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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 7 reviews

I can’t tell you how often I’ve found myself reaching for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe when I want something quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The way the garlic and parmesan meld with tender, juicy chicken is something I look forward to every time I cook it. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend barbecue, this recipe brings a special touch that feels like a treat without any fuss.

One of the best things about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how versatile and forgiving it is. I love that you can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes, or let it soak up flavors for hours in the fridge. Plus, cooking skewers in the air fryer or on the grill means you get that perfect char and crispness without a ton of hands-on time. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to in your kitchen too.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich Flavor Boost: The combo of garlic, parmesan, and a touch of chili crisp creates a beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and a little heat.
  • Tender Juicy Chicken: Marinating with mayonnaise and parmesan helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful throughout cooking.
  • Quick and Easy Method: Using an air fryer or grill cooks the skewers evenly and fast, perfect for busy days.
  • Flexible Prep Time: You can marinate for as little as 20 minutes or overnight, fitting easily into your schedule.
Seven skewers of grilled chicken pieces are arranged inside a black air fryer basket with a ridged surface. Each skewer has chunks of golden-brown chicken seasoned with green herbs and spices, showing a slightly crispy texture. The chicken pieces are uneven in size and shape, with some pieces looking thicker and juicier. The air fryer basket has a handle on one side and sits on a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the shiny, cooked surface of the chicken and the grill marks inside the basket. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe are simple, but they come together to create a depth of flavor you might not expect. Each one plays a role, whether it’s the mayo tenderizing the chicken or the garlic butter adding richness at the end.

  • Chicken thighs or tenders: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy, but tenders work well too — just watch cooking time.
  • Seasoning salt: Enhances the flavor without overpowering; Lowry’s is my go-to for this recipe.
  • Mayonnaise: It keeps the chicken moist and helps the parmesan stick to the surface.
  • Grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty richness that’s key to the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe’s signature taste.
  • Garlic powder & fresh garlic: The garlic powder seasons the chicken upfront, while fresh garlic in the butter sauce packs an aromatic punch.
  • Softened butter: Holds all the flavors together and makes basting irresistible.
  • Fresh parsley: Brings a fresh, bright note that cuts through the richness.
  • Chili crunch (or chili crisp): Adds a little heat and crunch; I always use at least a teaspoon to give it some personality.
  • Lemon juice: A splash of acidity to lighten everything up and balance out the buttery goodness.
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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

One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to experiment and make it your own. Whether you like it spicier, milder, or maybe with a splash of something unexpected, it’s really flexible.

  • Variation: I once swapped mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangier marinade—it worked beautifully and added a nice creaminess without extra fat.
  • Dietary modification: For a dairy-free option, leaving out parmesan and using a dairy-free butter substitute still delivers great results.
  • Seasonal twists: Try swapping fresh parsley for basil or adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a smoky depth.

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

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1 inch works best for even cooking. Toss the chicken in a bowl with seasoning salt, mayo, grated parmesan, and garlic powder, making sure every piece is evenly coated. I usually let mine marinate for at least 20 minutes, but if you have time, refrigerate for 4-16 hours for that juicy, flavorful boost.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small bowl, combine softened butter with minced garlic, fresh parsley, parmesan, chili crunch, and lemon juice. Press everything together with a fork to make a compound butter. I zap mine in the microwave for about 5 seconds just to loosen it up—makes basting way easier.

Step 3: Skewer and Preheat

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers—metal ones are my favorite because they last forever and heat up evenly, but wooden skewers work well if soaked in water for 30 minutes beforehand. Set your air fryer or grill to 400ºF and get ready to cook.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Place 4-7 skewers at a time into the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd so they cook evenly. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer here—when chicken hits 150ºF, it’s time to baste!

Step 5: Baste and Finish Cooking

Brush the compound butter over the chicken and cook for 1 minute, then flip and baste the other side, cooking another 30-40 seconds. After this, your chicken should reach a safe internal temperature of 165ºF. This final basting step adds that irresistible glossy finish and extra punch of flavor.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove the skewers from the air fryer or grill, sprinkle with extra parmesan or parsley if you like, and serve right away. I promise these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers taste even better fresh and warm, but leftovers are fantastic too!

