If you are looking for a fantastic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with flavor and easy to prepare, you have to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Tender chicken bites are marinated and seasoned perfectly, then cooked to juicy perfection and coated in a rich, savory garlic parmesan sauce that brings every bite to life. This recipe is a total winner for quick dinners, party appetizers, or even an impressive game-day treat your friends will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, whether it’s adding bold flavor, juicy texture, or that irresistible cheesy finish that makes the skewers unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender, juicy pieces that cook evenly and absorb seasoning well.
- Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken and keeps it moist while cooking.
- Chicken seasoning: A flavorful blend that adds a savory punch; homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Garlic parmesan sauce: The star of the show, this sauce coats the chicken in garlicky, cheesy goodness that you’ll want to savor.
- Bamboo skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together for easy cooking, grilling, or air frying.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Toss these chunks in olive oil to keep them tender and help the seasoning stick. Then, coat them generously with chicken seasoning to give each bite a bold, savory foundation before skewering.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto 6-inch bamboo skewers, packing about 4 pieces per skewer. This tight packing ensures juicy bites and helps the chicken stay together during the cooking process, especially in the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers
Lay your skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook at 400°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway to get an even golden finish. If your air fryer can’t fit all skewers at once, cook in batches to keep that perfect crisp.
Step 4: Add the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked through, flip the skewers and brush them generously with the garlic parmesan sauce. Return them to the air fryer for 2 more minutes at 400°F to let the sauce caramelize slightly and infuse the chicken with that rich, cheesy flavor.
Step 5: Final Touch and Serve
Take the skewers out, brush with the remaining garlic parmesan sauce for maximum flavor punch, and serve immediately. For a fresh pop of color and extra zest, you can garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple touches like freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese add vibrant color and a fresh flavor contrast to the rich sauce, making the skewers even more visually appealing and delicious.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with light sides such as a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or buttery garlic bread. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or a flavorful rice pilaf can complement the bold flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a casual party vibe or arrange them stacked on colorful plates with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara for extra indulgence. You can even turn them into wraps or sliders with fresh pita or burger buns for a fun twist that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or adding to salads throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them into freezer bags or containers. They can be frozen for up to 2 months, ready to be reheated whenever you crave that garlic parmesan goodness.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in an air fryer or oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that crispy exterior. Microwaving is convenient but may result in softer texture, so keep that in mind when choosing your reheating method.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just cut them into uniform pieces and follow the same steps.
Do I need to soak the bamboo skewers before using them?
Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking prevents them from burning in the air fryer or oven, keeping your skewers safe and intact.
Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade garlic parmesan sauce is simple to make with ingredients like butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs. Making it fresh adds an extra layer of freshness and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for grilling instead of air frying?
Yes, you can grill the skewers over medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, then brush on the garlic parmesan sauce and cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce is nicely glazed.
How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
This recipe is generally mild and focuses on savory, cheesy flavors. You can easily add a bit of crushed red pepper or cayenne to the chicken seasoning if you’d like a little kick of heat.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is truly a simple but spectacular way to bring bold flavors and juicy chicken together for an easy meal that feels special. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these skewers never fail to impress and satisfy. I can’t wait for you to try them and make them one of your go-to favorites too!
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
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and flavorful appetizer or main dish, featuring tender chunks of chicken seasoned and air fried to perfection, then brushed with a rich garlic parmesan sauce for an irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning
Sauce
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss them with the olive oil and then coat evenly with the chicken seasoning to ensure flavorful bites.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto 6-inch bamboo skewers, arranging about 4 pieces per skewer to fit your air fryer basket.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the skewers in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. You may need to do this in multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer (6-quart capacities typically fit 8 skewers at once).
- Brush with Sauce and Continue Cooking: Carefully open the air fryer, flip the chicken skewers, and brush the garlic parmesan sauce over them. Return to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F to let the sauce set.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, brush with the remaining garlic parmesan sauce, and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier skewers.
- Use soaked bamboo skewers to prevent burning if your air fryer is very hot.
- Adjust cooking time slightly based on your air fryer model and size of chicken pieces.
- Serve with a side of salad or dipping sauce for a more complete meal.
- Make extra garlic parmesan sauce to keep on hand for dipping or drizzling.
