Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound salted butter, softened; 5 cloves garlic, grated; ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional, for serving; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch strips; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something truly irresistible about the blend of tangy parmesan, fragrant garlic, and juicy grilled chicken all threaded onto a skewer. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe brings all that together with buttery, zesty goodness that’s perfect for any meal or gathering.

The image shows five grilled chicken skewers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has several pieces of golden-brown chicken with crispy edges, sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. There appears to be a light drizzle of seasoning or sauce on the chicken, giving it a glossy look. At the top center of the plate, two lemon wedges are placed close together, adding bright yellow color and freshness to the dish. The chicken pieces are stacked and arranged closely, showing a mix of juicy and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe the first time I whipped it up for a weekend cookout. It's incredibly easy but tastes like you spent hours perfecting it. The combination just hits all the right notes—savory, a touch spicy, and beautifully buttery.

Rich Flavor Profile: Garlic, parmesan, and butter create a deeply savory and indulgent coating that keeps the chicken juicy.
Simple Prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible, even on busy days.
Versatile Cooking Method: Using an air fryer means crispy edges and quick cooking without heating up the whole kitchen.
Fun-to-Eat Presentation: Skewers are perfect for serving at parties, and everyone loves finger foods that pack flavor.

There is a white plate with eight grilled chicken skewers placed close together. Each skewer has many pieces of cooked chicken that look golden brown with charred edges, showing a crispy texture. The chicken pieces have small green herb bits sprinkled all over them, and some white grated cheese or seasoning is also visible on top. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interior are placed on the side of the skewers on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with light brown and tan specks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe balances flavor and texture to give you that crave-worthy bite every time. When shopping, look for high-quality butter and fresh garlic to elevate the taste, and grab good parmesan cheese for the best finish.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, five whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon with a few lemon wedges beside it, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, several raw boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: The base for the garlic parmesan butter sauce, it adds richness and helps carry the flavors throughout.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives an aromatic punch that every bite benefits from.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan melts into the butter mixture and adds a nutty, salty depth.
Lemon (Zest and Juice): Brightens the sauce and balances the richness with zesty acidity.
Salt & Red Pepper Flakes: Essential for seasoning—salt enhances all the flavors, while a pinch of heat from red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal notes as a garnish.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts, these stay tender after cooking and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the chicken seasoning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around quite a bit with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe, especially when I’m short on time or feeding a crowd with varying tastes. The base is flexible and eager to adapt to extra herbs, spice swaps, or even different proteins.

Variation: I’ve swapped chicken thighs for tender chicken breasts when I wanted a leaner option, but keep a close eye on cooking so they don’t dry out.
Spice it Up: Adding smoked paprika or cayenne to the butter gives a smoky warmth that really amps up the flavor.
Herb Boost: Sometimes, I toss in fresh thyme or rosemary to the garlic butter for an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with parmesan.
Nugget Style: You can skip the skewers altogether and make garlic parmesan chicken nuggets—just reduce cooking time and monitor closely to keep them juicy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Parmesan Butter

I start by melting the softened butter gently in a bowl—don’t rush this with too much heat, just low and slow to keep it smooth. Then I grate the garlic fresh (trust me, it makes a huge difference), add the finely shredded parmesan, lemon zest, juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all up well. If it firms up a bit while you're prepping, no worries! Just give it a quick stir before you baste the chicken.

Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken

I trim wooden skewers so they fit nicely into my air fryer. A pair of poultry shears makes quick work of snipping them to length. Then I thread about 6 to 7 pieces of chicken thigh onto each skewer, packing them tight so they cook evenly. Don’t forget a generous sprinkle of salt and black pepper on each skewer—that simple seasoning lets the garlic parmesan butter shine.

Step 3: Air Fry and Baste Like a Pro

Brush the chicken skewers on all sides with that luscious parmesan butter. Place them in the air fryer at 350°F. I cook them in 5-minute increments, brushing more butter in between each session—three rounds total for 15 minutes. This layering keeps the chicken juicy and builds a golden, slightly crispy crust packed with flavor. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook!

Step 4: Finish with the Garlic Parmesan Butter Pool

Once all your skewers are cooked, you’ll notice a delicious pool of buttery garlic parmesan sauce at the bottom of the air fryer. Don’t let that go to waste! Pour that over your skewers, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing. You’re in for a treat.

Top Tip

I've made these skewers dozens of times and learned a few tricks that save time and keep the flavor bursting through every bite.

Trim with Poultry Shears: Instead of struggling with scissors or knives, use poultry shears to quickly trim wooden skewers for your air fryer—it’s safer and cleaner.
Room Temperature Butter: Make sure your butter is nicely softened before melting, so the garlic parmesan sauce blends smoothly and coats the chicken evenly.
Baste in Layers: Don’t just coat once! Basting after each 5-minute cook cycle locks in moisture and builds flavor-packed crispy edges.
Watch Cooking Time: Chicken thighs cook quickly; overcooking leads to dry bites. Keep your air fryer times tight and use a meat thermometer if unsure—165°F is your target.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh parsley sprinkled over the top; it adds a lovely color contrast and a hint of fresh herbaceousness. Lemon wedges are essential—they bring a bright zing that balances the rich butter sauce perfectly. Sometimes, I’ll even shave extra parmesan over the top for that wow factor.

Side Dishes

I usually serve these skewers alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers also pair brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes or a light couscous salad. When I’m feeling indulgent, a side of garlic bread is the absolute best companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love arranging the skewers in a ring around a bowl filled with a creamy dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt, lemon, and herbs. Kids especially enjoy eating these “little sword” skewers, and adults appreciate the beautiful, shareable platter it creates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The chicken stays juicy, and the garlic parmesan flavor deepens overnight, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.

Freezing

These skewers freeze well, too! I lay them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, preventing them from sticking together. When ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the skewers back in the air fryer at 320°F for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through. This helps keep the chicken tender and the outside lightly crisp, avoiding the chewy, dry texture you sometimes get with microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute chicken breasts, but be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces and watch cooking time closely, as breasts tend to dry out faster than thighs. Using an air fryer helps keep them moist.

How do I keep the skewers from drying out in the air fryer?

The key is to brush the skewers with the garlic parmesan butter multiple times during cooking to lock in moisture and create a flavorful crust. Also, avoid overcooking by setting the timer in short increments and checking doneness as you go.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can thread the chicken onto skewers and make the garlic parmesan butter a day in advance. Store both separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and air fry just before serving for maximum freshness.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can grill these skewers or cook them in a hot oven at 400°F, turning occasionally. Just watch closely to prevent overcooking. The air fryer just speeds things up and crisps them up nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become my go-to when I want something flavorful that’s also quick and fuss-free. It brings a touch of elegance to everyday meals and is a real crowd-pleaser when entertaining. I hope you’ll enjoy making and savoring this recipe as much as I do—it’s like a little flavor party on a stick!