Juicy Garlic Parmesan Skewers

These juicy garlic parmesan chicken skewers have become my go-to recipe whenever I need to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken bathed in a rich, garlicky parmesan butter sauce creates an explosion of flavors that's impossible to resist.

I first made these skewers for a last-minute backyard gathering, and they disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Now my family requests them at least twice a month, claiming they're better than any restaurant version they've tried.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders, thighs or breast. Thighs offer more flavor and juiciness, while breast meat provides a leaner option. Choose what matches your preference.
• Olive oil. Creates a base for the seasonings to adhere to the chicken and helps promote browning.
• Butter. Forms the luxurious base of the sauce. Use unsalted to control sodium levels.
• Garlic. The star ingredient that infuses the entire dish. Look for firm cloves without any green sprouts.
• Parmesan cheese. Adds nutty richness to the sauce. Freshly grated works best for melting and flavor.
• Hot sauce. Provides subtle heat that balances the richness. Adjust according to your spice preference.
• Red pepper flakes. Offers visible heat cues and a slightly different spicy note than the hot sauce.
• Fresh parsley. Brings brightness and color to cut through the rich butter sauce.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. This seasoning blend creates depth without overpowering the garlic parmesan sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep Work

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Mix chicken seasonings in a small bowl. Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces, place in a large bowl, and toss with olive oil and spice mixture until evenly coated.

Skewer the Chicken

Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them tightly together with no space between pieces. This tight arrangement is crucial for maintaining moisture. If needed, trim skewers to fit your air fryer.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Combine butter and garlic in a microwave-safe bowl and heat until partially melted. Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan, then whisk until smooth. The sauce might separate, if it does, add 1-2 tablespoons of softened butter and stir to bring it back together.

Divide the Sauce

Separate about one-third of the sauce for initial basting. Reserve the remaining sauce for the final touches to avoid cross-contamination. Always wash your basting brush between applications.

Air Fry the Skewers

Cook 2-3 skewers at a time at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with sauce, and cook 2 more minutes. Flip again, apply more sauce, and cook another 5-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model.

Final Touches

Brush cooked skewers with the reserved clean sauce and sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese before serving. This final basting adds an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

Bookmark

The garlic parmesan sauce is what makes this recipe truly special. I discovered its magic when I accidentally doubled the garlic in a similar recipe, and my family unanimously declared it was the best version they had ever tasted. Sometimes the best kitchen discoveries come from happy accidents.

Alternative Cooking Methods

If you dont have an air fryer, these skewers shine just as brilliantly in a conventional oven or on the grill. For oven preparation, preheat to 450°F and place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting multiple times. Finish with a 2-minute broil for golden-brown perfection. For grilling, cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting frequently with the butter sauce.

Storage and Reheating

These skewers maintain their deliciousness for up to three days when stored properly. Place cooled skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best results when reheating, wrap loosely in foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating, which can make the chicken rubbery. I recommend making extra sauce to refresh the skewers when reheating for maximum flavor.

Serving Suggestions

While these skewers make an outstanding appetizer on their own, they transform into a complete meal when served over a bed of garlic butter rice or alongside roasted vegetables. For a Mediterranean-inspired feast, pair with a Greek salad and warm pita bread. My family loves them served with lemon wedges for squeezing over the top right before eating, as the citrus brightens all the rich flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

You can prepare these skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Marinate the seasoned chicken pieces in the refrigerator, then skewer just before cooking. The garlic parmesan sauce can also be made ahead and refrigerated. Just warm it gently before using. This advance preparation makes these skewers perfect for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute cooking stress.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use different cuts of chicken for these skewers?

Yes, you can use chicken tenders, thighs, or breast meat for these skewers. Each cut will provide slightly different results - thighs tend to be juicier while breast meat is leaner. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized pieces (about 3 inches) for even cooking.

→ Why should I pack the chicken tightly on the skewers?

Packing the chicken pieces tightly with no space between them is crucial for maintaining moisture. This technique prevents the chicken from drying out during cooking by minimizing the surface area exposed to direct heat.

→ What's the purpose of dividing the garlic parmesan butter sauce?

The sauce is divided to prevent cross-contamination. You use 1/3 of the sauce for basting during cooking when the chicken is still raw or partially cooked, and reserve the remaining 2/3 for final basting once the chicken is fully cooked. Always wash your basting brush between applications.

→ How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

The chicken skewers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time in an air fryer is typically 12-14 minutes, but this can vary depending on your specific appliance and the size of your chicken pieces.

→ Why does my garlic parmesan butter sauce sometimes separate?

The sauce can separate due to temperature differences between ingredients or overheating. If this happens, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of softened (not melted) butter and stir vigorously to re-emulsify the sauce back together.

→ Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken and prepare the garlic parmesan sauce up to 24 hours in advance. However, for best results, it's recommended to skewer and cook the chicken just before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.