If you dream of chicken that’s ridiculously juicy, packed with herby, garlicky goodness, kissed by golden parmesan, and ready to steal the show at your next get-together, let me introduce you to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Imagine tender nuggets of perfectly seasoned chicken, seared to just the right crispiness and then lavished with a bold, buttery garlic-parmesan sauce. These skewers are nothing short of a flavor party—easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for a backyard bash, and almost guaranteed to have everyone reaching for seconds.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how a handful of pantry staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient brings something special—whether it’s color, zing, rich umami, or aromatic lift—to make this dish truly unforgettable.

Chicken (2 lbs tenders, thighs, or breast): The star of the show! Choose your favorite cut; thighs for extra juiciness, breast for lean bites, or tenders for easy skewering.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spice blend stick and keeps the chicken ultra-moist as it cooks.
Butter (1 stick): Melts into the sauce for a rich, decadent base that soaks into every bite.
Garlic (8–10 cloves, minced): Big, bold flavor is totally non-negotiable here, with fresh garlic infusing every layer.
Parmesan (1/2 cup, grated): Adds savory nuttiness and a salty crust; freshly grated tastes best.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp, or more): Lends an exciting kick—customize the heat to your taste!
Red pepper flakes (2 tsp): Brings gentle heat and lovely flecks of red for color.
Fresh parsley (1/3 cup, minced): Brightens the plate and balances the rich sauce with herbaceous freshness.
Paprika (2 tsp): For subtle smokiness and that mouthwatering golden hue.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Deepens the garlic flavor, working along with the fresh stuff.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Adds sweet, savory depth to the spice blend.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Brings all the flavors together and enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
Pepper (1/2 tsp): A final punch of gentle heat and aroma.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Skewer Chicken

Begin with the basics: if you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in cold water for at least 30 minutes—this clever little trick prevents burning during cooking and keeps everything safe. Next, mix up your seasoning blend in a small bowl, combining your garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken into generous 3-inch pieces so each one stays tender and juicy. Toss the chicken in a large bowl (or a trusty ziptop bag) with the olive oil and all those aromatic spices. Ensure every piece is fully coated—no naked chicken here! Now, thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the skewers with no gaps. If your skewers are a little long for your air fryer, a quick snip fixes that instantly.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

This is where the flavor magic happens. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and pile in your mountain of minced garlic. Heat until the butter is partially melted—just enough so things are pleasantly pourable, but the garlic keeps its zing. Whisk in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, chopped parsley, and that crown jewel: grated parmesan. Stir until it’s luscious and smooth. If the sauce separates, don’t panic—a tablespoon or two of softened butter whisked in will bring everything back together. Now, scoop out about a third of your dreamy sauce; you’ll use this for basting the chicken as it cooks. The rest stays set aside for finishing, so there’s no cross-contamination—wash your basting brush between uses for kitchen safety!

Step 3: Cook The Chicken

Work in batches of 2–3 skewers at a time, laying them in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes, then flip those beauties, baste generously with your reserved sauce, and cook another 2 minutes. Flip them again, baste once more, and return for a final 5–6 minute cook—or until the chicken reaches a perfectly safe internal temperature of 165 degrees. Each air fryer is a bit different, so keep an eye out. When they’re finally done, immediately brush over the remaining, untouched garlic parmesan sauce and shower with extra parmesan for a glorious finish!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh minced parsley brings irresistible color and a burst of herby freshness, while an extra snowfall of grated parmesan looks dramatic and adds one last punch of savoriness. For a subtle heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does double duty as garnish and flavor boost. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of your reserved sauce just before serving for ultimate indulgence!

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers shine alongside refreshing sides like crisp green salads, buttery corn on the cob, or simple grilled vegetables. They’re fantastic with buttered noodles or over light, garlicky rice. For a casual party spread, try pairing with toasted garlic bread or a cool tzatziki dip for dunking.

Creative Ways to Present

For a showstopping platter, stand skewers upright in a rustic loaf of bread or arrange on a lively bed of fresh greens and lemon wedges. Or get playful: serve mini skewers as an appetizer “bouquet,” or tuck the chicken off the stick into soft pita with a slather of creamy sauce. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers make a spectacular addition to summer party spreads and lunchboxes alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few extra Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (rare, but it happens!), let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The parmesan and spices hold their flavor beautifully.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze any leftover cooked skewers. Just remove the chicken from the sticks, layer pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment between layers, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For that just-cooked magic, reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3–4 minutes or until hot through, or pop them in a 375 degree oven for 8–10 minutes. Add a fresh sprinkle of parmesan and parsley to wake up the flavors!

FAQs

Can I grill the skewers instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Fire up your grill to medium-high, oil the grates well, and cook the skewers for about 5–6 minutes per side, basting with the garlic parmesan sauce as they cook for smoky depth.

What’s the best chicken cut for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Chicken thighs are unbeatable for juiciness, but breast and tenders work deliciously too. Be sure to cut them into even pieces for consistent cooking and that perfect tender bite.

Can I prepare everything ahead for a party?

Definitely: assemble and marinate the chicken on skewers up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When it’s party time, just cook and baste as directed—so easy and stress-free!

What’s a good substitute for parmesan?

If you don’t have parmesan, pecorino romano or asiago are both excellent swaps, lending similar salty, savory notes. Just avoid the shaky can stuff—it really pays to use fresh for this recipe.

Is this recipe spicy?

It has a pleasant gentle kick from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to dial it down (or up!) to suit your crowd. Taste the sauce as you go and tweak it just how you like.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed dinner, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers belong on your table. They’re bold, irresistible, and sure to become a go-to favorite—so don’t wait for a special occasion, try them soon and watch every last skewer disappear!