Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Juicy, tender chicken skewers coated in a rich garlic parmesan sauce that gets better with every brush of flavor – these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are an absolute game-changer!
Whether you’re cooking them up in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, this recipe is your new go-to for a quick and mouthwatering meal.
It’s the perfect blend of crispy edges and tender chicken, all drenched in a creamy, savory garlic parmesan sauce.
Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
The best part? It’s so simple, you can make it any night of the week.
Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a favorite!
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.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Craving something packed with bold flavors and juicy tenderness? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything you need! Coated in a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce and air-fried to perfection, they’re quick, easy, and utterly irresistible.
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Servings: 6 skewers
Calories: 448kcal
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
Calories: 448kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 78mg | Sodium: 653mg | Potassium: 568mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1384IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 60mg | Iron: 2mg
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- 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!
