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

The moment you bite into these juicy, flavorful bites, you'll know why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser. The buttery garlic and parmesan coating melts into every nook of tender chicken, creating that perfect mix of savory and zesty with a little heat. It’s simple but irresistible.

The image shows several skewers of grilled chicken pieces placed on a white plate. The chicken is golden brown with darker char marks, giving it a crispy texture. It is sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes, adding color and texture. On top of the skewers, there are two lemon wedges placed near the center, adding a bright yellow contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. 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 still remember the first time I made these chicken skewers and how the kitchen smelled like a garlic paradise. They’re so easy to whip up, yet fancy enough to impress guests or just treat yourself to a cozy dinner. Seriously, once you taste the combo of parmesan and garlic butter, you’ll come back to it again and again.

Savory & Buttery Magic: The garlic parmesan butter sauce creates a rich, indulgent coating that makes every bite bursting with flavor.
Quick & Convenient: Cooked right in the air fryer, these skewers come together in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Customizable: Whether you want to add a little heat or go herbaceous with parsley, this recipe invites your personal flair.
Juicy and Tender: Using boneless skinless thighs keeps the chicken moist and flavorful—a total game-changer compared to plain breast meat.

A round white plate holds eight wooden skewers with grilled chicken pieces, each skewer layered with several browned, slightly charred chunks of chicken that have a golden yellow and light brown color from the spices and grilling. The chicken is sprinkled with small green herb bits and white grated cheese. Two bright yellow lemon wedges sit on the top left side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together for maximum taste. Each component plays its part to ensure juicy chicken with that classic, comforting garlic-parmesan punch.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter, five peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon cut in half showing bright yellow flesh, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, several raw boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl of black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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: Acts as a creamy base that carries garlic and parmesan, adding richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly grated to impart the sharp, aromatic bite that elevates the whole dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Gives a nutty, salty depth; finely grating it ensures it melts nicely into the butter without clumping.
Lemon (Zest and Juice): Balances the richness with brightness and a subtle tang that wakes up the flavors.
Salt and Red Pepper Flakes: Salt intensifies taste, while red pepper flakes sneak in a gentle heat that livens things up.
Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color when sprinkled on top.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breast meat, they’re perfect for skewers and absorb flavors beautifully.
Wooden Skewers: Essential for that fun, bite-sized presentation—just make sure to trim them if needed to fit your cooker.

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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

The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I love throwing in a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist sometimes, but you can also swap out the chicken thighs for breast if you prefer leaner meat. Mess around with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a flavor boost too.

Variation: One time I added a splash of honey to the butter mixture, which gave the skewers a subtle sweetness that balanced the heat perfectly – highly recommend trying it if you like sweet-savory combos.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe naturally fits gluten-free diets—just double-check your parmesan cheese brand for any additives.
No-Skewer Nugget Style: If you’re short on skewers, simply cook chicken strips buttered generously; just watch closely as they’ll cook faster than skewered ones.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Parmesan Butter

Softened butter is your canvas here. Melt it gently in a bowl, then stir in freshly grated garlic, that beautiful parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. It smells incredible! Don’t worry if it firms up while you prep the chicken—just give it a quick stir or warm slightly to loosen it again.

Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken

I always use kitchen shears to trim wooden skewers so they fit perfectly in my air fryer basket. Then, tightly pack 6-7 bite-sized chicken thigh pieces onto each skewer—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season with salt and pepper before the buttery magic.

Step 3: Time to Air Fry

Brush each side of your skewers with that luscious garlic parmesan butter, then pop them in the air fryer at 350°F. Cook for 5 minutes, baste again, then cook another 5, baste once more, and finish with a final 5 minutes. This triple-basting method seals in flavor and gives you a golden, tasty finish. The result? Perfectly tender, caramelized chicken in just 15 minutes!

Step 4: Pour on the Goodness and Serve

Once all your skewers are cooked, you’ll notice a flavorful pool of garlic parmesan butter at the bottom of the air fryer—that’s liquid gold. Pour it generously over the chicken skewers, sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like, and don’t forget those zesty lemon wedges for squeezing at the table. Pure bliss!

Top Tip

I've learned from making this recipe multiple times that the basting schedule makes all the difference between dry chicken and downright delicious. Trust me—don't skip those three rounds of brushing with buttery goodness.

Basting Is Key: Applying the garlic parmesan butter a few times while cooking locks in moisture and layers flavor beautifully.
Cut Chicken Evenly: I always cut the chicken into uniform strips so they cook evenly and avoid some pieces drying out.
Trim Skewers Carefully: Using strong poultry shears to shorten wooden skewers prevents splintering and fits perfectly in small air fryers.
Don’t Rush the Rest: Let those lemon wedges do their magic right before serving for that fresh zing that ties everything together.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always finish these skewers with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley to add color and a mild herbaceous pop. A few extra shavings of parmesan on top always put it over the edge for me. And freshly cut lemon wedges? Totally non-negotiable for that bright, zesty kick.

Side Dishes

For sides, I like to keep things simple and complementary: a crisp green salad or roasted veggies balance the richness beautifully. Garlic mashed potatoes or buttery couscous soak up any leftover garlic parmesan butter perfectly—don’t waste a drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving the skewers on a large platter lined with lemon slices and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, so guests can grab one effortlessly. Or, thread the skewers with alternating pieces of chicken and veggies like cherry tomatoes and bell peppers for a colorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover skewers into an airtight container and refrigerate them. They keep really well for up to 3 days, making for a super quick lunch or dinner option without losing much of that buttery flavor.

Freezing

If I want to freeze some, I wrap the skewers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When thawed, the chicken retains most of its flavor and tenderness, which is a lifesaver for busy weeks.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat these skewers is in a foil-covered pan in the oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes to keep them juicy. I avoid microwaving because the sauce sometimes separates and the chicken can get rubbery. Trust me, the oven method is worth the extra few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes! You can substitute chicken breast if you prefer lean meat, but keep in mind that breast cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Cut the pieces evenly and watch the cooking time closely, reducing if needed.

Is it necessary to use wooden skewers, or can I use metal ones?

You can use metal skewers if they fit in your air fryer or oven. They’re reusable and more sustainable than wooden skewers. Just be careful when handling, as metal gets hot quickly. Wooden skewers are great, but remember to soak them in water for 30 minutes if cooking on the grill to prevent burning.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake these skewers?

Absolutely! You can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 20–25 minutes, turning and basting halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out, and you’ll still get that delicious garlic parmesan flavor.

Can I prepare the garlic parmesan butter ahead of time?

Yes, the garlic parmesan butter can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the fridge. Bring it back to room temperature or gently warm it before brushing on the chicken for best results. This makes prep on cooking day much quicker and easier.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is the kind of dish that fills your home with warmth, brings smiles to the table, and leaves everyone asking for seconds. I love how it's both comforting and impressively easy, perfect for those nights when you want tasty food but don't want to spend hours cooking. Give it a try—you might find your new favorite go-to!