These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are perfect for any occasion. I've served them as an appetizer before dinner, a party snack, and a high-protein meal. They're packed with juicy chicken, a rich garlic butter glaze, and crisp, melted parmesan cheese. What I love most is that these chicken skewers can be cooked in the air fryer or oven!
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Why I Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
The first time I made these garlic parmesan chicken skewers was last weekend for the Buffalo Bills playoff game.
My wife and I had a bunch of friends over, and we wanted to serve some appetizers like my Buffalo chicken dip, but since the game was at 6:30 pm, I wanted to have something that was more substantial than just dips.
So I got out my mom's cookbook, started flipping through it, and came across a chicken skewer recipe she used to make. The chicken part sounded delicious, but I wanted to jazz it up a bit. I created a garlic parmesan butter to add to the chicken, and the rest is history.
I served these garlic parmesan chicken skewers, and our friends devoured them!! The Bills won, too, so I think they're good luck.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's everything you'll need to make these chicken skewers:
For the Chicken Skewers:
2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
4 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoon paprika
2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoon no-salt lemon pepper seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup lemon juice
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter:
8 tablespoon butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
4 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
6 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or cilantro)
2 small lemons, sliced (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Just 4 simple steps are all you have to follow to make these chicken skewers.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt.
Toss to coat the chicken evenly, cover, and marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to 4 hours.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and set them aside. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, stir in the minced garlic, and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Remove from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese and parsley. Keep warm.
Step 3a: Cook the Chicken In The Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (160°C). Arrange the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently and brushing with the garlic Parmesan butter every 2 minutes.
Step 3b: Bake The Chicken In the Oven
Alternatively, bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-18 minutes on a rimmed baking sheet, turning occasionally. For an outdoor option, grill the skewers over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, brushing with the butter as they cook.
Step 4: Serve
Allow the skewers to rest for a minute, then brush with the remaining garlic Parmesan butter. Garnish with lemon slices and a final squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
Expert Tips
- Soak Wooden Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning.
- Even Chicken Cubes: Cut the chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
- Don’t Skip the Butter Baste: Brushing the skewers with garlic Parmesan butter during cooking adds layers of flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Test for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Extra Herbs: Sprinkle extra parsley or cilantro on top for added freshness.
FAQs About This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the garlic Parmesan butter ahead of time. I think it's even better if you prepare it ahead of time since the chicken takes on more flavor. Just assemble the skewers just before cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness to the skewers. You'll just have to cook them a little longer.
What can I serve with these skewers?
Pair them with a fresh side salad or grilled vegetables for a high-protein meal, or alongside other appetizers like this beer battered shrimp or chicken egg rolls.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken in its marinade for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
My Final Thoughts
These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are the ultimate gameday or party appetizer and are versatile enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
With juicy chicken and a rich, buttery garlic parmesan glaze, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to. As always, if you end up making it, let me know how it went for you in the comments below.
More Chicken Recipes To Try Next
- Chicken alfredo garlic bread
- Sheet pan chicken nachos
- Chicken gizzards
- Crockpot chicken wings
- Wingstop lemon pepper wings
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Made In The Air Fryer or Oven)
These garlic parmesan chicken skewers are perfect for any occasion. I've served them as an appetizer before dinner, a party snack, and a high-protein meal. They're packed with juicy chicken, a rich garlic butter glaze, and crisp, melted parmesan cheese. What I love most is that these chicken skewers can be cooked in the air fryer or oven!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon no salt added lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup lemon juice
- 8 tablespoon butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup parmesan, grated
- 4 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
- 6 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped , fresh cilantro will also work.
- 2 small lemon, sliced for garnish, optional
Instructions
1. Place the cubed chicken into a large bowl, ensuring the pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then add the seasonings.
2. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken well, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to 4 hours.
3. When ready to cook, thread the chicken onto wooden or metal skewers and arrange them on a flat baking sheet. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and let it simmer for about 2 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and keep it warm at room temperature.
6. Combine Parmesan cheese and parsley (or a fresh herb of your choice) with the warm garlic butter.
7. Preheat your airfryer to 160°C/350F. Place the skewers in the airfryer drawer and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking. Brush them with the garlic parmesan butter every 2 minutes throughout the cooking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 526Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 176mgSodium: 1593mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 51g
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