Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these garlic parmesan chicken skewers. They’re incredibly juicy and flavorful, thanks to the tender chicken tenders and the rich garlic parmesan butter sauce. The combination of spices and the addition of fresh parsley elevate the taste, making each bite a delightful experience. Whether I’m preparing them for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, they always impress. Plus, the versatility of cooking them in an air fryer, oven, or on the grill makes them convenient for any occasion. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs or breasts)
2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Chicken Seasonings

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

(Hint: For the complete list of ingredients and measurements, refer to the recipe card below.)

Directions

Soak the Skewers: I start by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
Prepare the Chicken: I cut the chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces. In a bowl, I toss them with olive oil and the combined seasonings until they’re evenly coated.
Assemble the Skewers: I thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, ensuring they’re tightly packed for maximum juiciness.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, I stir in the parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and fresh parsley until well combined. I reserve one-third of this sauce for basting during cooking and set aside the rest for serving.
Cook the Skewers: I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Placing 2-3 skewers at a time, I cook them for 5 minutes. After flipping, I baste them with the reserved sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes. I repeat this process, basting and cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), which takes about 12-14 minutes in total.
Serve: Once cooked, I give the skewers a final basting with the remaining sauce and serve them hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 skewers.
Preparation Time: Around 20 minutes.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
Total Time: About 35 minutes.

Variations

Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Place the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting with the garlic parmesan sauce. For a crispy finish, switch to broil for the last 2 minutes.
Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 5-6 minutes on each side, basting with the sauce throughout the cooking process.
Ranch Twist: For a different flavor profile, I sometimes add ranch seasoning to the chicken seasoning mix and the garlic parmesan butter sauce, creating Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I place the skewers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, I can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! While I prefer chicken tenders for their juiciness, chicken breasts can be used. Just ensure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces to cook evenly.

How do I prevent the skewers from burning?

Soaking the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps prevent them from burning during the cooking process.

Can I make the garlic parmesan butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat before using.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! These skewers are perfect for meal prep. I cook them in batches and store them in individual containers with sides like rice or vegetables.

Can I freeze the cooked skewers?

Yes, I freeze the cooked skewers in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. To reheat, I bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Conclusion

I find these garlic parmesan chicken skewers to be a delightful and versatile dish. Whether I’m serving them as an appetizer, over a bed of rice, or alongside a fresh salad, they never fail to impress. The combination of tender chicken, savory garlic parmesan sauce, and the option to customize with different seasonings or cooking methods makes this recipe a staple in my kitchen.