If you re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish that s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion, this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a total winner. I absolutely love how the juicy chicken cubes get coated in a tangy mayo mixture before air frying to tender perfection, then getting showered with that rich, buttery garlic parmesan sauce. It s simple, delicious, and always gets everyone asking for seconds!
Whether you re grilling in the summer, cooking inside on a busy weeknight, or prepping a snack for game day, these skewers feel special without being complicated. You ll find that the combination of garlic, parmesan, and a hint of paprika makes it impossible to resist – plus, the air fryer makes the whole process quick and hands-off. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe, it s going to become a go-to when you want an easy yet impressive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy products needed, yet the flavors are anything but basic.
- Quick and Easy: Thanks to the air fryer, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-Pleaser: My family goes crazy for these – they re perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how the ingredients come together to make every bite super flavorful yet familiar. I like to use simple pantry staples that you probably already have, which makes shopping a breeze.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for quick, even cooking; cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Mayonnaise: Doesn t make the chicken mayo-flavored, but adds moisture and helps the spices stick nicely.
- Vegetable oil: Adds a slight crispiness when air frying – a neutral oil keeps things balanced.
- Garlic powder: A must for that garlicky foundation, enhancing the sauce later on.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and pretty color.
- Kosher salt: For seasoning depth.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked if possible, for a little spice.
- Butter: Unsalted is key so you control the salt balance in the sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Minced, it really lets the garlic flavor shine in the parmesan sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the rich sauce with a pop of green and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for smooth melting and unmistakable umami flavor.
- Wooden skewers: Soaking them in water helps prevent burning during cooking.
Variations
I ve played around with this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe quite a bit, and it s fun to mix things up depending on your mood or what s in the fridge. Don t be afraid to customize! It s all about making it your own.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes to the marinade wakes things up beautifully – my husband loves this fiery twist.
- Herb Variations: Swap parsley for fresh basil or oregano for a Mediterranean vibe that s just as delicious.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free butter and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to keep the sauce creamy and umami-rich for friends with allergies.
- Different Protein: This method works great with turkey breast or even firm tofu marinated the same way for a vegetarian option.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken Cubes
Start by mixing mayonnaise, vegetable oil, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple marinade is the secret to keeping your chicken juicy while packing in a ton of flavor. Toss your chicken cubes in until they re evenly coated – don t skip this step because it really sets the foundation for taste.
Step 2: Thread Chicken Onto Skewers
Make sure your wooden skewers have been soaking in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Then, carefully thread 4-5 pieces of the marinated chicken onto each skewer. I like to leave a little space between pieces so air can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lay the skewers in a single layer and air fry for about 11-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown evenly. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a slightly crisp exterior. Don t overcook it or it might dry out, so keep an eye on the time!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in minced garlic and black pepper, cooking just until fragrant. Remove from heat before mixing in fresh parsley and parmesan cheese – this keeps the cheese melt smooth and creamy without clumping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving plate and either drizzle or brush them generously with the garlic parmesan sauce. Serve immediately while they re warm and that butter sauce is still silky and glossy. Prepare for plenty of compliments – I promise these will disappear fast!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Even Cube Sizes: Cutting the chicken into uniform pieces ensures they cook at the same rate and prevents some from drying out while others remain underdone.
- Soak Skewers Well: Trust me, soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes keeps them from burning and makes handling safer.
- Don t Skip Flipping: Turning the skewers halfway in the air fryer gives you that beautiful golden crust on all sides.
- Add Sauce Off Heat: Stir parmesan into melted butter off the stove to avoid clumping and keep the sauce smooth.
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley on top for color and that fresh herbal lift. Sometimes, I like to add a few extra shreds of parmesan or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten up the richness – it just wakes up the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers go perfectly alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic mashed potatoes. For a lighter feel, I enjoy serving them with grilled asparagus or a quinoa salad. They really shine as part of a party platter with dipping sauces and fresh bread.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve these skewers on a wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges – it looks rustic and inviting. Wrapping a few skewers in parchment paper tied with twine makes a charming handheld appetizer for parties. Kids love it when I serve them with a small ramekin of ranch or a spicy aioli on the side for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It s best to keep the sauce separate and add it fresh when reheating so the chicken doesn t get soggy. This way, the chicken stays tender and the sauce tastes like it just came off the stove.
Freezing
While I don t usually freeze these skewers because they re so quick to make fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers without sauce. Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, I recommend popping the skewers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to warm through without drying out. Add the garlic parmesan sauce fresh after reheating to keep it luscious. You can also heat them briefly in the air fryer for a few minutes if you want to crisp the edges up again.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and tend to stay juicier, which works really well in this recipe. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes and adjust air frying time if needed-thighs might take a minute or two longer depending on thickness.
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Do I have to use an air fryer, or can I cook these on the grill or in the oven?
You can definitely grill the skewers for a smoky flavor or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through. The air fryer just speeds things up and gives a nice crisp outside without much fuss.
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How long should I soak the wooden skewers before cooking?
Soaking wooden skewers for at least 30 minutes is key to prevent them from burning during cooking, especially if you’re using an air fryer or grill. This small step really saves you hassle and keeps your skewers safe to handle.
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Can I prepare the marinade and sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the marinade a day ahead and keep the chicken covered in it in the fridge for even better flavor infusion. The garlic parmesan sauce is best made fresh to keep it silky, but you can chop garlic and parsley in advance to save time.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become such a staple in my household because it hits that perfect balance of flavor, ease, and speed. I remember the first time I tried it, I was surprised how something so simple felt so decadent and satisfying. I m confident you ll enjoy making and sharing these skewers as much as I do-they re sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. So go ahead, fire up your air fryer, and treat yourself and your loved ones to these delicious bites. You won t regret it!
Print
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 57 minutes
- Yield: 8 skewers 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or main dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a savory garlic parmesan sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy outside and juicy inside, these skewers are ideal for gatherings, quick meals, or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Skewers
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
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
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 thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the marinade.
- Assemble the Skewers: Working one skewer at a time, thread 4 to 5 pieces of the marinated chicken onto each pre-soaked wooden skewer, ensuring not to overcrowd them for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the skewers in the air fryer basket and cook for 11 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the melted butter, minced garlic, and black pepper. Once the butter is fully melted and infused with garlic, remove the pan from heat and stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley until well combined.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken skewers to a serving plate. Generously drizzle or brush the warm garlic parmesan sauce over the skewers. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water beforehand to prevent burning during cooking.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- You can substitute vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier option.
- The garlic parmesan sauce can be prepared in advance and reheated gently before serving.
- Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
