Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Let me tell you, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes for both casual weeknight dinners and fun weekend gatherings. The combination of juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated with a savory mix of parmesan, garlic, and mayo creates a flavor that’s absolutely irresistible. Plus, it’s so simple to whip up—perfect if you want something impressive but not fussy.

What’s really special about this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is that it works beautifully whether you’re cooking on the grill or in an air fryer, giving you flexibility based on your setup. I love having leftovers that reheat surprisingly well, making it a winner for meal prep or an easy snack. Once you try this recipe, I bet you’ll keep it on repeat in your kitchen too!

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Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe are thoughtfully chosen to bring out irresistible juiciness and rich flavor in every bite. Each plays a role, from tenderizing the chicken to building a savory, garlicky crust, and I always pick fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan for the best results.

• Chicken thighs or tenders: These cuts stay juicy while cooking fast, perfect for skewers.
• Seasoning salt: I recommend a reliable brand like Lowry’s for consistent flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Acts as a tenderizer and helps the parmesan and seasonings stick.
• Grated parmesan: Adds a cheesy depth and helps form a golden, flavorful coating.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the fresh garlic in the butter sauce.
• Butter: Creates a rich, velvety base for the basting sauce.
• Fresh garlic: Minced for a bright, pungent kick that shines in the basting butter.
• Fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color to the final dish.
• Chili crunch (or chili crisp): Adds subtle heat and a touch of texture; feel free to adjust amount to taste.
• Lemon juice: A splash cuts through the richness with a nice tangy balance.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love experimenting with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe depending on the season and mood. Don’t hesitate to play around with the spice level or swap out herbs to make it truly your own. After all, great recipes are meant to be a starting point.

• Variation: I once added smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne to the marinade for a smoky, spicy twist that my friends adored at a backyard BBQ.
• Dietary swap: For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise without losing tenderness.
• Herb swap: Rosemary or thyme makes a nice change if parsley isn’t on hand.
• Vegetarian twist: Try marinating halloumi cheese cubes in the same garlic parmesan mix and grill them on skewers.

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

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, grated parmesan, and garlic powder. Mix well to make sure every piece is coated — this not only flavors the chicken but keeps it juicy. Ideally, cover and pop it in the fridge for 4 to 16 hours, but if you’re in a rush, 20 minutes will still do the trick.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter

While the chicken marinates, combine your softened butter with minced garlic, freshly chopped parsley, parmesan cheese, chili crunch, and lemon juice in a bowl. Mash it all together with a fork until it’s a smooth compound butter. I like to microwave it for about 5 seconds just to loosen it a bit so it’s easier to baste later without melting completely.

Step 3: Skewer and Cook Your Chicken

Thread the chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers—make sure they’re evenly spaced for heat to circulate. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF or get your grill warmed up. I usually cook about 4 to 7 skewers at once so they don’t crowd each other. Air fry them for 6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 3. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Baste and Finish Cooking

Check that the chicken’s internal temperature hits around 150ºF before you start basting. Use a brush or spoon to coat the skewers generously with the garlic parmesan butter, then cook for 1 more minute. Flip, baste the other side, and cook an additional 30-40 seconds. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165ºF for safe, juicy results.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Once done, remove the skewers from the heat, sprinkle with extra parmesan or parsley if you want, and serve while still warm. Trust me, these skewers are so good you’ll want to double the batch next time!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garnishes

I love to top these skewers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese just before serving. It brightens up the flavors and adds that gorgeous pop of green and creamy texture. Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon wedge over the top for a fresh zing that cuts the richness nicely.

Side Dishes

My favorite side dishes with these skewers include a crisp garden salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or some grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. For a casual meal, garlic bread always pairs beautifully, soaking up any extra buttery sauce. These skewers are so flavorful, you can keep sides simple and still feel like it’s a special meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I sometimes arrange the skewers standing upright in a grilled half pineapple for an eye-catching tropical vibe. Serving skewers on a rustic wooden board with dipping bowls of extra garlic parmesan butter and chili crunch adds a fun interactive element, perfect for sharing. It’s always a hit and looks gorgeous on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When packing, I separate the butter sauce or add fresh butter when reheating to keep everything moist and flavorful. The texture stays great, so you can enjoy them as a quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the skewers, I recommend freezing them separated from the butter sauce on a baking sheet first, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This way, you avoid clumping and can defrost just what you need. From my experience, they keep well for up to 2 months with minimal loss of flavor.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer using an air fryer or oven at a low temperature to gently warm through without drying out the chicken. Reapplying a little fresh garlic parmesan butter before reheating helps revive the flavors and moisture beautifully. Avoid microwave reheating if you can, as it tends to make the chicken chewy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that tastes fancy but arrives with zero fuss, which is my kind of recipe. I’m confident that once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you want a quick, tasty, and satisfying meal that looks as great as it tastes. So grab those skewers and let’s get cooking—you won’t regret it!

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