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Flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Category: Dinner Solutions You'll Love

If you're looking for a fast weeknight meal, these chicken skewers coated in parmesan and garlic butter are for you. They're cooked to a golden finish in the air fryer, juicy and loaded with flavor.

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By Sophie Parker Sophie Parker
Updated on Sat, 01 Mar 2025 23:51:34 GMT
Herb-topped chicken skewers on a plate, served with a green dipping sauce on the side. Save
Herb-topped chicken skewers on a plate, served with a green dipping sauce on the side. | tastybysophie.com

These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a weeknight dinner miracle. The tender, marinated chicken pieces develop an irresistible golden crust while staying perfectly juicy inside. The savory garlic-parmesan coating creates an amazing aroma that fills the kitchen as they cook.

What Makes These Skewers Special

The chicken skewers come out exceptionally tender with a beautiful golden exterior every time. They're elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for casual family dinners. The garlic parmesan flavors develop beautifully in the air fryer for restaurant-quality results at home.

Essential Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs for optimal tenderness
  • Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper
  • Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin olive oil
  • Garlic Butter Sauce: Butter, fresh garlic, grated parmesan, lemon juice, red pepper flakes
  • Wooden Skewers: Pre-soaked to prevent burning

Preparing the Chicken

Creating the Marinade
Combine olive oil with seasonings and a touch of hot sauce in a large bowl. This flavor base is essential for properly seasoned chicken.
Skewer Assembly
Thread marinated chicken pieces closely together on soaked skewers to maintain moisture during cooking.

The Signature Sauce

Starting the Base
Melt butter slowly until golden, then infuse with minced garlic and chili flakes.
Finishing Touches
Remove from heat before stirring in fresh parmesan, lemon juice, and chopped parsley.
Grilled chicken skewers garnished with herbs and cheese, served on a plate next to a small bowl of sauce. Save
Grilled chicken skewers garnished with herbs and cheese, served on a plate next to a small bowl of sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Air Fryer Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Space skewers evenly in the basket for proper air circulation. Cook for 6 minutes, flip and baste with sauce, then cook another 6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Ideal Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp garden salad, creamy garlic mashed potatoes, or traditional coleslaw. For a complete meal, pair with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Storage Guidelines

Store cooled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F to restore the crispy exterior.

Recipe Variations

Substitute chicken breast for a leaner option. Experiment with Italian seasoning blends or adjust the heat level with additional chili flakes. The base recipe adapts well to personal taste preferences.

Preparation Tips

Marinate chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. Prepare sauce in advance and store refrigerated. Allow ingredients to reach room temperature before cooking for best results.

A plate of grilled chicken skewers topped with herbs and grated cheese, accompanied by a small bowl of sauce in the background. Save
A plate of grilled chicken skewers topped with herbs and grated cheese, accompanied by a small bowl of sauce in the background. | tastybysophie.com

Alternative Cooking Methods

Bake in a conventional oven at 400°F for approximately 18 minutes, flipping halfway. Finish under the broiler for extra crispiness if desired.

Technical Notes

Metal skewers are compatible with air fryer cooking. For best reheating results, use the air fryer method. Grilling provides excellent results with proper temperature monitoring.

Wooden Skewer Preparation

Soak wooden skewers in water for 20 minutes before use. This essential step prevents burning regardless of cooking method chosen.

Sauce Applications

The versatile garlic parmesan sauce enhances roasted vegetables, pasta dishes, and grilled fish. It also serves as an excellent flavor boost for plain rice or bread.

Beverage Suggestions

Serve with a chilled Pinot Grigio or fresh homemade lemonade. The skewers pair particularly well with light pasta dishes and garlic bread for a complete meal.

Grilled chicken skewers topped with garlic and herbs are arranged on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of green sauce. Save
Grilled chicken skewers topped with garlic and herbs are arranged on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of green sauce. | tastybysophie.com

Dietary Considerations

This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Verify ingredient labels for seasonings and cheese to ensure compliance with dietary restrictions.

Make-Ahead Options

Prepare a double batch for convenient meal planning. Freeze portions properly and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Moisture Control

Monitor cooking time carefully and use sauce for basting to maintain optimal juiciness. Remove from heat precisely when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Leftovers Guide

Transform leftover chicken into flavorful lunch bowls, salads, or wraps. The developed flavors enhance next-day preparations.

Recipe Overview

These garlic parmesan chicken skewers represent the perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. Their versatility makes them suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions, while their consistent results ensure success every time.

Grilled chicken skewers are garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, served on a light-colored plate. Save
Grilled chicken skewers are garnished with chopped parsley and grated cheese, served on a light-colored plate. | tastybysophie.com

Wrapping Up

If you're looking for a fast weeknight meal, these chicken skewers coated in parmesan and garlic butter are for you. They're cooked to a golden finish in the air fryer, juicy and loaded with flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?

Sure! You can let the chicken marinate the night before. But for the tastiest results, cook them fresh. Reheating could dry them out.

→ What can I do if I don't own an air fryer?

No worries! Bake them in the oven at 450°F for 14 minutes, turning halfway. Or grill on medium-high heat, cooking each side for 5–6 minutes.

→ How long does the cooked chicken stay fresh?

Store it in an airtight container in your fridge, and it'll be good for about 3–4 days.

→ Why should I soak wooden skewers in water?

Soaking stops them from catching fire when cooking. Make sure to soak them at least 30 minutes before use, no matter how you're cooking the skewers.

→ What's the advantage of using chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Chicken thighs are juicier and carry more flavor, and they can handle a little overcooking compared to breasts. They're perfect for recipes like these skewers.

Garlic Chicken Skewers

Tasty and juicy chicken skewers tossed in garlic butter with parmesan, cooked fast in an air fryer. A crowd-pleaser ready in fewer than 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
14 min
Total Time
24 min
By Sophie Parker: Sophie Parker

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (12 skewers)

Dietary Preferences: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 lbs of skinless, boneless chicken thighs, diced into chunks about 3 inches in size.
02 2 tbsp of your favorite extra virgin olive oil.
03 1 teaspoon each of onion powder and garlic powder.
04 2 tsp of paprika for a smoky kick.
05 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and sea salt.
06 A splash (1 tsp) of green Tabasco sauce for some heat.
07 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter.
08 1/3 tsp of red chili flakes for a touch of spiciness.
09 1/2 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese.
10 10 cloves of garlic, minced finely.
11 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
12 1/3 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped.

Steps

Step 01

To stop them from burning, let your wooden skewers soak in water for half an hour.

Step 02

In a bowl, mix the olive oil with your seasonings. Toss the chicken chunks in and coat them thoroughly.

Step 03

Thread your chicken pieces onto the skewers, packing them close together to stay juicy. Trim any extra skewer length if they don't fit your air fryer.

Step 04

Melt butter on low heat, then cook the minced garlic and chili flakes till fragrant. Let it cool a little, then stir in the parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley.

Step 05

Cook at 400°F in your air fryer for 6 or 7 minutes, then flip. Brush on the sauce, and air fry another 6-7 minutes until the chicken's center gets to 165°F.

Step 06

Brush the cooked skewers with any leftover sauce, making sure it’s clean, and sprinkle with extra parmesan before serving.

Notes

  1. If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the chicken a day before, but it cooks best fresh.
  2. You can also grill these over medium-high heat or roast them in the oven at 450°F.
  3. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Required Tools

  • An air fryer.
  • Wooden skewers.
  • A small pot or pan for the sauce.

Allergy Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Includes dairy—parmesan cheese and butter.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

These details are provided for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 407
  • Fats: 28 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Proteins: 31 g