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

There’s a reason why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes for busy evenings and weekend cookouts alike. The combination of juicy chicken, rich garlic butter, and nutty parmesan creates a flavor explosion that feels both comforting and special, no matter the occasion.

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

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is not just flavorsome; it’s incredibly easy to nail every single time. I love how the garlic parmesan butter amplifies the chicken’s tenderness and how quick it comes together, especially using an air fryer.

Flavor-packed marinade: The garlic parmesan butter hugs the chicken, giving every bite a luscious, savory punch you won’t forget.
Super simple prep: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this perfect for weeknights or unexpected guests.
Effortless cooking method: Using the air fryer means juicy chicken with crispy edges without having to babysit a grill.
Versatile and customizable: You can swap, add, or skip ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs with ease.

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

Each ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe plays an important role in balancing boldness with freshness. Fresh garlic and parmesan bring that umami richness, while lemon juice cuts through with zing. Using chicken thighs ensures juicy, flavorful bites every time.

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: It’s the base for the garlic parmesan butter sauce, lending creaminess and helping flavors meld beautifully.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic grated directly into the butter gives an aromatic punch that’s key to this recipe’s signature taste.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the butter adding a nutty, salty layer that elevates the whole dish.
Lemon zest and juice: These brighten the sauce and cut richness so the skewers never feel heavy.
Salt and red pepper flakes: Salt seasons perfectly, and red pepper flakes add just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting.
Fresh parsley (optional): I love adding a sprinkle for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor right before serving.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy under high heat and have more flavor than breast meat, making them perfect for skewers.
Black pepper: Added seasoning that partners perfectly with salt and garlic to round out flavors.

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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

While I adore the classic garlic parmesan combo, I often tinker with this recipe depending on mood or what I have on hand. One thing I always tell friends is don’t be shy to experiment—you'll never know what delicious twist you’ll discover!

Variation: I once swapped out chicken thighs for turkey breast strips when I was in the mood for something leaner, and it worked surprisingly well—just keep an eye on the cooking time since turkey can dry out.
Spice it up: Feel free to amp up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for deeper smoky notes.
Dairy-free option: Use a high-quality olive oil in place of butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly take that still packs flavor.
Serve nugget-style: If skewers aren’t your thing, just cook the bite-sized chicken pieces in the air fryer—though they’ll cook faster, so watch closely!

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Parmesan Butter

Start by melting the butter in a medium bowl—this makes it easier to mix everything evenly. Once melted, add grated fresh garlic, finely grated parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together until combined. Don’t worry if the butter firms up while you prep—the flavors only get better!

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers and Chicken

Trim wooden skewers so they fit your air fryer—poultry shears are a lifesaver here for clean cuts. Then, tightly pack 6 to 7 pieces of chicken thigh per skewer. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides. This step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.

Step 3: Brushing and Air Frying

Use a basting brush to coat each skewer thoroughly with your garlic parmesan butter. Place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then, take them out to baste again—this layering builds amazing flavor and helps keep the chicken moist. Repeat this two more times, for a total cooking time of 15 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

Once all skewers are cooked, you’ll notice a delicious pool of garlic parmesan butter at the bottom of the air fryer. Don’t waste it—pour it generously over your skewers. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley (if you like) and extra parmesan, add a few lemon wedges on the side, and dig in.

Top Tip

After making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe more times than I can count, I've learned a few must-know tweaks that elevate it every single time. These tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get perfect juicy, flavorful results.

Use poultry shears for skewer trimming: They give a clean cut without splintering, which makes handling much safer and easier.
Don’t skip the basting steps: Brushing every 5 minutes traps all those flavors and keeps the chicken tender and moist throughout cooking.
Let your butter mixture come back to room temp if it firms up: It’s easier to brush on and won’t pull the chicken chill prematurely.
Keep an eye on cooking times if you make nugget style: Smaller pieces cook faster and can dry out easily—better safe than sorry!

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley and an extra handful of grated parmesan over the top before serving. A few lemon wedges on the side add brightness and let each person add zing to their liking. These simple touches make the skewers look as good as they taste!

Side Dishes

To complete the meal, I often pair these skewers with a crisp garden salad or roasted veggies. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers also go wonderfully with buttery garlic mashed potatoes or lightly seasoned couscous for a heartier option.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve threaded skewers on a large platter surrounding a bowl of extra garlic parmesan butter for dipping—guests love the interactive vibe. You can also serve the chicken over a bed of fresh greens or pasta tossed lightly in olive oil and herbs for a more substantial presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I always make sure the chicken is at room temperature before reheating to avoid drying it out and keep that buttery garlic flavor bright.

Freezing

If I make extra, I wrap individual skewers tightly in foil and then put them in a freezer bag. Frozen skewers keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 325°F for about 5-7 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and helps restore a bit of that crispy edge without drying it out, which microwaving tends to do.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

You can definitely substitute chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be aware it cooks faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye during cooking and consider marinating longer to maintain juiciness.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning in the air fryer?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken helps prevent burning. Also, trimming skewers to avoid any part sticking out of the air fryer basket minimizes risk of charring.

Can I prepare the garlic parmesan butter ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the garlic parmesan butter a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature and give it a good stir before brushing it onto the chicken skewers.

What sides pair best with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Light sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables work beautifully to balance the rich flavors. Garlic mashed potatoes or couscous are also great if you want something more filling and comforting alongside the skewers.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe holds a cozy place in my heart because it’s just so reliably delicious and easy to make. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special gathering, these skewers impress with minimal effort. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for when you need a quick crowd-pleaser that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.