Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together so easily. The combination of juicy chicken, that golden parmesan flavor, and a little kick from chili crunch is something I keep going back to for weeknight dinners or weekend BBQs. Honestly, if you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleaser that’s quick but still packed with flavor, this is it.

What I love the most is how versatile these skewers are—you can marinate the chicken in advance and toss them on the grill or air fryer, making them perfect for last-minute meals or entertaining friends. Plus, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe highlights simple ingredients that come together beautifully, so you don’t have to fuss over complicated prep. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your recipe collection too.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe leans on ingredients that balance richness, zest, and a touch of heat beautifully. Each component was carefully chosen to keep the chicken succulent, flavor-packed, and quick to prepare—perfect for busy days or casual entertaining.

• Chicken Thighs or Tenders: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and flavorful, but tenders work well if you want quicker cooking.
• Seasoning Salt: A blend like Lowry’s seasoning salt adds subtle depth without overpowering the garlic and parmesan.
• Mayonnaise: It might seem odd, but mayo helps keep the chicken moist and enhances the marinade’s coating.
• Parmesan Cheese: The nutty, salty Parmesan is a signature flavor that elevates the whole dish.
• Garlic Powder and Fresh Garlic: Layers of garlic—from powdered in the marinade to fresh minced in the butter—deliver a rich garlic punch.
• Butter: The base for the basting sauce, butter adds richness and helps carry the herbs and heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Chili Crunch (or Chili Crisp): I love this for a little spicy crunch, but you can adjust based on your heat preference.
• Lemon Juice: The acidity brightens the butter sauce and balances the richness perfectly.

Make It Your Way

I always encourage you to personalize this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because that’s what makes cooking joyful. For instance, I like to tweak the heat level and experiment with different herbs depending on the season or my mood. It’s all about finding your perfect flavor combo.

• Variation: Sometimes, I swap chicken thighs for breast meat if I want a leaner option, though thighs definitely give the best taste and texture.
• Dietary Modifications: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can leave out the parmesan and mayo and use olive oil with extra garlic for a similar marinade effect.
• Seasonal Changes: Adding smoked paprika or fresh thyme in fall gives the skewers a cozy, deeper flavor.
• Difficulty Levels: For a super quick version, you can skip the marinade and toss the chicken directly with seasoning and butter sauce after cooking.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Season & Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces—bite-sized is perfect for skewers and even cooking. Toss them in a bowl with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. Mix everything until each piece is nicely coated. I usually let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes to help the flavors settle, but if you have time, refrigerate it for 4-16 hours for even tastier results. Cover the bowl tightly to keep freshness.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter

While your chicken is soaking up those flavors, make the compound butter that’ll baste the skewers later. Mash together softened butter, fresh minced garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, chili crunch, and lemon juice using a fork. If the butter feels too firm, microwave it for about 5 seconds to soften it just enough to mix well—don’t melt it! This buttery, garlicky mix packs a punch and will make your skewers shine.

Step 3: Thread the Chicken on Skewers

Use either metal or wooden skewers (if wooden, soak them in water to avoid burning). Carefully thread chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between them to allow even heat circulation. This helps the chicken cook perfectly and stay juicy inside.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (or get the grill nice and hot). Arrange 4-7 skewers in the basket, making sure not to crowd them. I’ve found that overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, so patience pays off here. Air fry the skewers for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature—it should be at least 150ºF by this point.

Step 5: Baste & Finish Cooking

When the chicken hits 150ºF, baste one side generously with your garlic parmesan butter. Cook for 1 more minute, flip the skewers, baste the other side, and cook for an additional 30-40 seconds. The final internal temperature should be 165ºF for safe, juicy chicken. This finishing glaze makes the skewers irresistibly flavorful and glossy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer. I love to top them with a little extra parmesan and fresh parsley for a beautiful finish. Serve warm with your favorite sides—these skewers are perfect for sharing and always get compliments!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I always top mine with extra grated parmesan and a sprinkling of fresh parsley. The cheese adds that signature nutty finish, and parsley gives a fresh pop of color and bright flavor. If I’m feeling a little adventurous, I throw on a pinch of red chili flakes for extra heat.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with a crisp garden salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or a creamy coleslaw. For something lighter, I like zucchini noodles or a quinoa salad tossed with lemon and herbs. It’s really about balancing the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

I once served these skewers on a wooden board lined with parchment paper at a summer party, surrounded by small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch and honey mustard. You could also slide the chicken off and wrap it in lettuce leaves for a casual finger-food style meal. Garnishing with edible flowers or fresh herbs gives a beautiful, gourmet touch that impresses every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Before reheating, I make sure to remove excess butter to keep the chicken from becoming too greasy. It reheats nicely without drying out if done right.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze the skewers before cooking. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh—this keeps the flavors bright and the texture just right.

Reheating

Reheating in the oven or air fryer works best to get the outside crispy again without drying out the chicken. I heat at 350ºF for about 8-10 minutes, turning once and adding a quick brush of fresh garlic butter for extra moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s so flavorful, easy, and perfect for any occasion—whether a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and feel free to bring your own spin to it. Once you try these skewers, I’m confident they’ll become a go-to that you reach for time and again!

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