Skip to content 
Easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, tender, and coated in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce with a little kick from hot sauce and red pepper flakes. They’re an easy, flavorful main dish that can be cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill.
The recipe is especially handy for weeknight dinners when you want something that feels a little more special than plain grilled or roasted chicken. Since the skewers can also be prepared in the oven or on the grill, you can choose the cooking method that works best for you.
And because the garlic parmesan sauce is used for basting as well as finishing, every bite gets plenty of that flavorful buttery coating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big garlic parmesan flavor: Butter, fresh garlic, parmesan, parsley, and seasonings create a rich and savory sauce for the chicken.
- Tender chicken: Cutting the chicken into pieces and packing them tightly onto the skewers helps keep the chicken juicy while it cooks.
- Air fryer friendly: The recipe is designed to cook the skewers in batches in the air fryer for a quick main dish.
- Multiple cooking options: The recipe also includes oven and grill methods, giving you flexibility depending on what you have available.
- Easy to customize: Chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts can be used, so you can choose the cut you prefer.
- Perfect for flavorful dinners: The combination of seasoned chicken and a rich garlic parmesan sauce makes this an easy centerpiece for a meal.
For Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Chicken – I’ve used chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts. Any cut will work depending on your preference for white or dark meat.
- Olive Oil – Used to coat the chicken and ensure the seasonings stick.
For Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- Butter – The base of the sauce, giving it richness and creaminess.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic, savory flavor.
- Parmesan – Grated parmesan adds the signature cheesy, nutty taste.
- Hot Sauce – Adds a touch of spice to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For an extra kick of heat.
- Fresh Parsley – Adds a pop of freshness and color to the sauce.
For Chicken Seasonings:
- Paprika – Adds smokiness and depth to the chicken.
- Garlic Powder – For extra garlic flavor.
- Onion Powder – Adds subtle sweetness to complement the other spices.
- Salt and Pepper – To taste, enhancing all the flavors.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Skewers and Season the Chicken
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes first. Mix the chicken seasonings together, then cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and coat them with olive oil and the seasoning mixture.
The goal is to make sure each piece is evenly coated before threading the chicken onto the skewers.
Step 2: Thread the Chicken Onto the Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly together. This helps the chicken stay juicy as it cooks.
If needed, trim the skewers so they fit properly in your air fryer once the chicken has been added.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
Melt the butter and garlic together in a microwave-safe bowl. Add the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, and parmesan, then whisk everything together.
If the sauce separates, the recipe provides a simple fix: stir in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to help re-emulsify it.
Step 4: Reserve Sauce for Basting
Set aside one-third of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken. Keep the remaining sauce for the final coating.
Because the sauce comes into contact with the chicken during basting, the recipe specifically calls for washing the basting brush between uses to avoid cross-contamination.
Step 5: Cook and Baste the Chicken
The chicken is cooked in batches of 2–3 skewers at a time in the air fryer. The skewers are flipped and basted during cooking, then returned to the air fryer until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
The result should be fully cooked chicken with browned edges and plenty of garlic parmesan flavor coating the outside.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, give the skewers a final coating of the reserved garlic parmesan sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan.
Serve the skewers hot for the best experience.
Tips for the Best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers first: If you’re using wooden skewers, follow the recipe’s instruction to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Cut the chicken evenly: Keeping the chicken pieces around the same size helps them cook more consistently.
- Pack the skewers tightly: The recipe specifically recommends packing the chicken pieces tightly together to help keep them juicy.
- Cook in batches: Air fry only 2–3 skewers at a time as directed so the chicken can cook properly.
- Reserve sauce for basting: Keeping part of the sauce aside allows you to baste the chicken during cooking and finish it with another coating at the end.
- Watch the sauce: If the garlic parmesan sauce separates, the recipe recommends stirring in 1–2 tablespoons of softened butter to re-emulsify it.
- Check the chicken before serving: The recipe calls for an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the skewer soak: Wooden skewers should be soaked for at least 30 minutes according to the recipe. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Leaving the chicken loosely packed: The recipe recommends packing the chicken pieces tightly together on the skewers to help keep them juicy.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: Cook 2–3 skewers at a time rather than trying to fit everything in at once.
- Using all the sauce at once: Reserve the specified portion for basting and keep the remaining sauce for the final coating.
