Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch strips; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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.

The image shows five grilled chicken skewers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has several pieces of golden-brown chicken with crispy edges, sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. There appears to be a light drizzle of seasoning or sauce on the chicken, giving it a glossy look. At the top center of the plate, two lemon wedges are placed close together, adding bright yellow color and freshness to the dish. The chicken pieces are stacked and arranged closely, showing a mix of juicy and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

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.

There is a white plate with eight grilled chicken skewers placed close together. Each skewer has many pieces of cooked chicken that look golden brown with charred edges, showing a crispy texture. The chicken pieces have small green herb bits sprinkled all over them, and some white grated cheese or seasoning is also visible on top. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interior are placed on the side of the skewers on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with light brown and tan specks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, five whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon with a few lemon wedges beside it, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, several raw boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

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:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

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.

Do I have to use an air fryer for this recipe?

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.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

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.

How spicy is the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

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!