Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are my favorite answer when someone asks for a snack that really wows a crowd. The chicken gets wonderfully juicy and soaks up all that buttery garlic flavor while the parmesan crisps up and creates the perfect savory crust. You will love serving these as an appetizer for a game day or as a main with fluffy rice and crunchy veggies when you want dinner on the table fast.

The first time I served these for a family movie night we all ended up eating them right at the kitchen counter sneaking extra sauce on every bite.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders thighs or breast: cut into bite-sized pieces gives you juicy protein and soaks up flavors well. Try to use fresh chicken and trim off any bits you don’t want for the best results
• Olive oil: coats the chicken to help the spices stick and adds richness. Go for extra virgin if you can
• Butter: forms the base of the sauce and brings a silky texture. Using real butter gives the best flavor
• Garlic: fresh and lots of it minced fine so it melts into the sauce and delivers that bold taste
• Parmesan: grated directly from the block or using a microplane results in a rich salty layer. Powdered parmesan will not melt as nicely
• Hot sauce: for a tiny kick. Use your favorite and add more if you want extra heat
• Red pepper flakes: scattered in for a little punch and visual interest
• Fresh parsley: chopped fine to brighten the finished dish and add a pop of color
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper: for seasoning the chicken. Paprika adds color and a hint of warmth so use a fresh jar

Step-by-Step Instructions

Soak Skewers:

Soak any wooden skewers in water for thirty minutes to prevent burning. This step keeps the tips from turning black and makes for safer handling

Season the Chicken:

Combine paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper in a small bowl. Cut chicken into three inch pieces. Toss chicken with olive oil and all the spices until fully coated. This ensures every piece cooks up tasty and flavorful

Thread Chicken onto Skewers:

Pack the seasoned chicken onto the skewers back to back so there are no gaps. The tight packing keeps the chicken moist and helps it cook evenly

Prepare Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

In a microwave safe bowl melt together butter and minced garlic until just softened not browned. Stir in grated parmesan hot sauce red pepper flakes and minced parsley. Whisk together until the mixture is silky. If it splits add a tablespoon of soft butter to bring it back together

Separate Sauce for Safety:

Scoop out one third of the sauce into a separate bowl for basting the raw skewers. Keep the rest back for basting finished skewers to avoid cross contamination

Cook in the Air Fryer:

Arrange two or three skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook at four hundred degrees for five minutes. Flip each skewer basted with the reserved sauce then cook for two more minutes. Flip again add another layer of sauce and cook for five to six more minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the temperature reads one hundred sixty five degrees. This slow basting makes the flavors build up

Finish and Serve:

Baste the hot cooked skewers with the untouched garlic parmesan butter and give them an extra sprinkle of parmesan. Serve right away for best texture

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The parmesan is my absolute favorite part. It melts slightly and clings to the chicken catching in every crevice. The first time my cousin tried them she begged for the sauce recipe and now makes double batches to serve over everything

Storage Tips

Leftover skewers can be removed from the sticks and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm them gently in the microwave or air fryer to keep them moist. The sauce itself can also be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week just give it a good stir before using again

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have fresh parsley swap in basil or chives. For chicken you can use firm tofu for a vegetarian twist. If parmesan is unavailable try grana padano or pecorino for a similar salty bite. You can skip the hot sauce if you want a milder option and add a little lemon juice instead

Serving Suggestions

Pile these chicken skewers on top of a simple salad or rice bowl for a complete meal. They are great with roasted potatoes or grilled veggies too. For parties arrange on a platter with toothpicks and a little bowl of extra sauce for dipping

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Cultural and Historical Context

Chicken skewers are a favorite in many cuisines from satay to shish kebabs and here garlic and parmesan give them an Italian American twist. The garlic butter sauce channels that classic pairing you find on garlic bread but takes it up a notch by basting the meat while it cooks

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep chicken skewers juicy?

Pack the chicken tightly on skewers and baste with garlic parmesan butter during cooking to lock in moisture.

→ Can I use chicken breast or thighs?

Both options work well. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breast provides a leaner texture.

→ Is there a way to cook these without an air fryer?

Yes, these skewers can be prepared in the oven or on the grill for delicious results. Adjust cook times accordingly.

→ What sides pair well with these skewers?

Rice, roasted vegetables, salads, or crusty bread all complement the garlic parmesan flavors.

→ How can I prevent the sauce from separating?

If the butter sauce separates, mix in softened butter to re-emulsify and whisk thoroughly before basting.

→ Should wooden skewers be soaked before cooking?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes prevents charring during cooking.