Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Juicy chicken skewers soaked in a garlic parmesan butter sauce make for a quick meal that feels special without much fuss. This recipe shines when you want something tasty but simple enough for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend cookout.

I whipped this up on a busy evening and loved how the garlic parmesan sauce brought the chicken to life without needing complicated steps.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders thighs or breast: offer versatility and cook quickly choose fresh or well-thawed meat for best texture
• Olive oil: helps the spices stick and adds richness extra virgin is best for flavor
• Butter: creates the base of the basting sauce adding smoothness and depth
• Garlic cloves: provide that punch of savory aroma fresh minced garlic is far superior to powders here
• Parmesan cheese: adds salty nutty complexity pick a wedge to grate yourself if possible
• Hot sauce and red pepper flakes: give a subtle kick adjust to your comfort level spicewise
• Fresh parsley: brightens the dish and gives it a pop of color
• Paprika garlic powder and onion powder: layer on extra flavor and aroma use fresh spices for the best taste
• Salt and black pepper: bring all the flavors together season well but taste as you go

Instructions

Soak The Skewers:

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least thirty minutes before cooking to prevent burning and maintain moisture during grilling or air frying. This step is essential when using wooden skewers in high heat appliances.

Prep The Chicken:

Cut the chicken into roughly three inch pieces for even cooking. In a large bowl or ziptop bag combine olive oil and all the spices including paprika garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat every piece thoroughly so each bite is flavorful.

Thread The Skewers:

Pack the seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers so they cook evenly and hold together well. Snip the top of the skewers if necessary to fit your air fryer basket comfortably.

Prepare The Sauce:

In a microwave-safe bowl melt the butter with minced garlic until partially melted and fragrant. Stir in red pepper flakes hot sauce fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese whisking until fully combined into a smooth basting sauce.

Par Cook And Baste:

Place two to three skewers in the air fryer at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit and cook for five minutes. Remove the skewers carefully flip them and baste with about one third of the sauce reserved for par-cooking. Return to the air fryer for an additional two minutes.

Finish Cooking:

Flip the skewers back again then baste generously with more of the sauce reserved earlier. Cook for another five to six minutes or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of one sixty five degrees Fahrenheit. This step ensures a juicy interior and lightly caramelized exterior.

Final Touch:

Once fully cooked use the clean reserved sauce for a final basting pass. Sprinkle some extra parmesan on top and serve immediately for maximum flavor and appeal.

Fresh garlic is my favorite part of this recipe The way it melds with hot sauce and butter just melts into every tender bite. This was a dish that immediately became a family favorite one summer when I surprised everyone with a simple but flavorful meal on a busy evening.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating use a skillet or air fryer to bring back crispness rather than microwaving which can make the chicken rubbery. You can also keep the sauce separate and add fresh before serving.

Ingredient swaps

Chicken thighs provide juiciness but you can use lean chicken breasts if preferred just watch cooking time closely. Butter can be replaced with olive oil for a lighter version but you lose some richness. Swap parmesan for pecorino Romano for a sharper salty flavor.

Serving ideas

Serve these skewers over fluffy rice or alongside a green salad for a balanced meal. They also pair beautifully with grilled vegetables or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A cold beer or crisp white wine complements this dish well.

This easy recipe delivers juicy flavorful chicken skewers every time and is perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to weekend cookouts.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent skewers from burning during cooking?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to minimize burning and keep the sticks intact.

→ What is the best way to check chicken is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and juicy results.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?

Yes, modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your preferred heat level without overpowering the buttery parmesan flavor.

→ Is fresh parmesan necessary for this dish?

Freshly grated parmesan provides a richer flavor and better melting quality, improving overall taste and texture.

→ Why is the basting sauce applied multiple times?

Applying the garlic parmesan butter sauce at intervals enhances the flavor depth and keeps the chicken moist and well-coated.