Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound salted butter, softened; 5 cloves garlic, grated; ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional, for serving; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch strips; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something about the irresistible blend of garlic, parmesan, and juicy chicken that just pulls me in every time. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

The image shows five grilled chicken skewers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has several pieces of golden-brown chicken with crispy edges, sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. There appears to be a light drizzle of seasoning or sauce on the chicken, giving it a glossy look. At the top center of the plate, two lemon wedges are placed close together, adding bright yellow color and freshness to the dish. The chicken pieces are stacked and arranged closely, showing a mix of juicy and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From the first time I made these skewers, I knew they were special — juicy, bursting with flavor, and with that buttery garlic-parmesan goodness coating every bite. This recipe is straightforward but delivers a restaurant-quality taste that will wow anyone you share it with.

Simplicity meets flavor: Minimal ingredients but maximum garlicky, cheesy, buttery yum.
Quick and hands-off cooking: The air fryer does almost all the work, saving you time.
Versatile serving options: Great as skewers or nuggets, depending on your mood or occasion.
Perfect crowd-pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend hangout, everyone asks for seconds!

There is a white plate with eight grilled chicken skewers placed close together. Each skewer has many pieces of cooked chicken that look golden brown with charred edges, showing a crispy texture. The chicken pieces have small green herb bits sprinkled all over them, and some white grated cheese or seasoning is also visible on top. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interior are placed on the side of the skewers on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with light brown and tan specks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every single ingredient in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is there for a reason. The rich butter carries the garlic and parmesan perfectly, while the lemon adds just the right brightness to balance the flavors. I always recommend using fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan if you can — trust me, it makes a big difference!

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, five whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon with a few lemon wedges beside it, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, several raw boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Salted butter: Softened to create a perfect base for the garlic parmesan butter sauce, adding a creamy richness.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic delivers a pungent, aromatic punch that baked garlic powder just can’t match.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated for smooth melting and a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
Lemon (zest & juice): Brightens the rich butter, cutting through the heaviness for a fresh twist.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially important for the chicken and butter.
Red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat to keep things exciting without overpowering.
Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish that brings a vibrant color and a fresh herbal note.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender during cooking and soak up the flavors beautifully.
Black pepper: A simple but essential seasoning to balance the salt and garlic.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to tweak it based on what you have or your taste preferences. I often switch up the spice level or swap parsley for fresh basil to keep things interesting.

Variation: I sometimes make nugget-style bites instead of skewers when I’m in a rush—just keep a close eye on cooking time since smaller pieces cook faster.
For less heat: Cut back the red pepper flakes or leave them out entirely if you’re cooking for kids or spice-sensitive guests.
Adding veggies: You can thread bell peppers or cherry tomatoes in between chicken pieces for a colorful, flavor-packed boost.
Alternative proteins: Shrimp works beautifully too with this butter sauce if you want to mix things up.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Garlic Parmesan Butter

Start by melting the softened salted butter in a medium bowl. Then add the grated garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything until combined. Don’t worry if the butter firms up while you prep—just brush it with a little extra force to coat the chicken well later.

Step 2: Prepare Your Skewers and Chicken

Trim wooden skewers with poultry shears to fit your air fryer or oven. Then thread 6 to 7 pieces of chicken thigh strips tightly onto each skewer. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper for an even flavor base.

Step 3: Brushing and Cooking

Using a basting brush, coat every side of each skewer with the garlic parmesan butter. Cook in your air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Pull them out briefly, baste again, then cook two more 5-minute intervals, repeating the basting each time. You’ll want the chicken beautifully golden and glistening with buttery goodness after 15 minutes total.

Step 4: Final Touches and Serving

Once all the skewers are cooked, pour the buttery garlic sauce pooled at the bottom of your air fryer over the chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan, and don’t forget some lemon wedges for squeezing on top—those bursts of citrus bring everything alive!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few key tricks to make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe come out perfectly every time. Trust me, these tips save so much hassle and up the flavor game.

Use poultry shears for trimming skewers: They make clean cuts and help fit skewers into your air fryer without splintering.
Don’t skip basting: It might feel repetitive, but those extra layers of butter build deep flavor and keep the chicken juicy.
Freshly grate your parm and garlic: Store-bought pre-grated cheese and pre-minced garlic don’t pack the same punch—fresh is worth it.
Watch the cooking time closely if you make nuggets: Smaller pieces cook faster, so keep an eye to avoid drying them out.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for that final sprinkle of fresh parsley—its vibrant green color brightens up the plate and adds a little herbal freshness. Plus, don't underestimate the power of lemon wedges on the side; a quick squeeze adds an irresistible zing to each bite.

Side Dishes

I often pair these skewers with a simple arugula salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, or some crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary. On busy nights, a fluffy bed of garlic butter rice also complements the skewers beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love placing skewers standing upright in a decorative jar filled with fresh herbs, which looks stunning on a buffet table. You can also serve skewers on a wooden board alongside bowls of dipping sauces—like a tangy ranch or spicy aioli—that let everyone customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before sealing to keep the texture just right. When packed well, they rewarm nicely without drying out.

Freezing

If I want to prep ahead, I’ll freeze the cooked skewers on a parchment-lined sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer the oven or air fryer to keep the edges crisp and juicy—heat at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving can make the coating less tempting, so use it only when you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well but can dry out faster. Cut the breasts into slightly larger pieces and watch the cooking time carefully to keep them juicy.

What can I substitute for wood skewers if I don't have any?

You can use metal skewers if you have them, just make sure they fit in your air fryer or oven. Alternatively, you can skip skewers altogether and make nugget-style bites instead—the cooking time will just be shorter.

How do I prevent the garlic butter from getting too firm while cooking?

If your butter firms up, it’s completely normal. Just loosen it with the basting brush as you cook and baste frequently to keep the chicken coated and juicy.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes! You can bake these skewers in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet lined with foil. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, basting halfway through for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours. The flavors are comforting and familiar, yet exciting enough to impress guests or treat yourself. I highly encourage you to try it out—you might just find it becomes one of your favorites too!