Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for a recipe that brings joy to your table, let me introduce you to my favorite Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. These tender, flavorful bites are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a weekend family gathering. The best part? They’re super easy to whip up using an air fryer! Imagine the aroma of garlic and butter wafting through your kitchen—it’s simply irresistible.

These skewers not only taste amazing but are also wonderfully versatile. You can serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of rice with veggies for a complete meal. Trust me, once you try these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, they’ll become a regular on your menu!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these skewers ready to cook in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the buttery garlic flavor—perfect for picky eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for an even more flavorful experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer or a main course over rice and veggies.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an unforgettable taste that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! With just a few pantry staples and fresh items, you can create this mouthwatering dish. Here’s what you need:

For the Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 stick butter
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add some veggies: Bell peppers and zucchini make great additions to the skewers for extra color and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: If you’re not a fan of parmesan, feta or mozzarella could be delicious alternatives.
• Adjust the spice level: Add more hot sauce or fresh jalapeños for those who like it spicy!

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by combining the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This garlic parmesan sauce is what makes these skewers so special! Whisk everything together until well combined. This step is crucial because it allows all those fantastic flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place your chicken pieces in a large bowl or resealable bag and pour half of the marinade over them. Make sure each piece is coated well! Let it marinate in the refrigerator while you prepare your skewers—about 15-30 minutes is perfect. Marinating enhances the flavor and ensures every bite is juicy.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Thread your marinated chicken onto skewers. If you’re using wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water first to prevent burning! Arrange them nicely on a plate—this step gets everyone excited about dinner!

Step 4: Cook in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Brush them with some of the leftover marinade before cooking—this keeps them moist and packed with flavor. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once they are done cooking, remove them from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are fantastic on their own but also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Now that you’ve mastered this delightful recipe, you can impress friends and family at any gathering with ease! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Making skewers can be a delightful experience, especially when you have a few handy tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time!

• Choose the right chicken: Using chicken tenders or thighs ensures that your skewers remain juicy and tender. Breast meat can dry out quickly, especially when cooked on high heat.

• Marinate for flavor: If you have time, marinating the chicken in olive oil and garlic beforehand allows the flavors to seep in deeply. This enhances the taste of your skewers significantly.

• Skewer efficiently: When assembling your skewers, don’t crowd the chicken pieces too closely. Leaving a little space between them ensures even cooking and allows the garlic parmesan sauce to coat every bite.

• Baste while cooking: Don’t forget to baste your skewers with the garlic parmesan butter during cooking. This helps create a deliciously rich crust and keeps the chicken moist.

• Let them rest: After cooking, let your skewers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Presentation is key when it comes to serving these delicious garlic parmesan chicken skewers. You can elevate your dish with thoughtful garnishes and complementary sides.

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of minced fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows guests to add a zesty kick that pairs beautifully with the rich garlic parmesan flavor.

Side Dishes

• Steamed broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable not only complements the skewers visually but also adds a nutritious element to your meal.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the savory skewers.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances out the garlicky flavors perfectly, making for a satisfying side.
• Mixed greens salad: A simple mixed greens salad with a light dressing offers crunch and freshness that serves as an excellent palate cleanser between bites of rich chicken.

Serve these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with your chosen garnishes and sides for an unforgettable meal that’s sure to impress family and friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare the skewers in advance, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or gatherings. Here’s how to store and save them for later!

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat as needed, ensuring they are heated through before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked skewers to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.
• Ensure they are heated until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries regarding Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works wonderfully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed to avoid overcooking.

How do I make the sauce for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

The sauce is made by combining melted butter with minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, hot sauce, and spices. It’s brushed onto the skewers throughout cooking for maximum flavor!

What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

These skewers pair great with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. They also make an excellent appetizer on their own!

Can I grill these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Yes! While this recipe uses an air fryer, you can grill them over medium heat. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn.

How long can I store leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Leftover skewers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delightful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they’re versatile and easy to prepare ahead of time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these skewers are bound to impress. Happy cooking and bon appétit!