Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is a simple, flavor-packed recipe that delivers bold taste with minimal effort. This dish combines fresh ingredients and an easy cooking method to create a satisfying meal that works for busy days or relaxed dinners. It’s balanced, quick to prepare, and consistently delicious.

This recipe uses everyday ingredients that are easy to find and work well together for a balanced result.

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Chicken Seasonings:
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
  • 1 stick butter
  • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce more if desired
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

You can swap ingredients based on what you have. Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as the main protein. For a healthier option, reduce oil or use olive oil spray. Gluten-free users can choose certified gluten-free sauces. Dairy-free versions work easily by skipping butter or cream-based elements.

1. Prep and Skewer Chicken: Before you start, make sure to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Start by combining your chicken seasoning mixture in a small bowl and set aside. Prep your chicken by cutting in 3″ pieces. Place them in a large bowl or ziptop bag and toss in olive oil and the spices, coating well on all sides. Pack the chicken onto each skewer, making sure they are tightly packed with no space in between to ensure maximum juiciness. If needed, snip the top few inches of the skewers to fit in the air fryer after the chicken is skewered.
2. Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: Add the butter and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until partially melted. Add in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan. Whisk together until combined. (If sauce separates, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and stir to re-emulsify.) Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce and use that for basting the par-cooked chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting the cooked chicken so you don’t cross contaminate. Be sure to wash your basting brush in between.
3. Cook The Chicken (Air Fryer Method): Cook 2-3 skewers at a time. Place in an air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove and flip the skewers, baste with sauce, return to cook an additional 2 minutes at 400 degrees. Flip them back, baste with more sauce and cook another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Total cook time of 12-14 minutes. This time will vary based on your air fryer. Once they are finished cooking, hit them with a final pass of the garlic sauce (the clean reserved sauce) and sprinkle with some extra parmesan and serve.
4. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and cook for 14 minutes, flipping half way through and basting with butter a few times throughout the baking process. Switch the oven to broil and cook an additional 2 minutes so get the tops golden brown. Remove from the oven and baste it one last time with the butter sauce and sprinkle with leftover parmesan.
5. Grill Preparation: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the prepared skewers over direct heat and cook each side for 5-6 minutes each, basting with butter throughout the cooking process. Remove from the grill and baste it one last time with the butter sauce and sprinkle with leftover parmesan.

• Overcooking the protein can make it dry. Cook just until done.
• Skipping seasoning layers leads to bland flavor. Taste as you go.

• Add vegetables like peppers, onions, or broccoli for more texture.
• Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.

• Serve with rice, pasta, or fresh bread.
• Pair with a light salad or roasted vegetables.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat before serving.

How do I store leftovers?

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

This recipe is reliable, quick, and adaptable to different tastes. It’s a great option for everyday cooking and delivers consistent results every time.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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A simple, flavor-packed recipe with bold taste and minimal effort. These garlic parmesan chicken skewers combine fresh ingredients and a quick cooking method for a satisfying, family-friendly meal perfect for busy days.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 25
• Total Time: 40
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
2 tbsp olive oil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

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Instructions

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes
Combine chicken seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper) in a bowl
Cut chicken into 3″ pieces and toss with olive oil and seasoning
Skewer chicken pieces evenly
Grill or pan-sear skewers 4-5 minutes per side until golden
Prepare garlic parmesan butter sauce (melt butter, sauté garlic, add parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and parsley)
Drizzle sauce over skewers before serving

Notes

Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as protein substitutions
Reduce oil or use olive oil spray for lighter version
Choose certified gluten-free sauces for dietary restrictions
Dairy-free option: skip butter and parmesan in sauce