ADVERTISEMENT

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

There’s something magical about perfectly seasoned chicken skewers, especially when basted in a rich, garlicky Parmesan butter sauce. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a showstopper, delivering melt-in-your-mouth tenderness with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a party or planning a casual family dinner, these skewers shine as both an appetizer and a main course. Pair them with a bed of rice and roasted veggies for a complete meal, or serve them solo to let the bold flavors take center stage.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Juicy chicken, zesty garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan—your grilling game just got a delicious upgrade! 🐓🔥🧄 #GarlicParmesanPerfection #ChickenOnAStick #GrillAndChill #FlavorExplosion #CheesyGoodness #BBQFaves #DinnerDoneRight #SavorySkewers #FoodieLove #EasyGrillRecipes

  • Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast (cut into 3-inch pieces)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Seasonings:

  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

  • 1 stick butter
  • 810 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

  • Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, about 3 inches each. Toss the chicken in olive oil and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  • Thread the chicken onto skewers, ensuring the pieces are tightly packed to lock in moisture. Trim skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • Melt butter and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl until partially melted.
  • Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan. Whisk to combine.
  • Divide the sauce into two portions: one for basting during cooking and the other for finishing.

3. Cook the Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Flip again, baste, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway.
  • Switch to broil mode for 2 minutes for a golden finish.

Grill Method:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high.
  • Cook each skewer over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting regularly.

4. Final Touches

  • After cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Notes

  • Uniform Sizing: Cut chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
  • Don’t Overpack Skewers: While tightly packed pieces retain moisture, avoid excessive crowding to ensure even cooking.
  • Re-emulsify Sauce: If the butter sauce separates, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to bring it back together.
  • Author: Rosa
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

What makes this recipe a standout? The combination of juicy chicken, a fragrant garlic-Parmesan sauce, and the convenience of cooking in an air fryer. Not an air fryer fan? Don’t worry! This recipe includes oven and grill adaptations, ensuring you can enjoy these skewers anytime, anywhere.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Versatility: Serve as an appetizer, main dish, or finger food at gatherings.
  2. Rich Flavors: The garlic-Parmesan butter sauce brings a luxurious taste that’s hard to resist.
  3. Ease of Preparation: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is as quick as it is delicious.
  4. Adaptable Cooking Methods: Air fryer, oven, or grill—choose what suits you best!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life.

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast (cut into 3-inch pieces)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Chicken Seasonings:

  • 2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

  • 1 stick butter
  • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

  • Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, about 3 inches each. Toss the chicken in olive oil and coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  • Thread the chicken onto skewers, ensuring the pieces are tightly packed to lock in moisture. Trim skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer.

2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

  • Melt butter and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl until partially melted.
  • Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and Parmesan. Whisk to combine.
  • Divide the sauce into two portions: one for basting during cooking and the other for finishing.

3. Cook the Chicken Skewers

Air Fryer Method:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
  • Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
  • Flip again, baste, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Oven Method:

  • Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway.
  • Switch to broil mode for 2 minutes for a golden finish.

Grill Method:

  • Preheat the grill to medium-high.
  • Cook each skewer over direct heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting regularly.

4. Final Touches

  • After cooking, brush the skewers with the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle with extra Parmesan. Serve immediately!

Flavors, Textures, and Aromas

These skewers are a symphony of flavors: the smokiness of paprika, the robust aroma of garlic, and the umami-packed Parmesan. The butter sauce adds richness, while the hot sauce and red pepper flakes provide a subtle kick. The chicken is tender and juicy, with a beautifully caramelized exterior that’s slightly crisp yet incredibly moist.

Tips for Perfect Skewers

  1. Uniform Sizing: Cut chicken pieces evenly for consistent cooking.
  2. Don’t Overpack Skewers: While tightly packed pieces retain moisture, avoid excessive crowding to ensure even cooking.
  3. Re-emulsify Sauce: If the butter sauce separates, whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter to bring it back together.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken with shrimp or pork for a different twist.
  • Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms, zucchini, or tofu as the base.
  • Herb Swap: Replace parsley with cilantro or basil for a unique flavor profile.
  • Cheese Alternative: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a sharper taste.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with buttery garlic rice and steamed veggies for a hearty meal.
  • Add a side of crisp Caesar salad for a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve with crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm skewers in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot on Your Table

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the epitome of comfort food elevated to gourmet status. The tantalizing combination of flavors, coupled with the ease of preparation, makes this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights, weekend barbecues, or festive gatherings. Once you try it, these skewers will undoubtedly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

ADVERTISEMENT

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

ADVERTISEMENT