If you’re searching for a weeknight showstopper or the centerpiece for your next gathering, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the answer. These skewers deliver juicy chicken coated in a buttery, garlicky sauce with just the right hit of heat and a savory shower of parmesan cheese. Whether you use the air fryer or fire up the grill, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are as easy as they are irresistible, bringing everyone to the table with their tempting aroma and bold flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Delicious meals start with simple, quality ingredients, and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are no exception. Each element plays a vital role in delivering flavor, from the tender chicken to the zesty garlic and nutty parmesan. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

Chicken (2 lbs tenders, thighs or breast): Choose your favorite cut for texture—thighs offer juiciness, breasts keep it lean, and tenders are super quick-cooking.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps lock in moisture and ensures every chicken piece gets coated in seasoning.
Butter (1 stick): The heart of the rich garlic sauce, adding lusciousness and depth.
Garlic (8-10 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic packs a punch and infuses the sauce with robust flavor.
Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Use a good-quality parmesan for maximum cheesy, salty goodness.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp or more): Brings welcome tang and a gentle kick; adjust to your preferred spice level.
Red pepper flakes (2 tsp): Amp up the excitement with a pinch or two (or more!) for heat lovers.
Fresh parsley (1/3 cup, minced): Gives the skewers a vibrant green color and added freshness.
Paprika (2 tsp): Adds a smoky undertone and a lovely pop of color.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Doubles down on savory flavor.
Onion powder (1 tsp): Rounds out the seasoning blend for even more depth.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
Pepper (1/2 tsp): For a subtle kick and balance.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Soak the Skewers

Before you even touch the chicken, submerge your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step keeps them from burning during cooking and ensures your beautiful skewers stay intact from kitchen to table.

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by combining all your dry seasonings in a small bowl—this makes coating the chicken easy and even. Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces so they cook evenly and stay ultra-juicy. Toss them in a large bowl or zip-top bag with olive oil and the spice mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. A thorough toss transforms plain chicken into the stars of your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Take those well-seasoned chicken pieces and thread them tightly onto the soaked skewers, pressing them close together with no gaps. This method keeps them juicy and makes them look extra tempting—if needed, trim the tips to fit into your air fryer or grill.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and minced garlic, heating until the butter is partially melted. Whisk in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan until the sauce is luscious and smooth—if it separates, just stir in another tablespoon or two of butter. Divide the sauce, setting aside a portion for basting par-cooked chicken, and keep the rest clean for finishing to avoid cross-contamination.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Skewers

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees F and work in batches, placing in 2 or 3 skewers at a time. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, then baste with the reserved sauce for par-cooking. Cook another 2 minutes, then flip back, baste again, and finish cooking another 5-6 minutes or until the chicken temp reads 165 degrees on a thermometer. All together, your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will need about 12-14 minutes in total—watch closely as appliances vary!

Step 6: Add the Final Glaze and Serve

When the skewers are piping hot and perfectly golden, brush them one more time with the reserved, uncontaminated garlic parmesan sauce. Sprinkle with extra parmesan and a little more fresh parsley for a final flourish. Serve right away and prepare for the compliments to roll in!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

For extra wow-factor and flavor, garnish your skewers with a generous sprinkle of grated parmesan, a handful of fresh chopped parsley, and an extra twist of black pepper. A quick squeeze of lemon is a bright finishing touch that makes the savory, cheesy notes really pop.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers happily cozy up to a range of sides. Think crisp green salads, buttery grilled corn, herby rice, or fluffy garlic bread. Even simple steamed veggies feel like a treat alongside these flavorful skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the skewers upright in a mason jar for a playful, party-ready look or fan out over a serving platter lined with greens. For an appetizer spread, remove the chicken from the sticks and pile high on toasted flatbread with a drizzle of any remaining garlic sauce. These skewers are as fun to present as they are to eat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the sauce and extra garnishes separate until ready to serve.

Freezing

If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cooked, cooled chicken off the skewers in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for convenience without sacrificing flavor.

Reheating

For the tastiest results, rewarm chicken in a 350-degree oven or air fryer for about 5-7 minutes, just until heated through. Add a fresh swipe of garlic parmesan sauce and a sprinkle of cheese before serving to revive all those irresistible flavors.

FAQs

Can I grill Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers instead of air frying?

Absolutely! Grill over medium-high heat, turning and basting often, until chicken is cooked through—usually 10 to 12 minutes total. The grill adds a fantastic smoky element that complements the garlic and parmesan beautifully.

Is it better to use chicken breast, thighs, or tenders?

All three work wonderfully; breast meat is leaner and cooks fastest, thighs are moist and forgiving if you’re prone to overcooking, and tenders give a great bite-sized result. You can even mix and match!

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead for parties?

Definitely. Prep and marinate the skewers up to a day ahead, then cook right before serving. The flavors get even better as the chicken soaks up all those garlicky, cheesy notes.

What’s the best way to keep skewers juicy?

Packing the chicken tightly onto the skewers and not overcooking are key for juicy, tender results. A digital thermometer can make all the difference—165 degrees is your magic number for perfectly cooked chicken.

Can I make this dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, swap butter for plant-based margarine and use your favorite vegan parmesan-style cheese. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic with all that garlic and spice in the mix!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after something easy, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers definitely deserve a spot on your table. Whether for a simple dinner or a festive get-together, their savory aroma and gorgeous golden color are bound to win hearts (and taste buds). Give these a try—you’ll be coming back to them again and again!