Flirtatiously charred on the outside, juicy to the core, and tangled with bold, buttery flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the life of any dinner party or easy weeknight meal. Imagine chicken bathed in garlicky parmesan sauce, brushed til glistening, and finished under a cascade of cheese and fresh herbs—each bite is succulent, rich, and a little spicy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just feeling festive at home, these mouthwatering skewers pack big flavor into grab-and-go bites everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how a handful of fresh, simple ingredients combine for knockout flavor. Each element brings a punch—juiciness from the chicken, lushness from the butter, and a spicy-salty brightness from the seasonings and sauce.

Chicken (2 lbs tenders, thighs, or breast): Choose your favorite cut; thighs stay extra juicy, but breast and tenders work beautifully too.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken tender while cooking.
Butter (1 stick): The silky base for our signature sauce, bringing rich flavor and shine.
Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced): Don’t hold back—the heart of this dish! Fresh garlic delivers the best kick.
Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): Go for freshly grated for melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp, more if desired): Adds a gentle heat; tailor the amount to your spice preference.
Red pepper flakes (2 teaspoons): Brings zing and color; adjust up or down for spiciness.
Fresh parsley (1/3 cup, minced): Sprinkles the skewers with color and grassy freshness.
Paprika (2 teaspoons): For a smoky-sweet undertone and gorgeous golden color on your chicken.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Layers in an extra hit of garlicky depth.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Subtly rounds out the flavor profile.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings every other flavor to life.
Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): For a bit of sharpness and balance.
Wooden skewers: Soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning while cooking.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Begin your flavor journey by soaking wooden skewers in water—this simple prepping step keeps them from charring in the air fryer. Next, cut your chicken into even 3-inch pieces so every bite is perfectly tender. Toss these bites in a bowl or ziptop bag with olive oil and your full spectrum of seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece gets coated—your hands (or a trusty spoon) are the best tools for the job. Once your chicken is seasoned, slide the pieces onto your soaked skewers, ensuring they’re packed close together. This keeps the interior juicy and helps the skewers cook evenly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, don’t hesitate to snip the skewers down to fit—no flavor is lost!

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the stick of butter and all that glorious minced garlic. Warm them together until the butter is only partially melted—it will help the rest of the ingredients blend smoothly. Whisk in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, minced parsley, and a generous handful of parmesan cheese. It should be thick, shiny, and deeply aromatic. If your sauce decides to separate, just add a tablespoon or two of softened butter and whisk with energy—it’ll re-emulsify like magic. Scoop out a third of this sauce and set it aside for basting the chicken during cooking; the rest will be reserved for a safe, final glossy finish.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Work in batches, placing two to three skewers in the basket at a time. Give them 5 minutes to start the caramelization process, then flip each skewer and brush with your reserved basting sauce. Slide them back in for another 2 minutes, flip once more, baste again, and finish with a final 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temp reaches a juicy 165°F. Total cook time will be about 12-14 minutes, though this may vary by air fryer. Once cooked, immediately brush your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with the remainder of the reserved sauce and a flourish of extra parmesan.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Finish the skewers with an extra grating of parmesan, a shower of fresh parsley, and a quick grind of black pepper. If you want to go bolder, a pinch of additional red pepper flakes adds sparkle and heat. These little touches make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers love good company! Serve with fluffy rice, a fresh green salad, or garlicky roasted potatoes for a satisfying meal. For a party vibe, plate them with crunchy slaw or spicy dipping sauces so everyone can mix and match their bites.

Creative Ways to Present

Slide the finished skewers onto a cutting board or platter lined with parchment and pile them high for a casual, communal feel. For extra flair, arrange them in a fan with lemon wedges and extra sauce on the side. They also transform beautifully into wraps or sliders—just pull the chicken off the skewers and tuck into pita or slider buns with crisp lettuce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers keep wonderfully moist in the fridge! Just wrap them tightly or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep extra sauce in a separate container for easy reheating and drizzling.

Freezing

For make-ahead magic, freeze cooked or uncooked skewers (without sauce) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Wrap each skewer individually to prevent sticking, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If freezing the sauce, portion into an airtight container or ziptop bag and freeze separately—the butter may separate but will come back together once reheated and whisked.

Reheating

To revive leftover skewers, simply reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Warm the reserved sauce separately, then brush over the skewers before serving. This quick reheat restores both crispiness and flavor for a second-day meal that tastes just as fresh.

FAQs

Can I grill Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers instead of air frying?

Absolutely! These skewers grill up beautifully. Use medium-high heat and turn frequently, basting with the garlic parmesan butter sauce during cooking. Watch closely so the parmesan doesn’t burn—the results will be smoky and irresistible.

What type of chicken is best for this recipe?

Thighs yield the juiciest, most tender skewers, but breasts and tenders also work wonderfully. Just be sure to cut them into even pieces so they cook at the same rate and stay moist.

Can I make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce in advance?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store it tightly covered in the fridge, and gently rewarm or whisk before using to ensure it’s creamy and ready to brush onto your skewers.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

No problem at all! Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can easily be baked in a 425°F oven on a foil-lined sheet pan. Flip halfway through cooking and baste just as you would in the air fryer.

How spicy are these skewers?

The heat level is totally up to you. The hot sauce and red pepper flakes offer some warmth, but you can scale them up or down to meet your crowd’s preferences—or even omit them for a more kid-friendly version.

Final Thoughts

If you love recipes that bring the wow factor with minimal fuss, you owe it to yourself to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Whether as a lively appetizer or the star of your dinner table, these skewers never fail to impress. Give them a whirl and watch everyone reach for seconds!