Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe for Fun Dinners

Sizzling and packed with irresistible garlic parmesan chicken skewers flavor, these juicy kebabs promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces marinate in a blend of zesty seasonings, creating a tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen.

Each skewer delivers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and succulent meat, guaranteed to impress at any gathering.

The combination of rich parmesan and bold garlic ensures every bite bursts with incredible taste.

Grilled to golden perfection, these skewers offer a simple yet elegant dish that takes minimal effort.

Lightweight and protein-packed, these skewers work wonderfully as a main course or appetizer.

Let’s find out this delectable recipe and elevate your grilling game with a crowd-pleasing summer favorite.

Tips for Juicy Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Swap the air fryer for a hot barbecue grill to get beautiful char marks on the chicken, creating an irresistible smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish.
  • Replace chicken with firm tofu, shrimp, or salmon for a delightful twist that keeps the same delicious garlic parmesan coating while offering variety to your meal.
  • Kick up the heat by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the butter mixture, transforming the recipe from mild to wild for those who love a spicy punch.
  • Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano mixed into the butter blend to introduce unexpected depth and freshness to the chicken skewers.
  • Marinate the chicken in the garlic parmesan mixture for 2-4 hours before cooking to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in more intensely seasoned and tender meat.

Serve Parmesan Chicken Skewers at Gatherings

  • Zesty Mediterranean Platter: Arrange skewers on a large wooden board with fresh tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread for a vibrant, restaurant-style presentation that transports your taste buds to Greece.
  • Colorful Summer Salad Companion: Pair skewers with a crisp mixed green salad featuring cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, garlicky chicken flavors.
  • Dipping Delight Station: Create a fun serving option with small ramekins of herb-infused ranch, garlic aioli, and tangy marinara sauce, allowing guests to customize their dipping experience and enjoy extra flavor layers.
  • Hearty Grain Bowl Base: Serve skewers over fluffy quinoa or herbed rice pilaf, topped with chopped fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra butter mixture for a complete, nutritious meal that feels gourmet and satisfying.

Storage Tips for Garlic Chicken Skewers

  • Smart Batch Prep: Marinate chicken chunks in the butter mixture up to 24 hours before cooking, allowing deeper flavor infusion and saving precious weeknight cooking time.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Assemble uncooked skewers with raw chicken, place in freezer-safe bags, and store for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals that need minimal preparation.
  • Leftover Magic: Refrigerate cooked skewers in sealed containers for 3-4 days, and transform them into delicious salad toppers, wrap fillings, or quick protein additions for lunch bowls.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm leftover skewers gently in air fryer at 300°F for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispy exterior and juicy chicken interior, preventing moisture loss and preserving original flavor profile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 7

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Ingredient Rundown

For Flavor Boosters:
  • Garlic: Adds sharp, aromatic depth and creates a robust base for the chicken's seasoning.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, salty complexity and helps create a golden, crispy exterior.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a warm, subtle heat that elevates the overall taste profile.
  • Lemon: Provides bright, tangy notes that cut through richness and enhance freshness.
  • Salt: Balances and intensifies all other flavors in the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Offers a clean, herbaceous finish and adds vibrant green color when sprinkled on top.
For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Thighs: Delivers rich, tender meat with higher fat content for juicier, more flavorful skewers.
  • Black Pepper: Contributes a mild, earthy heat that complements the chicken's natural taste.
For Binding and Moisture:
  • Salted Butter: Creates a luxurious, creamy coating that helps seasonings adhere and keeps chicken moist during cooking.

Tools for Skewering Garlic Parmesan Chicken

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining butter, garlic, parmesan, and seasonings.
  • Measuring spoons: Essential for precise seasoning amounts.
  • Cutting board: Needed for preparing chicken and lemon zest.
  • Sharp knife: Helps cut chicken into even pieces.
  • Wooden skewers: Used to thread and cook chicken pieces.
  • Air fryer: Cooks chicken to crispy perfection at 350°F.
  • Basting brush: Great for coating skewers with butter mixture during cooking.
  • Zester or grater: Helps create fresh lemon zest.
  • Serving platter: Displays finished skewers beautifully.

How to Grill Chicken Skewers with Parmesan Flavor

  • Flavor Fusion

Create a delectable marinade by blending melted butter with minced garlic, grated parmesan, bright citrus notes from lemon, and a sprinkle of aromatic seasonings.

  • Skewer Symphony

Thread tender chicken chunks onto wooden or metal skewers, ensuring even spacing for consistent cooking.

  • Air Fryer Magic

Slide the prepared skewers into a preheated air fryer, cooking at a steady temperature while occasional basting keeps the meat succulent and flavorful.

  • Final Flourish

Once the chicken reaches a golden-brown perfection, drizzle any remaining butter mixture over the skewers and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and zesty lemon wedges for a pop of brightness.

Print
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Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe


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4.9 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Succulent garlic parmesan chicken skewers blend Mediterranean flavors with crisp grilling techniques. Herby marinade and golden parmesan crust deliver irresistible taste sensations you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs (1.36 kg) chicken thighs, boneless, skinless, cut into 2-inch strips
  • 1 lbs (454 g) salted butter, softened
  • 5 cloves garlic, grated
  • ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tsps salt
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk melted butter, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, herbs, and spices in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a rich, aromatic coating for the chicken.
  2. Skewer Assembly: Carefully thread chicken pieces onto skewers, ensuring even distribution and consistent sizing for uniform cooking, maximizing flavor absorption and presentation.
  3. Air Fryer Setup: Preheat air fryer to 350°F (177°C), positioning skewers in a single layer with adequate spacing to promote optimal heat circulation and crisp exterior.
  4. Cooking Process: Cook skewers for 15 minutes, rotating and basting every 5 minutes using kitchen tongs to guarantee even browning and prevent moisture loss, monitoring internal temperature until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Finishing Touch: Remove skewers from air fryer, drizzle remaining butter mixture over the hot chicken, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with vibrant lemon wedges to elevate the garlic-parmesan flavor profile.

Notes

  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let chicken sit in the butter-parmesan mixture for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance taste and tenderness.
  • Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before threading chicken to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption and juicy texture.
  • Crisp Coating Tip: Pat chicken pieces dry before coating to help the butter-cheese mixture adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1220 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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