Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to make but bursting with rich flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are just the thing. Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken pieces are cooked to perfection and coated in a savory garlic and parmesan butter that will have everyone reaching for seconds. 

A Recipe that the Whole Family Will Love

I love a good chicken recipe, especially when it’s packed with tons of flavor! This recipe for garlic parmesan chicken skewers is one that my whole family loves. At first glance, this recipe might seem complicated or time consuming- but it couldn’t be easier!

I have directions listed below for three different cooking methods that you can follow. I prefer to cook these in the air fryer. Using the air fryer gets these chicken parmesan chicken skewers nice and crispy on the outside and leaves you with a juicy, tender inside.

You’ll Love it Because:

• Big on Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates a bold, savory coating that everyone loves.
• Versatile: Great for grilling, baking, or even cooking in an air fryer.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From family dinners to backyard parties, these skewers are always a hit.

What you’ll Need

You will need the following ingredients:

The full ingredient list is available at the bottom of this post on the recipe card.

• Chicken- boneless chicken thighs work best for this recipe.
• Mayonnaise- any mayonnaise will do. I use and test recipes with mayonnaise that is made with avocado oil.
• Lemon Juice- freshly squeezed or bottled works just fine.
• Parsley- this recipe uses fresh parsley, but feel free to substitute it for dried parsley.
• Garlic- fresh minced garlic or jarred garlic. 
• Parmesan Cheese- this is where I don’t recommend substituting! Freshly grated parmesan from the block works best, but substitute if you must. 
• Butter- unsalted butter
• Spices- smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and lemon pepper seasoning

Tools and Supplies Needed:

• Bamboo Skewers (wooden skewers) or Metal Skewers- I like to use these short wooden skewers, especially when cooking these in the air fryer. 
• Large Mixing Bowl– a bowl with a lid if you have it. If not, you’ll need plastic wrap or something to cover it while it marinates.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Small Saucepan- for making the butter mixture.
• Whisk– for whisking the marinade.
• Knife and Cutting Board
• Pastry Brush– for basting the chicken skewers with the butter sauce.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces. It’s important to cut the pieces all to the same size, so that they all cook evenly. 

Make the Chicken Marinade

Grab a large bowl and add the mayonnaise, lemon pepper seasoning, smoked paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Whisk together until combined. 

Add in the chicken chunks. Mix the chicken and the marinade together until all of the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably for 2 hours.

While the chicken is marinating, go ahead and soak the wooden skewers (if using) in water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking. This helps prevent them from burning during cooking.

Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Sauce

In a small sauce pan, melt butter over medium heat.

Add in the lemon pepper seasoning, minced garlic, parsley, lemon juice, and grated parmesan. Stir until combined. Set aside and allow to cool slightly. 

Assemble the Skewers

Thread the chicken chunks on to the prepared skewers, pushing them all together. Center the chicken on the skewer, leaving about an inch from the top and 2 inches from the bottom.

The chicken pieces should fit together tightly. This will help keep them from drying out and allow them to be juicy!

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

I use a 6-qt basket style air fryer.

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Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes. 

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil (I like to use extra-virgin olive oil spray)

Place a few skewers in the basket, being sure not to over-crowd them. I was able to fit 3 in my air fryer comfortably.

Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken skewers halfway through.

The chicken should be cooked through at this point. You’ll want to check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, using a meat thermometer.

Brush the garlic parmesan butter on to the chicken.

Return the basket to the air fryer.

Air fry again for 2 minutes.

Flip the skewers, baste again with the butter, and air fry for 2 more minutes.

Once the skewers are done, brush with additional garlic parmesan butter and sprinkle with additional grated parmesan cheese.

*The chicken should be cooked through by the point in the recipe when you start basting it with the butter mixture. There shouldn’t be any cross contamination with brushing the butter on in this final step.

Oven-baked Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with oil.

Arrange the skewers in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space in between each one.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. Internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F.

Baste the chicken with the garlic parmesan butter and broil on high for 1-2 minutes. Flip and repeat.

Brush the chicken with additional garlic parmesan butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Heat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

Cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip and cook another 5 minutes.

Check the internal temperature to make sure that it has reached 165 degrees F.

During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken with the garlic parmesan butter.

Brush the chicken with additional garlic parmesan butter and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.

FAQ’s

Can I prepare the skewers in advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but you can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. You may need to adjust the cooking time.

What side dishes go well with these skewers?

My favorite sides to pair with garlic parmesan chicken skewers are a crisp Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a light pasta with olive oil and herbs. I also really love to pair these with Smashed Potatoes with Sour Cream Dip!

How can I make these skewers spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

It’s not recommended as raw chicken absorbs the marinade’s flavors better. However, you can brush the garlic Parmesan butter sauce onto pre-cooked chicken and quickly grill or broil it for added flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the skewers?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or red onions pair wonderfully to make chicken kabobs. 

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