If you’re hunting for the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or an easy, flavor-packed dinner, you’re about to meet your new go-to: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These juicy, golden chicken bites come drenched in garlicky parmesan butter and deliver seriously irresistible savory goodness in every single bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The rich parmesan, aromatic garlic, and creamy butter melt together for an unforgettable savory punch with a hint of spice.
- Versatile & Crowd-Pleasing: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers work beautifully as a party snack, weeknight dinner, or even a fun dish for grilling on special occasions.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Everyday staples build layer after layer of flavor—no fancy or hard-to-find items required!
- Air Fryer & Grill Friendly: Cook these skewers indoors or outdoors for juicy, golden chicken every single time—no matter the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how those straightforward, humble ingredients come together to create absolute magic. Each one brings a special something—whether it’s juicy texture, cheesy flavor, or that craveable buttery finish.
- Chicken thighs or tenders: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for ultimate juiciness, but tenders work great in a pinch and cook up quickly too.
- Seasoning salt (like Lawry’s): This adds a perfectly balanced base of salt and savory spices, so your chicken never tastes bland.
- Mayonnaise: The secret moisture-booster that helps your chicken stay tender and adds a little richness.
- Grated parmesan: Gives each bite that signature nutty, salty kick—don’t be shy with it!
- Garlic powder: Lends a mellow, all-over garlicky base before the real garlic turns up in the buttery sauce.
- Butter: Provides luscious flavor and acts as a canvas for garlic, parsley, and chili crunch.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Use freshly minced or pressed garlic for unbeatable aroma and zing in that glorious compound butter.
- Fresh parsley: Adds flecks of green and a fresh, herby note.
- Parmesan Cheese (for the sauce): A little more in the buttery mixture means maximum flavor overload.
- Chili crunch (or chili crisp): This spicy, savory condiment gives just the right amount of heat and crunch—totally addictive!
- Lemon juice: A touch of brightness that balances out the richness of all the cheese and butter.
Variations
Part of the beauty of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is just how easy they are to tailor—whether you’re aiming for extra heat, a gluten-free twist, or simply using what’s already in your pantry. Get creative and make them your own!
- Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp, turkey, or even extra-firm tofu for something different but just as delicious.
- No-Chili Version: Skip the chili crunch if you’re cooking for spice-sensitive eaters, or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a milder heat.
- Herb Upgrade: Fresh basil, chives, or oregano can be mixed in for a different herby spin—totally up to your mood and garden.
- Panko Crust: Roll your skewered chicken in panko before cooking for a crunchier exterior that’s fun and satisfying.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken pieces into a big mixing bowl, then add the seasoning salt, mayonnaise, grated parmesan, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir so the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy, cheesy marinade. Give the marinade at least 20 minutes to work its magic, but if you can, let it chill in the fridge covered for up to 16 hours—trust me, extra time means juicier results!
Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter
While your chicken marinates, mash together the softened butter, fresh garlic, parsley, parmesan cheese, chili crunch, and lemon juice with a fork until well combined. This garlicky, spicy compound butter is where all the dreaminess happens. Give it a quick zap in the microwave—just 5 seconds—so it’s easy to brush on later.
Step 3: Skewer and Preheat
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers, packing them snugly but not too tight (you want a bit of air between pieces for even cooking). While you do this, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF, or fire up your outdoor grill for those classic char marks.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
Arrange 4 to 7 skewers in your air fryer basket or on the grill without overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip the skewers and cook another 3 minutes. The chicken should be golden and nearly cooked through at this point, but keep a thermometer handy to check for doneness.
Step 5: Baste and Finish
When the chicken reaches around 150ºF, brush a generous layer of your garlic parmesan butter over the skewers. Return them to the air fryer or grill, cook for another minute, flip, and baste the other side. Finish with another 30-40 seconds until the chicken hits a safe 165ºF and glistens with buttery goodness.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to a platter, shower with extra parmesan or parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and dig in while they’re hot! Serve with your favorite sides, and watch them disappear in minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- The Marination Secret: For the juiciest chicken bites, marinate overnight if you can—the mayo and parmesan transform plain chicken into flavor-packed perfection.
- Perfect Skewer Spacing: Leave a little room between each chicken chunk on the skewers so hot air circulates for even browning on all sides.
- Baste at the Right Time: Wait until the last couple of minutes to baste with the garlic parmesan butter—this locks in flavor without risking burnt garlic.
- Thermometer Magic: Always use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked, never-dry chicken. Aim for a juicy 165ºF final temp!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Give these skewers the restaurant treatment with an extra sprinkle of grated parmesan and a scattering of fresh parsley right before serving. A quick zest of lemon or a drizzle of chili crunch on the platter sides adds a pop of color and just a little zing.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers shine beside fluffy rice pilaf, garlicky roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For parties, a platter of crunchy vegetables and cool ranch or tzatziki dip round things out nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive party, stand the skewers upright in a glass jar for easy grabbing or lay them on a big rustic board with piles of lemon wedges and extra sauce on the side. For family dinner, serve over a bed of herby couscous for a full-meal presentation that feels extra special with almost no extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll stay fresh and full of flavor for up to 3 days. If you removed the chicken from the skewers, wrap tightly and add a little extra butter before reheating to maintain tenderness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers easily: let them cool, wrap tightly in foil or freezer bags, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place skewers in a 350ºF oven or air fryer for 6-8 minutes until warmed through and sizzling again. Brush on a little extra butter or a fresh squeeze of lemon to revive all those flavors and juices!
FAQs
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Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without an air fryer?
Absolutely! While the air fryer delivers fast, even browning, these skewers cook beautifully on an outdoor grill or in a hot oven (broil or bake at 400ºF on a lined tray, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through).
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How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
The chicken needs at least 20 minutes to soak up those flavors, but if possible, let it marinate for 4-16 hours in the fridge. The longer it sits, the juicier and more flavorful the chicken becomes!
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Can I make these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead for parties?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to a day ahead of time. Cook right before serving for best texture, but even cooked skewers reheat well in the air fryer or oven.
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Is there a substitute for chili crunch if I don’t want it spicy?
Sure! Omit the chili crunch for a no-heat version, or simply add a touch of sweet smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle warmth without overpowering the garlicky-parmesan flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a new surefire hit at your next meal or gathering, trust me—Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers never disappoint. They’re quick, irresistibly tasty, and always fun to eat. Gather up your simple ingredients, give it a try, and enjoy the parade of “what’s your secret?!” compliments heading your way!
