I remember growing up where weekends meant sizzling skewers and that irresistible garlicky aroma in the air. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers were always the crowd favorite—comforting, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I’ll say this: I love how these skewers bring together the rich, savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan in every bite. Marinating the chicken ensures it stays juicy, and the garlic‑butter sauce takes it to another level. Whether I grill, bake, or air‑fry them, they always turn out tender and satisfying. I find they work just as well as appetizers as they do a main course.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into 3‑inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

1 stick butter
8–10 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup Parmesan, grated
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced

Chicken Seasonings

2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

Directions

I start by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
I cut the chicken into 3‑inch pieces, toss them with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until everything’s well coated.
I thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly for juiciness.
I melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, then stir in minced garlic, Parmesan, hot sauce (if using), red pepper flakes, and parsley, and let it simmer for a bit.
I preheat my cooking method—air fryer to 400°F (or grill/oven to about 350–400°F, depending).
I cook the skewers: in the air fryer, about 12–14 minutes total—5 minutes, flip and baste, then 2 minutes, baste again, then another 5–6 minutes until chicken hits 165°F. On the grill or in the oven, I adjust timing but baste frequently.
When they’re cooked, I give them one final brush with the sauce, sprinkle on extra Parmesan, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

Based on the original recipe, I estimate:

Servings: Makes about 6 skewers (serving size depends on portion preference)
Prep time: Around 20 minutes (marinating time extra if you want deeper flavor)
Cook time: Around 15 minutes in an air fryer or grill; similar in the oven

Variations

I’ve swapped chicken thighs for breasts sometimes to mix up the flavors.
I add lemon juice or zest into the butter sauce when I want a touch of brightness.
For a bit of heat, I sometimes double the red pepper flakes or use chili crisp.
I’ve also tried brushing on extra herbs like cilantro or incorporating chili crunch into the butter for a bolder taste.

storage/reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. I prefer reheating in the air fryer at 300°F for about 3–5 minutes—it makes them perfectly warm and slightly crisp again. I’ve also microwaved them for speed, but the texture isn’t quite the same.

FAQs

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

I just grill or bake them. Set the oven to about 350–400°F, cook 15–18 minutes, turning and basting once or twice—you still get fantastic results.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I thread and marinate the chicken ahead, then cook when ready. If I partially cook them to 160°F beforehand, I just finish them later with fresh butter for a quick reheat.

How can I make these dairy‑free?

I swap out the butter for plant‑based butter and skip the Parmesan. I sometimes use nutritional yeast for that savory kick instead.

Do wooden skewers need to be soaked?

Yes—I soak them in water for at least 20–30 minutes so they don’t burn under high heat, especially on the grill.

Can these skewers be frozen?

They freeze well for up to 2 months. I reheat them in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up when ready to enjoy again.

Conclusion

I love how these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers come together with simple ingredients but deliver such bold flavor. Whether I’m cooking for family, hosting friends, or making a cozy dinner for one, they’re always a hit. I love that I can adjust them easily—with spice, herbs, or different cooking methods—and they still turn out delicious every time.