If you’re searching for a dish that effortlessly combines bold flavors with easy preparation, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Tender pieces of chicken are perfectly seasoned, threaded onto skewers, and air fried to juicy perfection before being generously coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce. It’s a mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing meal that feels fancy but comes together in just minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe calls for a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering incredible taste and texture. From the tender chicken to the flavorful seasoning and luscious sauce, every component has a purpose.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs): Choose breasts for lean meat or thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and adds a subtle richness while keeping the chicken moist.
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings depth and savory complexity to the chicken pieces.
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce: The star of the show, offering a creamy, cheesy coating packed with garlic goodness.
- 16 six-inch bamboo skewers: Perfect for threading the chicken into neat portions that cook evenly in the air fryer.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Toss these tender chunks in olive oil – this not only helps the chicken seasoning stick better but also keeps the meat juicy. Next, sprinkle on the chicken seasoning, gently coating each piece to infuse the chicken with mouthwatering flavor. Thread about four pieces tightly on each bamboo skewer, making sure they are packed just right to cook through perfectly in the air fryer.
Step 2: Air Fry the Skewers
Lay the skewers in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding so the air circulates freely. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the skewers for 10 minutes. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches – I fitted eight skewers comfortably in my 6-quart model. This step crisps up the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
After the initial cooking, carefully flip each skewer and brush the chicken generously with half of the garlic parmesan sauce. Return the skewers to the air fryer and cook for another 2 minutes at 400°F. This final blast locks in that creamy, savory coating, giving the chicken skewer an irresistible finish that’s bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Once out of the air fryer, brush on the remaining garlic parmesan sauce for an extra hit of cheesy garlicky goodness. For a fresh, colorful touch, consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and some grated parmesan cheese over the top to elevate both flavor and presentation. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated parmesan cheese add a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, making each skewer look as appetizing as it tastes. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the deep, rich flavors wonderfully if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair beautifully with easy greens like a crisp romaine salad, roasted vegetables, or even some buttery garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice pilaf to soak up every last bit of that garlicky parmesan sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, serve the skewers on a wooden platter with small bowls of extra garlic parmesan sauce for dipping. You can also thread the cooked chicken onto long skewers and arrange them over a bed of herb-infused couscous or quinoa for an elegant yet rustic display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover garlic parmesan chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Storing them quickly after cooling helps maintain their moisture and that beautiful garlicky flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these skewers for longer, wrapping each skewer tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe container is your best bet. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up the skewers without drying them out, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or until heated through. This method helps preserve the crispy edges while warming the juicy chicken and sauce to perfection.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add more juiciness and flavor, making your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers even more succulent. Just cut them to the same size for even cooking.
Is it necessary to use an air fryer?
You can definitely bake these skewers in the oven at 425°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, but an air fryer gives that lovely crispy finish with less oil and in less time.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble and season the skewers a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just keep them covered in the fridge and air fry when ready to serve for a quick meal.
What if I don’t have garlic parmesan sauce?
If you’re without the sauce, a mix of melted butter, minced garlic, and freshly grated parmesan cheese stirred together works as a quick substitute with similar delicious results.
Are these skewers suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe scales easily. Just keep in mind your air fryer or oven size for batch cooking to serve a larger group efficiently.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of garlic, parmesan, and tender chicken that makes this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe a total winner. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these skewers are bursting with flavor and incredibly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try them — trust me, once you do, they’ll be on your regular rotation too!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings (1 skewer per serving)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and delicious meal option, featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned, air fried to perfection, and coated with a rich garlic parmesan sauce. Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside, they make for an easy crowd-pleaser that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce (prepared separately or store-bought)
Optional Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and chicken seasoning until evenly coated.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread 4 pieces of the seasoned chicken onto each 6-inch bamboo skewer, making sure they fit tightly together. Prepare 16 skewers in total to hold all the chicken pieces.
- Air Fry – First Cook: Arrange the chicken skewers in a single layer inside a 6-quart air fryer basket. Depending on basket size, cook in two batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Brush Sauce and Flip: Carefully open the air fryer, flip the skewers, and brush the chicken pieces with the garlic parmesan sauce evenly.
- Air Fry – Second Cook: Return the skewers to the air fryer and air fry at 400°F for an additional 2 minutes to set the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer. Brush with any remaining garlic parmesan sauce and optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Use chicken breasts or thighs based on preference; thighs provide a juicier texture.
- If you don’t have garlic parmesan sauce ready, you can prepare a simple mixture of mayonnaise, garlic, parmesan cheese, and herbs.
- Ensure skewers fit comfortably in your air fryer basket; adjust skewers or batch size accordingly.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 30 minutes before cooking to prevent burning if desired.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
