Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy bites of chicken threaded onto sticks and basted layer after layer with a rich butter sauce. The beauty is in the garlic parmesan infusion that sinks deep into every piece during cooking and the best part is you can pull these off quickly using an air fryer. Whether you want an easy appetizer or a hearty main to go over rice with veggies this is one recipe your table will beg for all year.

I remember testing these during a rainy week when the grill was out of the question and my family ended up devouring them straight from the skewers with nothing left but the sticks. The garlic parmesan sauce won everyone over in seconds.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders thighs or breast: helps you pick your favorite texture and flavor for juicy skewers look for fresh not frozen cuts with a bit of marbling
• Olive oil: brings a luscious base that helps the seasoning stick look for a green-gold oil with mild aroma
• Butter: use real unsalted butter for flavor and velvety basting
• Garlic: minced fresh garlic gives the sauce its backbone punch skip pre-chopped for best results
• Parmesan: grated cheese melts perfectly adding tang and richness shave straight from a quality wedge for best flavor
• Hot sauce: a dash for gentle heat choose your favorite mild or spicy
• Red pepper flakes: add a twinkle of heat
• Fresh parsley: brings brightness choose leaves with vibrant color and no wilting
• Paprika: offers mild smoky flavor and color opt for sweet or smoked based on your taste
• Garlic powder: boosts savory depth and supports the fresh garlic
• Onion powder: rounds out the seasoning and gives a savory backbone
• Salt and pepper: essential for flavor balance use freshly ground black pepper for extra kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Skewers:

Soak your wooden skewers in cold water for at least thirty minutes to prevent burning during cooking

Season and Skewer the Chicken:

Mix paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a small bowl
Cut the chicken into even pieces about three inches long for uniform cooking
Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and spice mix ensuring every piece is coated well
Carefully thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto each skewer packing them snugly together without space this locks in juiciness if your skewers are too long for your air fryer trim them to fit after adding chicken

Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

Combine butter and minced garlic in a microwave-safe bowl heat until the butter is partially melted by microwaving in short bursts stir in red pepper flakes hot sauce minced parsley and grated parmesan whisk well if the sauce looks separated add a bit of softened butter and stir to bring it together again

Divide the Sauce:

Set aside one third of the garlic parmesan sauce in a clean bowl for basting cooked chicken reserve the rest for basting during cooking to avoid cross contamination wash your basting brush between each use

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Add two to three skewers to your air fryer basket keep them spaced for air flow set temperature to four hundred degrees cook for five minutes remove and flip each skewer bast with the garlic sauce return and cook for two minutes on the second side

Finish Cooking:

Flip the skewers back over bast again with sauce and continue cooking for another five to six minutes check for doneness with a thermometer aiming for an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees total cooking time will depend on your air fryer and skewer thickness

Final Baste and Serve:

Brush finished skewers with the reserved clean garlic parmesan sauce sprinkle with extra parmesan and chopped parsley slide right onto a plate and serve hot

Save

My favorite part is the way fresh garlic caramelizes in the butter creating little golden bits that coat every piece of chicken I will never forget how my kids licked the leftover sauce from the bowl before I even did the dishes

Storage Tips

Let skewers cool to room temperature before refrigerating Store in an airtight container up to three days Reheat in the air fryer or oven for crisp edges and juicy centers For longer storage wrap tightly and freeze for up to three months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you love extra heat try swapping some hot sauce for buffalo sauce For a milder dish use half the red pepper flakes Dairy free butter and vegan parmesan can be used to make the skewers lactose friendly If you are out of fresh parsley a sprinkle of dried parsley works in a pinch

Serving Suggestions

Pile skewers over fluffy steamed rice and scatter with leftover sauce Add a side of roasted broccoli or a crisp salad Serve as a fun party starter with dipping sauce at your next backyard barbecue or game night

Cultural Context

Chicken skewers are found in many cuisines worldwide from Indonesian satay to Mediterranean souvlaki The garlic parmesan twist brings an Italian American comfort angle that fits any season or table Bringing them indoors with the air fryer means you can savor those barbecue vibes all year

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, chicken tenders, thighs, or breast can all be used. Thighs provide the juiciest result, but all cuts will work well if cut into uniform pieces.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before assembling to help protect them from burning during cooking.

→ Is the garlic parmesan butter sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild heat from hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantities to your spice preference.

→ Can I make these chicken skewers in the oven or on a grill?

Absolutely. The oven and grill methods yield excellent flavor. Follow oven instructions for a crispy finish or grill for a smoky touch.

→ What are good side dishes for serving?

Serve over rice and vegetables, or pair with a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or warm pita for a complete meal.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.