Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe have become my absolute go-to for quick weeknight dinners and impressive appetizers! I remember the first time I tried making these, I was looking for an easy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe that would satisfy my family’s craving for something flavorful and fun. The aroma of garlic and Parmesan sizzling as they cooked was unbelievable, and the chicken came out so tender and juicy. Seriously, this Parmesan garlic chicken skewers recipe is a game-changer, delivering incredible taste with minimal fuss. Let’s get these skewers cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
There are so many reasons why this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is a winner. You’ll find yourself making them again and again because:
- They are incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights when you need Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for dinner.
- The flavor combination of garlic and Parmesan is universally loved, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- You can cook these savory Garlic chicken skewers with parmesan using your favorite method – grilling, baking, or air frying!
- The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a rich, irresistible garlic-butter sauce.
- They’re versatile enough to be a fantastic appetizer or a satisfying main course.
- Cleanup is surprisingly easy, especially if you use the air fryer!
- They are a healthy and flavorful way to enjoy chicken.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Ingredients
So, what are the ingredients for garlic parmesan chicken skewers that make them so delicious? It’s a simple list that comes together for an amazing dish. You’ll need:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into 3-inch pieces – I prefer thighs for extra moisture, but breasts work great too!
- 2 tbsp olive oil – This helps the spices adhere to the chicken.
- 1 stick butter – The base for our incredible garlic-Parmesan sauce.
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t be shy with the garlic; it’s key to that amazing flavor!
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated – Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds that salty, nutty punch.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional) – Just a touch for a little warmth, but totally skip it if you’re not a fan of heat.
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes – For a subtle kick that complements the garlic and cheese.
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced – Adds a burst of freshness and beautiful color.
- 2 tsp paprika – For a hint of smoky sweetness and lovely color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder – An extra layer of garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder – Balances out the garlic and adds savory depth.
- ½ tsp salt – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- ½ tsp pepper – Freshly ground pepper is always best!
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Let’s get these delicious skewers on your plate! Follow these simple Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers instructions for a fantastic meal.
- Step 1: First things first, soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This is crucial to prevent them from burning up. While they soak, cut your chicken into uniform 3-inch pieces.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Step 3: Carefully thread the seasoned chicken onto the soaked skewers. Pack the chicken pieces relatively tightly together; this helps keep them moist during cooking and makes for a more substantial skewer.
- Step 4: Now, let’s make that incredible sauce. Melt 1 stick butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, stir in 8-10 cloves garlic, minced, ½ cup Parmesan, grated, 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional), and 2 tsp red pepper flakes. Let this simmer gently for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the Parmesan is melty. Stir in the ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced right at the end.
- Step 5: Preheat your cooking method. For an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). If you’re grilling or baking, aim for 350-400°F (175-200°C).
- Step 6: Cook the skewers. In an air fryer, cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping and basting with the garlic-Parmesan sauce halfway through. For grilling or baking, cook for about 15-20 minutes, basting frequently, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is beautifully golden brown. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers cooking steps ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
- Step 7: Once cooked, brush the skewers with any remaining garlic-Parmesan sauce and sprinkle with a little extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve these hot and enjoy!
Best Way to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Achieving the absolute best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is all about a few key techniques. The best way to make garlic parmesan chicken skewers involves paying attention to detail from start to finish. Here are my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly juicy and flavorful every single time.
- Don’t skip soaking the skewers; it’s crucial for preventing burnt wood.
- Ensure your chicken pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Basting frequently during cooking is key to that rich, glossy finish.
- Let the chicken rest for a minute or two after cooking before serving to lock in juices.
What’s the secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
The magic is in the sauce and proper technique! A good Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers marinade recipe base, like the one with butter, garlic, and Parmesan, creates an amazing flavor. Also, make sure not to overcrowch the skewers to allow for even cooking and browning. For more tips on achieving perfect chicken, check out these cooking tips.
Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can cut and season the chicken up to 4 hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. The sauce can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed before basting. This makes assembly and cooking even faster!
