Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

If you’re looking for a taste-packed dish that’s easy to whip up any night of the week, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a real winner. I first tried it on a whim for a backyard barbecue, and it quickly became a staple in my rotation. The combination of garlicky, buttery Parmesan goodness clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces, and the skewers make it so fun to eat—whether you’re serving it family style or impressing friends.

What makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe truly special is its versatility. You can marinate it for just 20 minutes if you’re in a pinch or let the flavors meld for hours if you have time. Plus, these skewers cook beautifully in an air fryer or on the grill, making them a perfect option year-round. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll want to make them again and again.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe plays its part to build layers of flavor and juicy texture. Picking quality chicken and fresh garlic really elevates the outcome, and the mayo-based marinade keeps the meat tender without weighing it down.

• Chicken thighs or tenders: I prefer thighs here for juiciness and tenderness, but tenders work well if you want leaner meat.
• Seasoning salt: It adds a savory baseline—Lowry’s is a good brand I trust for consistent flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Sounds unusual, but it helps keep the chicken extra moist and holds the seasoning perfectly.
• Grated Parmesan: This is the star aromatic—adds cheesy richness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
• Garlic powder: Works alongside fresh garlic in the butter sauce to layer that addictive garlicky depth.
• Butter: Softened butter forms the base of the compound butter, enriching the dish with creamy goodness.
• Fresh garlic: Pressed or minced, it infuses the butter with sharp, bright garlic flavor.
• Fresh parsley: Adds freshness and a pretty pop of color on the finished skewers.
• Chili crunch or chili crisp: I love the hint of heat and crunch it brings—optional but highly recommended.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness beautifully.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I enjoy most about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to adjust. Whether you want more heat, fresh herbs, or even a tangier profile, this recipe is a great blank canvas that you can tailor with just a few tweaks.

• Variation: I’ve recently added smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch, which was a big hit with my family. Try swapping chili crunch for smoked chipotle flakes if you want something different.
• Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free twist, use olive oil instead of butter and nutritional yeast in place of parmesan.
• Fresh herbs: Basil or thyme can be swapped in for parsley if you want to experiment with different fresh flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the chicken with seasoning magic

Start by cutting your chicken thighs or tenders into roughly 1-inch pieces—bite-sized is best for skewering and uniform cooking. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and garlic powder. The mayo may feel unusual, but it’s key for tender, juicy meat. Mix until every piece is coated well. Cover and let it sit in the fridge at least 20 minutes, but I prefer letting it marinate for up to 16 hours to deepen the flavor. Just trust me on this—your patience pays off!

Step 2: Whip up the garlic parmesan compound butter

While the chicken marinates, get started on your compound butter. Combine softened butter, minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, chili crunch, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Use a fork to mash and mix until you get a creamy, spreadable mixture. Pop it in the microwave for just 5 seconds if it feels a little too firm—this makes it easier to baste later without melting it completely.

Step 3: Thread and cook the skewers

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, metal or wooden (if wooden, soak them in water for 30 minutes first!). I usually fit about 5-6 pieces per skewer so they cook evenly. Now, preheat your air fryer to 400ºF or get your grill going on medium-high heat. Cook 4-7 skewers at a time, being careful not to overcrowd. Air fry the chicken for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3. I always use a meat thermometer here—the chicken should reach around 150ºF before the basting step.

Step 4: Baste for that extra flavor boost

Brush the compound butter all over the chicken skewers, then cook for an additional minute on that side. Flip and baste the other side, cooking for about 30–40 seconds more. This final step seals in all the flavors and crisps up the edges a little. The chicken is perfectly cooked when the internal temp hits 165ºF—definitely check this to avoid dry or undercooked bites!

Step 5: Serve and enjoy!

Pull your skewers off the heat, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and parsley, and serve them warm. These are incredible with something fresh or creamy on the side, and the best part is they’re easy finger food. Seriously, this dish gets rave reviews every time I bring it out.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish these skewers with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and plenty of chopped parsley—it’s such a simple touch but adds freshness and a lovely presentation. Sometimes, I’ll add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving for a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair beautifully with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or some buttery garlic mashed potatoes. If you want to keep things light, grilled zucchini or a quinoa salad works great too. I often make a quick side of garlic bread to soak up any leftover butter—highly recommend!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, try serving these skewers over a bed of creamy polenta with a drizzle of the compound butter sauce on top. Another time, I threaded smaller veggie chunks in between chicken pieces for a colorful presentation. They’re also fantastic served family-style on a large platter with lemon wedges around the edges—it makes sharing so much fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually place leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate them right away. They keep well for up to 3 days. When I’m storing them, I make sure to keep any extra compound butter separate and add it fresh when reheating, so the flavors don’t get dull.

Freezing

If I have a bigger batch, I sometimes freeze the cooked skewers (without the butter sauce) in a single layer on parchment paper first, then transfer to freezer bags. They stay good for about 2 months. When you want to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a 350ºF oven for about 8-10 minutes to keep the chicken juicy. Then I slather on fresh compound butter right before serving to bring back that garlicky richness. The air fryer also works well for reheating if you want a little crisp on the outside.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a delicious, no-fuss way to turn chicken into something truly memorable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a quick dinner, it’s guaranteed to please. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Go ahead, give it a try, and make it your own!

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