Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made with tender chicken, butter, Parmesan cheese, garlic & simple seasonings cooked in under 20 minutes in an air fryer or on the grill!
The key to this dish is brushing the chicken with a garlic parm sauce made from melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder, which adds a rich, cheesy finish. This combination turns basic chicken pieces into a delicious meal with minimal effort!
Highlights of this Chicken Skewer Recipe
- Using an air fryer makes cooking quick and easy. The chicken cooks evenly and gets a slight crisp without needing much oil.
- The parmesan butter is a main component. It provides a rich, savory coating that enhances every bite perfectly.
- The recipe is straightforward, with a total marination time as short as 15 minutes but flexible enough for longer resting.
Parmesan Chicken Skewer Ingredients
Chicken: For the main protein, you need 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Oil: Coat the chicken with olive oil to marinade it.
Seasonings: Use 1 tsp of EACH smoked paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, and garlic powder.
Skewers: You’ll need 8 bamboo skewers for this recipe.
Parmesan Butter Ingredients
Butter: Using ¼ cup of salted butter will make plenty of sauce to coat the chicken with.
Cheese: Adding grated parmesan cheese to the butter mixture gives it amazing taste.
Garlic powder: Season the butter with ½ tsp of garlic powder.
Essential Steps for making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Marinating the Chicken: It’s important to toss the chicken thoroughly so all pieces are evenly coated. Covering the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerating for at least 15 minutes lets the flavors develop. Marinating for up to 3 hours is best for deeper seasoning without softening the meat too much. Avoid marinating longer to keep texture firm.
- Adjust skewer size as needed: Make sure your skewers will fit into your air fryer. You may need to cut them or break them in half depending on what size skewers you can find and the size of your air fryer basket.
- Choosing your cheese: You can use store-bought grated parmesan cheese (that is what we used) or freshly grated cheese for this recipe. If you are going to use freshly grated cheese then make sure you use the finest cheese grater you have so that it coats the chicken evenly.
What other cooking method can be used for this recipe?
Chicken skewers can be grilled in a similar manner for 12-15 minutes, just be sure to turn at least once, halfway through cooking.
How long are garlic butter chicken skewers good for?
Your garlic parmesan chicken skewers are going to be best served fresh. However, any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat 1-2 skewers in the microwave for about 40 seconds, or until hot.
Leftover chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 3 months as well. To freeze, ensure they’re cooled completely, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewer Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Parmesan Butter Ingredients
- ¼ cup salted butter
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Dice your chicken into about 1-inch pieces. Add the chicken to a bowl along with the olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon pepper seasoning, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Give the chicken a quick toss, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes or up to 3 hours.
- Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes at 360°F. While the air fryer is preheating, add 4-5 pieces of chicken to each skewer. Set aside.
- Melt your butter in a small bowl for about 45 seconds. Stir in the parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Brush your chicken skewers with the butter mixture and then place them in the air fryer in 2 batches, to avoid crowding. Cook for 6 minutes, brush the chicken with more butter, and then cook for another 6 minutes.
- Brush your chicken one more time as it comes out of the air fryer. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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What pairs well with parmesan chicken skewers?
These chicken skewers can be served as an entree or a side. They are great served on top of a bed of white rice or with a side of air fried veggies. They also go great with sides like roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, and baked sweet potatoes.
Do I have to turn my chicken oven while cooking in the air fryers?
Because the air fryer is going to continually circulate hot air around the chicken there is no need to rotate them as they cook. I do like to cook these skewers in two batches so the air fryer doesn’t become too crowded.
What can I substitute for olive oil when making the skewers?
They can use avocado oil or vegetable oil as alternatives. These oils have a mild flavor and high smoke points. Try to avoid heavy oils like coconut oil, which can overpower the other flavors.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they cook faster and can dry out more easily. The cooking time in the air fryer should be reduced slightly to avoid toughness.
Enjoy these Parmesan Garlic flavors? Find more recipes here:
- Made with only 6 ingredients, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta comes together fast and makes a great weeknight meal.
- Enjoy these Parmesan Garlic Dinner Rolls alongside any main dish, they pair well with anything and taste incredible.
- Another flavorful dinner is our recipe for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta. It does not disappoint!
Chicken Skewers are a fantastic dinner! More kabob recipes here:
- These BBQ Chicken Kabobs are perfect for your next BBQ with friends or family!
- Try our Ranch Chicken kabobs recipe. Made with basic ingredients but the results are anything but basic!
- One of my favorite dishes is this Honey Chicken Kabobs. The flavors are amazing, these are delicious and oh so satisfying.
- Fajita Chicken Kabobs are a fun variation on traditional chicken fajitas and loaded with flavor!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers made with minimal ingredients and cooked in under 30 minutes. The combination of rich butter, savory garlic, and nutty parmesan turns basic chicken into a delicious meal in no time!
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