How do I avoid common mistakes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
The biggest mistake is overcooking, which leads to dry chicken. Keep an eye on the internal temperature, aiming for 165°F. Another common issue is burnt Parmesan; if you’re grilling or baking, shield the Parmesan from direct high heat if it starts to brown too quickly. Learn more about safe internal temperatures for chicken from the USDA.
Best Ways to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
These versatile Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are fantastic whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main course. For a light and refreshing meal, pair them with a crisp Caesar salad or a vibrant quinoa salad. If you’re looking for a heartier option, consider serving them alongside fluffy rice pilaf or some perfectly grilled vegetables, making them a complete dinner. For those who love that smoky, charred flavor, a Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe pairs beautifully with corn on the cob or a simple pasta salad.
Nutrition Facts for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Here’s a look at the estimated nutritional information for these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, per serving. Remember, the exact values can vary depending on the specific cuts of chicken and ingredients you use, especially if you opt for different cooking methods or add extra sauce.
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
I love making a big batch of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers because leftovers are fantastic! Once cooked, let the skewers cool completely on a plate or wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. For storage, place the cooled skewers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and then foil to protect them from freezer burn.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is easy! My favorite way to reheat these chicken skewers garlic parmesan is in the air fryer. Set it to 300°F (150°C) and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and still juicy. If you don’t have an air fryer, a regular oven works too. Place them on a baking sheet and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain their delicious texture and prevents them from drying out. For more reheating tips, consider these kitchen hacks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
What is the best way to make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
The secret to perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in the sauce and proper cooking. Don’t overcrowd your skewers, baste frequently, and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Following these steps makes the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe easy and quick to master.
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs tend to stay more moist and tender, chicken breast is a great option too. Just be extra careful not to overcook the breast meat, as it can dry out more quickly. Monitor the temperature closely to ensure it reaches 165°F without becoming tough.
How do I make sure the Parmesan doesn’t burn on the skewers?
If you’re grilling or broiling, the Parmesan can sometimes brown too quickly. A good trick is to add most of the Parmesan into the sauce, and then sprinkle just a little extra on top right after they’re cooked. This way, you get that cheesy flavor without the risk of burning.
How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?
You can definitely prep these skewers ahead! Cut and season the chicken up to 4 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. The garlic-Parmesan sauce can also be made ahead and gently rewarmed before basting. This really speeds up the cooking process when you’re ready to make them. For more make-ahead meal tips, check out this guide on meal prepping.
Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers You Can Try
Looking to mix things up or cater to different dietary needs? These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly adaptable! They’re a fantastic base for all sorts of delicious twists. Here are a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Dairy-Free Delight: For a dairy-free version, simply omit the Parmesan cheese. You can boost the umami flavor by adding a tablespoon of nutritional yeast to the sauce or a splash of soy sauce. This still results in an incredibly flavorful and easy chicken skewers garlic parmesan dish.
- Lemon Herb Zing: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the butter sauce. This brightens up the flavors beautifully and pairs wonderfully with the garlic and Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning and the sauce. You could even drizzle a little sriracha over the finished skewers.
- Vegetable Medley: Thread colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers in between the chicken pieces. This makes for a complete meal on a stick!
Juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Chicken
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, marinated and coated in a rich garlic-butter sauce with Parmesan. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, these skewers are tender, juicy, and easy to make whether grilled, baked, or air-fried.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Cut chicken into 3-inch pieces.
- Toss chicken with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Thread chicken pieces onto soaked skewers, packing them tightly.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.
- Stir in minced garlic, Parmesan, hot sauce (if using), red pepper flakes, and parsley. Let simmer.
- Preheat your cooking method: Air fryer to 400°F, or grill/oven to 350-400°F.
- Cook skewers for 12-14 minutes in an air fryer, flipping and basting halfway through, until chicken reaches 165°F. Adjust time for grill or oven, basting frequently.
- Brush cooked skewers with extra sauce, sprinkle with additional Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a brighter flavor, add lemon juice or zest to the butter sauce.
- For more heat, double the red pepper flakes or use chili crisp.
- You can swap chicken thighs for breasts.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes for best texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course/Appetizer
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
