Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delightful treat that combines comfort food with a burst of flavor. Picture this: tender chicken thighs marinated in a savory garlic parmesan sauce, cooked to crispy perfection. You won’t just be cooking; you’ll be creating a moment of happiness, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner with loved ones or a lively backyard barbecue. These skewers are simple to make yet stunningly impressive. The aroma of garlic mingling with buttery parmesan will have everyone gathering around the grill or air fryer, eagerly awaiting the first bite. So roll up your sleeves, grab a few ingredients, and let’s bring a touch of magic to your kitchen with these mouthwatering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
Jump to:
- Why This Recipe Works
- Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Ingredients
- Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- Assembling the Chicken Skewers
- Basting the Skewers with Butter Sauce
- Air Frying the Chicken Skewers
- Serving Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
- Variations
- Storage Tips
- FAQs
- More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why This Recipe Works
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers create a perfect symphony of flavors with juicy chicken thigh meat, enhanced by a delectable garlic parmesan butter sauce. The air frying method guarantees a crispy exterior while preserving juiciness, making them an irresistible option for any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
This recipe beautifully marries the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan with succulent chicken. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, these skewers are perfect for both casual family meals and entertaining guests. The vibrant touch of fresh parsley and zesty lemon elevates the dish, ensuring it becomes a repeat favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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
Preparing the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Start by melting the butter in a medium-sized bowl. Once melted, add in the grated garlic, finely grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir until everything is well combined. Note that the butter may firm up while you prepare the skewers, but that’s perfectly fine. The cool butter still holds great flavor.
Assembling the Chicken Skewers
To make sure your skewers fit perfectly in the air fryer, trim the wooden skewers as needed. Thread 6-7 pieces of the boneless chicken thigh strips onto each skewer until you’ve used all the chicken. Season each skewer generously with salt and pepper. This seasoning step enhances the overall flavor, bringing out the deliciousness of the chicken.
Basting the Skewers with Butter Sauce
With a basting brush, generously coat all sides of each skewer with the prepared garlic parmesan butter sauce. This crucial step will infuse the skewers with flavor while they cook, ensuring each bite bursts with that savory garlic and parmesan goodness.
Air Frying the Chicken Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Once ready, place the prepared chicken skewers inside, being careful not to overcrowd them. Cook for 5 minutes. After this first interval, baste the skewers again with more garlic parmesan butter, and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Repeat the basting and cooking process one last time for a total of 15 minutes, until the chicken becomes golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen will smell unbelievable!
Serving Your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Once cooked, take those delicious skewers out of the air fryer and pour any remaining garlic parmesan butter from the bottom over the skewers. This extra burst of flavor takes your dish to the next level. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and serve alongside lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty finish that brightens the whole meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with a fresh green salad.
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables or a Mediterranean quinoa salad.
- Great with a side of garlic bread or classic pasta dishes.
Tips for Success
- Ensure your chicken thighs are evenly cut to promote uniform cooking.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, grilling these skewers can add extra smokiness and a charming char.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference for a custom kick.
Variations
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast for a leaner option, keeping an eye on cooking time to prevent dryness.
- For a zesty twist, adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the butter sauce gives a lovely depth of flavor.
- Feel free to swap out fresh parsley with other herbs like basil or cilantro for a refreshing flavor profile change.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, use the air fryer or oven to restore that elusive crispiness before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but remember they may dry out more easily, so you might need to adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. How long can I store leftover skewers?
Leftover skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the skewers ahead of time and refrigerate them before cooking to save some time.
4. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or large mushrooms to craft a delicious vegetarian option.
5. How do I know when the skewers are cooked through?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are sure to impress, combining rich flavors with satisfying bites. Whether hosting a barbecue or enjoying a quiet night in, these skewers will tantalize taste buds and evoke culinary satisfaction. Don’t forget the garlic parmesan butter—it’s the star of the show, perfect for dipping and drizzling! Enjoy every scrumptious mouthful!
More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with bold flavor and are incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for both casual dinners and festive gatherings, they feature succulent chicken thighs coated in a rich garlic parmesan butter sauce, ensuring every bite is bursting with taste.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
Instructions
- Melt the butter and mix in garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Prepare skewers by threading chicken thigh strips and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Baste skewers with garlic parmesan butter sauce on all sides.
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F and cook skewers for 15 minutes, basting every 5 minutes.
- Serve with remaining butter sauce poured over and garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
Ensure even cutting of chicken for uniform cooking.
You can grill the skewers for a smokier flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg