There’s something about the rich, buttery blend of garlic and parmesan paired with tender chicken that just sings comfort food. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that’s insanely flavorful yet surprisingly simple to pull off. Once you get a taste, I promise you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe a total winner in my book? It’s hands down the perfect balance of creamy garlic butter and savory parmesan coating every bite of juicy chicken. It’s not only delicious but a total breeze to make, especially with an air fryer. Here’s why you’ll love it too.
- Flavor Boost: The combination of garlic, parmesan, lemon, and red pepper flakes creates an irresistible umami punch.
- Quick & Easy: Using an air fryer means you get crispy, golden chicken in just 15 minutes without heating up your kitchen.
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: Boneless thighs stay incredibly moist and soak up all the butter-y goodness.
- Customizable & Fun: Skewers are great for entertaining and letting everyone grab their own. Plus, you can tweak the spice level easily.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a part in building that rich, addictive flavor. I always take special care picking fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan—these little choices really elevate the dish.
- Salted butter: Acts as the rich, creamy base that carries all the flavors and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Garlic: Fresh, grated garlic gives you that bold aroma and sharpness which you just can’t beat with powdered garlic.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan melts slightly, giving a nutty, savory crust on the chicken.
- Lemon zest and juice: Adds a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skimp on this one! It seasons both the butter and chicken well.
- Red pepper flakes: Provide a subtle but satisfying kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbal finish when serving.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: My go-to for moist, tender, flavorful meat that’s forgiving when cooking.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complements the saltiness.
Make It Your Way
I love playing around with the spice level here—sometimes I add a bit more red pepper flakes for that extra zing. You can also swap out chicken thighs for breast if you prefer leaner meat, or cut the chicken into nuggets instead for quicker cooking. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to tailor.
- Variation: I once tried swapping parsley with fresh basil and it gave the skewers a fresh, peppery twist that my friends really enjoyed.
- Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, try substituting parmesan with nutritional yeast and using a dairy-free butter alternative.
- Seasonal change: Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers on the skewers for a colorful, veggie-packed meal.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter
Start by melting the salted butter in a medium bowl—microwave or stovetop works well here. Once it's melted, stir in grated garlic, finely grated parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. The mix might thicken or firm up while prepping, which is totally normal. Don’t worry, it melts beautifully again when you brush it on your chicken later.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken and Skewers
Trim wooden skewers with poultry shears to fit your air fryer basket. This little trick saves you from awkward fitting later. Thread 6 to 7 pieces of boneless chicken thighs onto each skewer tightly so they cook evenly. Season the chicken well with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step really enhances the flavor inside and out.
Step 3: Brush and Air Fry in Batches
Generously brush all sides of each skewer with the garlic parmesan butter. Place them in a single layer in your air fryer set to 350°F. After 5 minutes, pull them out and baste again with more butter. Repeat this two more times, cooking for 5 minutes each, for a total of 15 minutes. This triple-brush method gives you maximum flavor and beautiful golden color on the chicken.
Step 4: Serve With Extra Butter and Garnishes
Once all skewers are cooked, pour the flavorful garlic parmesan butter that’s collected at the bottom of the air fryer back over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and maybe an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh pop of citrus. This finishing touch just brings everything together.
Top Tip
Over the years, I learned that the key to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is in how you handle the butter and the timing of basting. Here are some tips that saved me from underwhelming results and made every batch a hit:
- Use Poultry Shears for Skewers: Cutting wooden skewers to fit snugly inside your air fryer is easier and safer with poultry shears — try it, you’ll thank me.
- Don’t Skip the Triple Basting: Brushing the chicken three times during cooking builds layers of flavor and gives you a yummy, caramelized crust.
- Watch the Butter Consistency: If your garlic parmesan butter firms up, just give it a quick stir or microwave a few seconds; it melts right back for easy brushing.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches if needed — overcrowding chops your airflow and prevents that golden crisp finish.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish these skewers with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra grating of parmesan. The green color brightens the plate, and the fresh herbs add a light, herbaceous note. Lemon wedges are non-negotiable for me — that splash of fresh lemon juice at the table lifts all the buttery richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
There’s lots of possibilities here! My favorite is a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some garlic roasted asparagus. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or lemon herb rice pair beautifully and soak up the extra butter sauce just right.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, try standing these skewers upright in a glass jar or use a rustic wooden board for a casual, shareable vibe. I’ve also used colorful bell pepper chunks on the skewers to add pops of color and sweetness — they really make an impression!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually let the skewers cool completely then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for 3-4 days, and truthfully, I often snack on the leftovers cold or lightly warmed — just so good!
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze uncooked skewers that are already brushed with the butter. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then tuck in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying. This way, you have ready-made skewers waiting for you on busy nights.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 320°F for about 5 minutes. This revives the crispy edges while keeping the chicken juicy. You can also warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! You can definitely use boneless skinless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind they cook a bit faster and can dry out if overcooked, so watch them closely and consider marinating a little longer or adding extra butter for moisture.
Nope! While an air fryer keeps things quick and crisp, you can also broil or grill the skewers in your oven. Just keep an eye on the chicken to avoid drying it out, and baste often with the garlic parmesan butter.
Absolutely! The garlic parmesan butter can be mixed up a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just warm it a bit before using to bring it back to a brushable consistency. This saves prep time when you’re ready to cook.
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that complements the buttery garlic flavor without overpowering it. If you prefer mild, just reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. For more spice, feel free to add a pinch more or serve with hot sauce on the side.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s simple, quick, and insanely tasty. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want fuss-free dinner or for special gatherings when you want to impress without stress. I’m confident you’ll find it as comforting and delicious as I do—give it a try and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious and flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made with tender chicken thighs, coated in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, and perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Garlic Parmesan Butter
- 1 pound salted butter, softened
- 5 cloves garlic, grated
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional, for serving
Chicken Skewers
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch strips
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter: Melt the butter in a medium-sized bowl, then add the grated garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine thoroughly. Note that the butter sauce may firm up as you proceed, which is normal.
- Prepare the Skewers: Trim wooden skewers to fit your air fryer using heavy duty poultry shears or a suitable tool. If using metal skewers that fit your air fryer, those work well too.
- Assemble the Chicken Skewers: Thread 6-7 pieces of boneless chicken thigh strips tightly onto each skewer until all chicken is used. Season the chicken evenly with 2 teaspoons salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Brush with Parmesan Butter and Cook: Using a basting brush, coat all sides of the chicken skewers with the prepared garlic parmesan butter. Place the skewers in the air fryer preheated to 350°F. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Baste and Continue Cooking: Remove the skewers briefly, baste again with more garlic parmesan butter on all sides. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Final Basting and Cook: Baste the skewers one last time with the garlic parmesan butter, then cook for a final 5 minutes. The total cooking time will be 15 minutes. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve: Once cooked, pour any garlic parmesan butter pooled in the air fryer over the skewers. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges alongside. Enjoy your flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
Notes
- Use heavy duty poultry shears to trim wooden skewers for a clean and easy cut.
- Metal skewers that fit in the air fryer are a great alternative to wooden ones.
- You can make this recipe nugget-style without skewers; chicken will cook faster, so monitor closely.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 30 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
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