If you are looking for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that is bursting with flavor and effortless to prepare, the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a must-try. These tender, juicy chicken pieces, perfectly seasoned and coated with a rich garlic parmesan sauce, come together quickly and cook beautifully in the air fryer for a crispy, golden finish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or bringing something special to your next get-together, these skewers will win hearts with each bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe lies in the simplicity and balance of its ingredients. Each component serves a purpose, from the juicy chicken breasts providing a satisfying bite, to the fragrant garlic parmesan sauce that adds depth and creaminess. Even the olive oil and chicken seasoning create a perfect foundation of flavor that brings everything to life.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose breasts for lean meat or thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness during cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning: A blend of spices that elevates the chicken with a savory, well-rounded flavor; feel free to use your favorite mix or homemade blend.
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce: The star of the dish, this creamy, cheesy sauce coats the skewers for irresistible flavor and a hint of tang.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch pieces for bite-sized skewers that cook evenly. Toss these chunks with olive oil to ensure the seasoning adheres well. Next, sprinkle the chicken seasoning all over the pieces, mixing thoroughly so every morsel is coated with that savory goodness. Then, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers; packing four pieces per skewer works best for even cooking in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken Skewers
Place your assembled skewers in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cooking at 400°F for 10 minutes allows the chicken to develop a crispy, golden exterior while staying tender inside. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each skewer cooks evenly without steaming.
Step 3: Apply Garlic Parmesan Sauce and Finish Cooking
Once the initial cooking time is up, open the air fryer and flip each skewer to cook the other side. Generously brush the garlic parmesan sauce over the chicken for a luscious coating. Return the skewers to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F; this final step caramelizes the sauce and intensifies the flavors while making the cheese irresistibly melty.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Carefully remove the skewers from the air fryer and brush with any remaining garlic parmesan sauce for an extra burst of flavor. At this point, you can add some fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese to brighten the visual appeal and taste. Serve the skewer immediately for the best texture and warmth.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley not only add a pop of color but also infuse a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully against the rich garlic parmesan flavors. A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan cheese gives a glamorous finishing touch, boosting both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light sides that complement their savory profile without overpowering them. Think crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or fluffy garlic mashed potatoes. For a more filling meal, serving with rice pilaf or buttered noodles is a crowd favorite and so easy to prepare.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, arrange the skewers on a platter lined with fresh greens or colorful bell pepper strips. Drizzle a bit more garlic parmesan sauce on the side for dipping to make your guests feel extra special. You can even serve the skewers on toasted baguette slices for a fun appetizer twist at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they are cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain their juicy texture. They remain flavorful and make a perfect quick lunch or snack the next day.
Freezing
If you want to prepare ahead or save extras for later, these skewers freeze beautifully. Wrap each skewer tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 2 months, making weeknight meals a breeze when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, place the skewers in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to regain that crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture and flavor that make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to be juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, while still tasting fantastic with the garlic parmesan sauce.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers before cooking?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken helps prevent them from burning in the air fryer or oven.
Is air frying the only way to cook these skewers?
Nope! While air frying gives a wonderful crispy texture with less oil, you can also grill the skewers over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes.
Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. The sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld nicely and saves time on cooking day.
How spicy is this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
This recipe typically isn’t spicy as it focuses on rich garlic and cheesy parmesan flavors. However, you can easily add some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a bit of heat if you like.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because it truly brings together simple ingredients in a way that tastes incredible and feels like a special treat. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these skewers deliver on flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. Once you taste that savory, garlicky, cheesy goodness, I promise it will become one of your all-time favorites too.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers (serves 16 as appetizer) 1x
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and delicious appetizer or main dish, featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned and air fried to perfection, then brushed with a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for easy entertaining or a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Skewers
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning
- 16 six-inch bamboo skewers
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce (prepared or homemade)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and the chicken seasoning until evenly coated.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread four pieces of the seasoned chicken tightly onto each 6-inch bamboo skewer, preparing 16 skewers total to fit your air fryer basket.
- Air Fry First Side: Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
- Flip and Brush with Sauce: Open the air fryer, carefully flip each skewer, and brush the chicken generously with the garlic parmesan sauce. Air fry again at 400°F (204°C) for 2 more minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, brush with any remaining sauce, and serve immediately. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before using to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier skewers.
- Adjust the chicken seasoning to your taste or substitute with your favorite spice blend.
- The garlic parmesan sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
