan

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers and Chicken

Submerge wooden skewers in water for half an hour to prevent burning.

Slice chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks.

Drizzle with olive oil and coat thoroughly with a blend of:
  • Garlic powder
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Step 2: Craft Spicy Parmesan Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Stir in:
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Hot sauce
  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Separate sauce into two portions – one for basting and another for finishing.

Step 3: Assemble Chicken Skewers

Carefully thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, ensuring pieces are compact with no spaces between them.

Trim skewer ends if necessary to fit air fryer basket.

Step 4: Air Fry Chicken

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Place skewers in basket and cook for 5 minutes.

Flip skewers, brush with sauce, and cook 2 more minutes.

Turn again, baste with additional sauce, and continue cooking 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Brush skewers with reserved clean sauce.

Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese over top.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips for Skewered Chicken Perfection

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from burning during cooking.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for richer flavor and adjust red pepper flakes to control spice intensity.
  • Ensure skewers are densely packed without gaps for even cooking and consistent browning.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption and juicy texture.
  • Reserve clean sauce for final basting to maintain fresh herb and garlic flavors without cross-contamination.

Chicken Skewer Twists with Garlic Parmesan

  • Spicy Jalapeño Parmesan Skewers: Replace red pepper flakes with finely chopped jalapeños for an extra kick of heat and fresh pepper flavor.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Skewers: Swap parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add oregano, mint, and lemon zest to give a Greek-inspired profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly Version: Use ghee instead of butter, increase garlic, and add extra parmesan to boost fat content while maintaining low-carb requirements.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with olive oil, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan, and add dairy-free hot sauce for similar tangy flavor.

Serving Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

  • Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with fresh herbs scattered around for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Dipping Delight: Serve with cool ranch, creamy blue cheese, or zesty marinara sauce to complement the spicy, cheesy chicken flavors.
  • Party Pairing Plate: Accompany skewers with grilled corn, crisp coleslaw, or light Mediterranean salad for a balanced and colorful meal that satisfies every taste bud.
  • Leftover Love: Transform remaining skewers into a protein-packed wrap or chop and toss into a vibrant summer salad for a quick next-day lunch.

Storing Chicken Skewers

  • Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Wrap individual skewers or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen skewers will keep quality for 2-3 months.
  • Warm refrigerated skewers in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture.
  • Marinate chicken and prepare skewers up to 24 hours in advance, storing covered in the refrigerator for maximum flavor development.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning and sticking. Metal skewers also work well and don’t require soaking.

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of other cuts?

Yes, chicken breasts work perfectly. Cut them into uniform 3-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skewers.

  • What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can grill these skewers over medium-high heat or bake in a preheated oven at 425F for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with sauce.

Print
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 52 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers bring Mediterranean flavors straight to your kitchen, blending zesty herbs with rich cheese. Grilled to golden perfection, these skewers promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with every flavorful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenders, thighs or breast

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 810 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Cooking Oil:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
  2. Prepare marinade by combining aromatic garlic, red pepper flakes, and zesty hot sauce with melted butter.
  3. Slice chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks, ensuring consistent cooking and presentation.
  4. Massage chicken pieces with olive oil, then coat thoroughly with selected seasonings.
  5. Gently thread chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, pressing chunks closely together without gaps.
  6. Trim skewer ends if necessary to fit air fryer basket perfectly.
  7. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for optimal crispy exterior.
  8. Arrange skewers in air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  9. Cook initial side for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Carefully flip skewers and generously baste with prepared garlic butter sauce.
  11. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then rotate again.
  12. Continue cooking for 5-6 minutes, basting once more, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  13. Remove skewers and drizzle with reserved clean sauce.
  14. Garnish with freshly grated parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to stop them from charring during high-heat cooking.
  • Marinate chicken in seasonings and oil for at least 15 minutes before threading to enhance taste penetration.
  • Pack chicken pieces tightly on skewers without gaps to promote uniform heat distribution and consistent doneness.
  • Adjust hot sauce and pepper flakes quantity to create mild or fiery versions suiting personal heat preferences.
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 475
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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