If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick dinner fix, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is honestly one of my go-tos. I absolutely love how juicy and flavorful the chicken stays thanks to that mayo-based marinade, and when you toss on the garlicky parmesan butter sauce, it’s like a party in every bite. Whether you’re firing up the air fryer on a busy weekday or prepping appetizers for a backyard gathering, these skewers deliver something special without too much fuss.
I’ve found this recipe works wonderfully anytime you want something cozy but still impressive. Plus, the combo of simple pantry staples makes it super accessible—you won’t need exotic ingredients or hours to get it from kitchen to table. If you’ve ever struggled with dry chicken or bland skewers, you’ll enjoy how this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe totally changes the game with juicy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that gets everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, Tender Chicken: The mayonnaise marinade keeps the chicken moist and flavorful every time.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour with simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Garlic-Parmesan Flavor: That buttery sauce is a total game-changer and super addictive.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Great for family dinners, parties, or meal prepping ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe plays an important role—some bring moisture, others build flavor layers, and a few add beautiful finishing notes. Knowing your way around them will make the cooking process smoother and the results tastier.
- Chicken breasts: I suggest boneless, skinless pieces for quick cooking and easy skewering; cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture to the chicken and helps the seasoning stick—don’t skip it!
- Vegetable oil: Helps balance the mayo and keeps the chicken from drying out.
- Garlic powder: Gives that deep, savory garlic flavor all through the chicken.
- Paprika: Adds a warm, smoky hint and beautiful color.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors out.
- Black pepper: Just enough bite without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Base of the sauce; melts into that rich, luxurious coating you’ll love.
- Fresh garlic: Minced and added to the butter for a vibrant, fragrant punch.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the sauce and adds a touch of color.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for a sharp, nutty flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- Wooden skewers: Be sure to soak them for at least 30 minutes so they won’t burn during cooking.
Variations
I love giving this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe a little twist every now and then to keep things fresh—don’t hesitate to make it your own! You can easily swap out ingredients or tweak seasonings based on what your family loves or what’s in season.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the marinade to bring some heat—my family goes crazy for this version in cooler months.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh basil or oregano instead of parsley for a slightly different but equally delicious herbal note.
- Grilling Option: For that perfect char, fire up the grill instead of using the air fryer—just watch them closely so they don’t dry out.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the parmesan with nutritional yeast and use dairy-free butter to keep it creamy without dairy.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Juiciness
Start by combining the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This mixture is magic—it locks in moisture and seasons the chicken beautifully. Toss the cubed chicken breasts in this marinade and give them a good mix so every piece is evenly coated. I usually let mine rest for at least 15 minutes; if you have more time, even better. This step makes sure the chicken is juicy and full of flavor once cooked.
Step 2: Thread and Air Fry the Skewers
While your wooden skewers soak for 30 minutes (this prevents burning and keeps them sturdy), begin threading 4-5 of the marinated chicken cubes onto each skewer. I like to space them just a bit, so heat circulates evenly. Pop them into your air fryer at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to get that even golden crust. The juicy, tender chicken will reach an internal temperature of 165°F when done—your best bet for safe but not overcooked meat. From experience, flipping at the halfway mark is key for perfectly cooked skewers.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter over medium heat in a small saucepan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and freshly cracked black pepper. This is the moment your kitchen will start smelling amazing! Remove from heat promptly to avoid burning the garlic (a little burn can turn bitter). Then, stir in the parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This sauce is the crowning glory of the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe—rich, garlicky, and cheesy all at once.
Step 4: Finish and Serve Hot
Once your chicken skewers are cooked through, transfer them to a serving plate. Generously brush or drizzle with the warm garlic parmesan sauce. I always serve them right away so the sauce stays silky and the chicken warm. If you prepare the sauce ahead, just gently reheat it before serving—it goes a long way to transforming these skewers into something special.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Even Cubes: Cutting chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces ensures even cooking and helps avoid any chewy bits.
