Sizzling Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Summer

Smoky aromas of garlic parmesan chicken skewers waft through my kitchen, promising a delightful culinary adventure.

Marinades packed with zesty herbs elevate simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Mediterranean flavors dance across tender meat chunks, creating irresistible bites.

Weeknight dinners deserve something special beyond basic protein options.

Skewers represent an easy pathway to impressive meal preparation without complicated techniques.

Crispy parmesan coating delivers incredible texture and depth of flavor you’ll absolutely adore.

Grilling these succulent morsels guarantees a meal that sparks conversation and satisfaction.

What Makes Garlic Chicken Skewers Work

• Quick and Convenient Cooking: Air fryer method makes preparation a breeze, delivering perfectly cooked, juicy chicken skewers without complicated techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinners, these skewers are guaranteed to impress guests with their bold flavors and attractive presentation.
• Versatile Meal Option: Easily adaptable for different diets, serve these skewers over salad, with rice, or as a standalone appetizer that satisfies both adults and kids.

Ingredients For Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Chicken: Tender white meat perfect for skewers.

• Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken with flavor.
• Mixed Spices: Blend of herbs and seasonings for chicken.

• Butter: Rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds bold, aromatic flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes, Hot Sauce: Brings spicy kick to the dish.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for added brightness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, tangy cheese for depth of flavor.

• Wooden Skewers: For easy grilling and serving.

Cooking Garlic Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Wooden Skewers

Soak wooden skewers in cool water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

This helps keep the skewers from catching fire and ensures even cooking.

Step 2: Season Chicken Chunks

• Olive oil
• Dried herbs
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the chicken thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with seasonings.

Step 3: Create Skewer Kebabs

Thread the seasoned chicken chunks onto the soaked wooden skewers.

Pack the pieces closely together to ensure compact and uniform cooking.

Step 4: Craft Flavor-Packed Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter with fresh minced garlic.

• Red pepper flakes
• Hot sauce
• Chopped fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir until all ingredients are completely combined and create a smooth, aromatic sauce.

Step 5: Air Fry Chicken Skewers

Preheat air fryer to 400°F.

Place skewers in the basket and cook for 5 minutes.

Flip skewers and generously baste with garlic Parmesan sauce.

Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, flipping and basting again.

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove skewers from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes.

Drizzle with any remaining sauce before serving.

Perfect as a main dish or appetizer.

Chicken Skewer Tips To Know

• Always soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken to stop them from catching fire during cooking.
• Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and seasonings beforehand to ensure each bite is packed with delicious garlic and spice notes.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing juicy and fully cooked meat every time.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce in the garlic Parmesan butter sauce to match your personal heat preference, making the dish tailored to your taste buds.
• Consistently baste skewers with the garlic Parmesan sauce during air frying to keep chicken moist and enhance the rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Save And Reheat Chicken Skewers

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm skewers at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual skewers on medium power for 30-45 seconds, drizzling extra garlic Parmesan sauce to restore flavor and prevent toughness.
• Wrap cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags, where they'll stay good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.

Pairings For Chicken Skewers

• Pairing Flavor Boosters for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
• Crisp White Wine Match: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or bright Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich garlic butter sauce, refreshing your palate with each sip.
• Cooling Side Companion: Whip up a cucumber tzatziki or Greek yogurt dip to balance the spicy red pepper flakes and provide a creamy contrast to the skewered chicken's bold flavors.
• Fresh Herb-Infused Rice: Prepare cilantro-lime rice or parsley-studded Mediterranean rice to complement the garlic Parmesan notes and absorb the delicious butter sauce.
• Tangy Green Salad Accent: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to add a peppery, acidic element that enhances the skewers' robust seasoning and provides a clean, bright counterpoint.

Garlic Skewer Twist Options

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace chicken with skinless chicken thighs for higher fat content. Use ghee instead of butter and skip flour-based seasonings. Ensure spices are low-carb.
• Gluten-Free Option: Confirm all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use tamari sauce instead of regular hot sauce. Check Parmesan cheese for potential gluten contamination.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Adaptation: Swap chicken for lamb pieces. Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese. Add oregano and mint to the spice mix. Use olive oil with za'atar seasoning for extra flavor.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or tempeh cubes. Marinate protein in similar seasonings. Grill or air fry until crispy. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for cheesy flavor profile.

FAQs

• What chicken cut works best for these skewers?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They are tender, cook quickly, and absorb seasonings perfectly. Thighs have more fat and flavor, while breasts are leaner and healthier.

• Can I make these skewers on a grill instead of an air fryer?

Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook skewers for 4-5 minutes per side. Baste with garlic Parmesan sauce and ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken must reach 165°F to be safe for consumption. The meat should look white throughout with no pink areas. When you cut into a piece, juices should run clear.

• Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, soaking prevents wooden skewers from burning during cooking. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading chicken. This simple step prevents potential fire hazards and ensures even cooking.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 52 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers deliver Mediterranean charm with zesty herb-infused flavors. Grilled to golden perfection, these juicy skewers promise a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with every tender bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick (113 grams) butter
• 8 to 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
2. Create a flavorful spice blend combining dried herbs, salt, and ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Slice chicken breasts into uniform 3-inch cubes, ensuring consistent cooking and even seasoning.
4. Gently coat chicken pieces with olive oil, thoroughly incorporating the prepared spice mixture.
5. Carefully thread seasoned chicken cubes onto pre-soaked skewers, positioning pieces closely together for optimal grilling.
6. Prepare garlic Parmesan butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
7. Add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and hot sauce to the melting butter, stirring continuously.
8. Incorporate fresh chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking until smooth and well combined.
9. Preheat air fryer to 400°F, creating an ideal cooking environment for crispy chicken skewers.
10. Arrange skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
11. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully flip skewers and generously brush with prepared garlic Parmesan sauce.
12. Continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes, rotating and basting once more until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
13. Remove skewers from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes before threading chicken.
• Achieve maximum flavor by marinating chicken in the olive oil and spice mixture for 15-30 minutes before skewering for deeper seasoning penetration.
• Create uniform cooking by cutting chicken pieces into consistent 3-inch chunks, ensuring even heat distribution and preventing dry or undercooked sections.
• Adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free hot sauce and verifying Parmesan cheese’s gluten-free status before preparation.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 432
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 487 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg