If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with bold flavors and truly simple to prepare, you’re going to love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of chicken seasoning, glazed with a rich garlic parmesan sauce, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer create an irresistible combination you can whip up in no time. These skewers are not only vibrant in taste but also colorful and perfect for sharing with friends and family, making them a go-to for quick weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting together the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, but don’t underestimate how each element plays an essential role in crafting that flavorful, tender, and satisfying skewer. From the olive oil that keeps the chicken juicy to the freshly grated parmesan that adds a creamy, nutty finish, every component counts.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs if you want extra tenderness and juiciness, breast for a leaner option.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This coats the chicken pieces, helping seasonings stick and locking in moisture during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning: A flavorful mix that brings a wonderful savory punch to the chicken.
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce: The star of the dish, blending garlicky richness with creamy parmesan for that heavenly glaze.
- 6 inch bamboo skewers (16 pieces): These make assembling and air frying quick and easy.
- Optional fresh parsley and grated parmesan: For that pop of color and extra cheesy finish.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces—this size ensures quick and even cooking while keeping each bite tender. Toss the chicken cubes with olive oil first, which not only adds moisture but also helps the chicken seasoning stick perfectly, infusing flavor all around.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread four pieces tightly onto each bamboo skewer. Packing the pieces close together helps the chicken cook evenly and remain juicy. These skewers are just the right size to fit comfortably in most air fryer baskets, making this step a breeze.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken
Arrange the skewers in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes—depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. This high heat crisps the edges just right while keeping the inside juicy.
Step 4: Glaze and Final Cook
Carefully flip the skewers over, then brush the tops with that luscious garlic parmesan sauce. Pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for an additional 2 minutes so the sauce can caramelize slightly, creating a beautiful glossy coating that’s packed with flavor.
Step 5: Serve with Extra Sauce and Garnishes
Remove the skewers and brush with any remaining sauce for an extra layer of deliciousness. Optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a bit of grated parmesan to make every bite irresistibly bright and cheesy.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe, fresh parsley adds a lovely burst of green and freshness that contrasts the rich Parmesan beautifully. A little extra grated parmesan on top brings that extra cheesy hit that chicken lovers will adore, turning simple skewers into a visually stunning and tasty treat.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad or grilled vegetables. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy rice pilaf soak up every bit of the garlic parmesan sauce, making the meal even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your skewers on a rustic wooden platter surrounded by colorful veggies or a little bowl of extra garlic parmesan sauce for dipping. For a party vibe, pass them out as handheld appetizers with cocktail napkins—trust me, they’ll disappear fast!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, simply store the skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining great flavor and texture for an easy next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months, so you’ll always have a handy, quick meal option ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your skewers in the air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through. This keeps the chicken juicy and lets the garlic parmesan sauce refresh its delightful glaze without drying out the meat.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe, offering extra juiciness and tenderness thanks to their higher fat content.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can still make this dish by grilling or baking the skewers. Just cook at 400°F in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, or grill on medium-high heat until cooked through and nicely charred.
Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce from scratch?
Yes! Making your own sauce is a lovely way to customize flavors. Blend garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and a touch of cream or mayonnaise for a creamy, savory sauce that’s perfect for these skewers.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the skewers?
Soak bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This prevents them from burning in the air fryer and helps keep the chicken from sticking to the wood.
Can these skewers be made spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning or mix some hot sauce into your garlic parmesan sauce for an extra kick that balances wonderfully with the creamy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is the kind of dish that becomes an instant favorite, thanks to its easy prep, incredible flavor, and versatility. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or feeding a crowd, these skewers bring together all the rich, comforting elements of garlic and parmesan in a juicy, tender chicken bite. I guarantee once you try these, you’ll have a new star recipe to turn to again and again.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers (serves 16)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or party appetizer. The chicken is seasoned, air-fried to perfection, and coated with a rich garlic parmesan sauce for a savory finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with olive oil, then coat evenly with chicken seasoning. Thread about 4 pieces tightly onto each 6-inch bamboo skewer, making sure they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the chicken skewers: Arrange the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size (a 6-quart fryer fits about 8 skewers at a time).
- Apply garlic parmesan sauce and continue cooking: Carefully open the air fryer, flip the skewers, and brush the chicken with about half of the garlic parmesan sauce. Air fry again at 400°F for 2 more minutes to glaze the chicken.
- Serve: Remove skewers from the air fryer, brush with the remaining sauce for extra flavor, and serve immediately. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for a vibrant, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option if preferred.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning.
- The chicken seasoning can be homemade or store-bought according to taste.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if pieces are larger or smaller than 1 inch.
- For a crispier crust, increase air fryer time by 1-2 minutes but avoid overcooking to maintain moisture.