- Using the same basting brush without washing it: The recipe specifically notes that the brush should be washed between uses to avoid cross-contamination.
- Skipping the flips: The chicken is flipped and basted during the cooking process, so follow the recipe’s sequence rather than leaving the skewers untouched.
- Serving before the chicken is fully cooked: Check that the chicken reaches the recipe’s specified internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
The original recipe works with chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts, so choosing a different chicken cut is an easy way to change the dish while keeping the same basic preparation.
- Choose your favorite chicken cut: Use tenders, thighs, or breasts depending on your preference.
- Adjust the heat: The recipe allows for more hot sauce to taste, so you can make the sauce milder or spicier.
- Use the oven: Follow the oven method provided in the recipe notes when you don’t want to use the air fryer.
- Use the grill: The grill method gives you another cooking option while keeping the garlic parmesan sauce at the center of the dish.
- Add extra parmesan: The recipe finishes the skewers with extra parmesan, which can be adjusted to your preference.
- Change the chicken seasoning balance: Within the original seasoning ingredients, you can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste while keeping the recipe’s overall flavor profile.
These are optional ways to customize the dish; the original recipe card remains the guide for the stated quantities and cooking instructions.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Serve these chicken skewers hot with the final garlic parmesan sauce and a sprinkle of extra parmesan.
They pair naturally with simple sides that can balance the rich, savory chicken. A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, potatoes, rice, or a simple vegetable side would all work well for a complete dinner.
For a casual meal, the skewers can also be served as the main protein alongside a few easy side dishes. They’re especially convenient when everyone can grab a skewer and serve themselves.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
The recipe specifically notes that the garlic parmesan sauce can be prepared ahead of time. Store the prepared sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, then reheat it gently before using it to baste the chicken.
The recipe does not provide a specific storage period for cooked chicken skewers, so it’s best not to assume a specific number of days beyond the information supplied.
If you are preparing the sauce ahead, having it ready before you start cooking can make the final preparation more convenient.
For freezing, the supplied recipe does not provide freezing instructions, so freezing the finished skewers is not specified as part of the recipe.
If you loved this rceipe, you’ll want to try these reader-favorite recipes next!
Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Cracker Barrel-Style Chicken and Dumplings
They’re just as comforting, flavorful, and easy to make for any weeknight dinner.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- 1 stick butter
- 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (add more to taste)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Chicken Seasonings:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
Prep the Chicken and Skewers:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. Mix the chicken seasonings in a small bowl and set aside. Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil and the spice mixture, then toss until the chicken is well-coated.
Skewer the Chicken:
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them tightly together to ensure they cook juicily. If necessary, trim the skewers to fit them in your air fryer once the chicken is on them.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and garlic together. Add the hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, and parmesan, then whisk everything together. If the sauce separates, stir in 1-2 tbsp of softened butter to re-emulsify.
Reserve 1/3 of the Sauce for Basting:
- Set aside 1/3 of the sauce for basting the partially cooked chicken. Keep the remaining sauce reserved for the final basting. Be sure to wash your basting brush between uses to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook the Chicken:
- Air fry 2-3 skewers at a time. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip the skewers, and baste with the reserved sauce. Return to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F. Flip the skewers back again, baste with more sauce, and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The total cook time is 12-14 minutes, depending on your air fryer.
Finish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, give it a final coat of the reserved garlic parmesan sauce and sprinkle with extra parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450°F. Arrange the skewers on a foil-lined, rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the sauce a few times. Switch the oven to broil for 2 more minutes to get the tops golden and crispy. Remove from the oven, baste once more, and sprinkle with parmesan.
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with sauce as you go. Once done, baste with the sauce one last time and top with extra parmesan.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders or thighs?
Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly for this recipe. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, and they’ll cook up nicely with the seasonings and garlic parmesan sauce.
- Do I have to soak the wooden skewers?
Soaking wooden skewers for 30 minutes before using them helps prevent them from burning while they cook. It’s a simple step that ensures your skewers hold up through the cooking process!
- Can I cook these skewers in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C), and bake the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet for 14 minutes, flipping halfway. For a crispy finish, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes.
- Can I use pre-grated parmesan for the sauce?
I recommend using freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and flavor. Pre-grated parmesan often doesn’t melt as smoothly, and the sauce may not have the same creamy consistency.
- Can I prepare the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before using it to baste the chicken. It makes dinner even faster when you’re ready to cook!