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Don’t Skip the Mayo: It might sound odd, but mayo keeps the chicken incredibly tender and juicy—I’ve learned it’s a game-changer.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid dry chicken by checking temps; hitting 165ºF means you nailed it.
  • Soak Wooden Skewers: Soaking prevents burning and keeps skewers intact when grilling outdoors.
  • Baste at the Right Time: Adding compound butter after the initial cooking locks in flavor without burning the garlic.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

A close-up of three pieces of grilled chicken on a skewer held by a woman's hand with a thumb and finger visible, each piece cooked to a golden brown and sprinkled with coarse salt and green herbs, creating a textured and slightly charred surface; behind the skewer, there is a white bowl filled with more grilled chicken pieces with lemon wedges placed inside the bowl, all set against a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Personally, I love sprinkling a few fresh parsley leaves and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese right before serving—it brightens the dish and adds a little fresh crunch. A squeeze of lemon on the side is always welcome for an extra pop of acidity.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings are a simple garlic roasted vegetable medley or a crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. For heartier meals, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery risotto balance the flavors beautifully with these skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these skewers on a wooden board nestled alongside small bowls of extra compound butter and chili crunch for dipping. It makes for a colorful, interactive presentation that guests love. Adding edible flowers or fresh herbs elevates the look without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers store best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to separate the skewers from the basting butter before reheating to avoid over-greasing. They reheat well and still stay juicy when warmed gently.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, I recommend freezing the marinated chicken pieces raw on skewers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook fresh. The cooked skewers don’t freeze quite as well texturally, but raw marinated is a great prep-ahead option.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or under the broiler for just a few minutes to crisp up the edges without drying out. Avoid microwaves if you want to keep that lovely crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.

FAQs

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

    Yes, you can substitute chicken breast if you prefer a leaner cut. Just be mindful that breast meat cooks faster and can dry out more easily, so keep an eye on cooking times and don’t overcook. Marinating longer helps maintain juiciness.

  2. Is it necessary to use an air fryer, or can I grill these skewers instead?

    Absolutely! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe works beautifully on both air fryer and outdoor grill. Just make sure to manage the heat and avoid overcrowding the grill so the chicken cooks evenly and gets that nice char.

  3. How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?

    You can marinate the chicken for as little as 20 minutes if you’re short on time, but letting it sit for 4 to 16 hours in the fridge really enhances the flavor and tenderness. I’ve found that going overnight is a sweet spot for maximum flavor without the chicken becoming too soft.

  4. What can I substitute for chili crunch if I don’t have it?

    If you don’t have chili crunch, chili crisp, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes will add some heat and texture. You could also use a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika for a different kind of spice profile.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but never overwhelming to make. I love sharing it with friends and family because it always gets rave reviews and brings everyone together around the table. Seriously, give it a try—you’ll find it’s the perfect blend of simple, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. I’m betting it’ll become a favorite for you too!

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Lactose
Print Recipe

Description

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful pieces of marinated chicken cooked to perfection and basted with a savory garlic butter sauce. Ideal for quick weeknight meals or entertaining, these skewers are made using an air fryer to achieve a crispy outside and tender inside with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 pounds chicken thighs or tenders, cut in 1-inch pieces
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lowry’s)
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoning Sauce:

  • 5 tablespoons softened butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons chili crunch (or chili crisp)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Season: Add the chicken pieces to a bowl, season with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. Mix thoroughly to coat evenly. Cover and marinate the chicken skewers in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes and ideally between 4 to 16 hours for best flavor.
  2. Prepare Butter: In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, pressed garlic, parsley, parmesan, chili crisp, and lemon juice. Use a fork to mash and create a compound butter. Heat in the microwave for 5 seconds to loosen the mixture slightly.
  3. Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers. Set aside. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (or prepare your outdoor grill if preferred).
  4. Cook: Place 4 to 7 skewers into the preheated air fryer, ensuring they are not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the skewers and cook for an additional 3 minutes.
  5. Baste: Check the chicken temperature; it should have passed 150ºF. Brush the chicken with the prepared compound butter, continue cooking for 1 minute, then flip and baste the other side, cooking for another 40 seconds. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer ensuring internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer. Optionally sprinkle extra parmesan and parsley on top. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

  • For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight or for at least 4 hours.
  • If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to grilling to prevent burning.
  • Adjust chili crisp amount according to desired level of spiciness.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, these can also be grilled on an outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165ºF.
  • Mayonnaise in the marinade helps keep the chicken moist and tender.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 skewer
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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