- Marinate Time: While 15 minutes works fine, marinating up to an hour really lets the flavors penetrate deeply.
- Butter Temperature: Don’t let the butter get too hot when making the sauce—melting over medium heat and removing promptly avoids burnt garlic.
- Flip Carefully: Use tongs to gently turn skewers halfway to maintain even browning and juicy texture.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I love finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of extra freshly chopped parsley and a tiny dusting of parmesan for that extra pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, a few lemon wedges on the side brighten things up perfectly—just a little squeeze takes the garlic parmesan richness to the next level.
Side Dishes
Pair the skewers with a simple green salad or a bowl of garlic roasted potatoes for a full, satisfying meal. I’ve also found that serving these with warm couscous or even some grilled veggies rounds out the plate beautifully without stealing the spotlight from our star chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange these skewers on a rustic wooden board sprinkled with fresh herbs and edible flowers to make them look extra festive. You can also serve the sauce on the side in little dipping bowls so guests can control how much they want. These ideas always get compliments and make the dish feel more special without any extra stress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, I recommend wrapping the cold skewers tightly in foil or placing them in an airtight container and refrigerating for up to 3 days. Keeping the skewers and sauce separate helps maintain texture, but you can also drizzle the sauce before storing if you prefer.
Freezing
Freezing works well if you prep extra skewers, just cool completely before wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing into a freezer bag. They keep well for about 2 months. I usually freeze without sauce and add the fresh garlic parmesan sauce when reheating, so it tastes freshly made.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the skewers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you can—it tends to dry them out. Warm your reserved garlic parmesan sauce gently on the stove and brush over the skewers before serving to revive that fresh flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and tend to stay even juicier due to their higher fat content. Just be sure to cut them into similarly sized cubes and watch the cooking time—they might need a couple extra minutes in the air fryer or grill.
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Is it necessary to soak the wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking helps prevent the skewers from burning or catching fire during cooking, especially in high heat settings like the air fryer or grill. I recommend soaking them for at least 30 minutes in water, or longer if you remember ahead of time.
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Can I make these skewers in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Definitely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the skewers on a foil-lined tray for about 15-18 minutes, turning once halfway through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, but they come out just as delicious.
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How do I know when the chicken skewers are done?
The safest and most reliable method is to use a meat thermometer—the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have one, check that the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a staple in my home for its ease, flavor, and the way it always impresses without any overwhelming effort. I remember the first time I made them for friends—they went from curious to full-on fans by the last bite! I bet once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, whether it’s a laid-back weeknight or a special occasion. Give it a go—you might find your new favorite chicken recipe.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and tender grilled-style appetizer or main dish, featuring juicy chicken cubes coated in a savory garlic and paprika marinade, cooked to perfection in an air fryer, and then coated with a rich, buttery garlic Parmesan sauce for an irresistible taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup (58 g) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, finely grated
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss well to evenly coat all pieces with the marinade.
- Skewer the chicken: Working with one soaked wooden skewer at a time, thread 4 to 5 marinated chicken cubes onto each skewer ensuring the pieces are snug but not overlapping too much.
- Air fry the chicken skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the prepared skewers in the basket in a single layer. Air fry for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through the cooking time, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is cooked through.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan sauce: While the chicken cooks, place the melted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and black pepper, allowing the garlic to infuse the butter for a minute or two without browning.
- Finishing the sauce and serving: Remove the pan from heat, then stir in the finely grated Parmesan cheese and fresh minced parsley until combined. Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving plate and either drizzle or brush the garlic Parmesan sauce evenly over the hot skewers. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Ensure chicken cubes are cut to roughly the same size to promote even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached 165°F for food safety.
- You can double the sauce ingredients if you prefer extra coating on the skewers.
- Leftover skewers can be refrigerated and reheated gently to avoid drying out.
- For a lower fat option, use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the marinade.
