Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight Skewers Recipe

The Zesty Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight Skewers Recipe

Succulent garlic Parmesan chicken delight skewers promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds with rich, complex flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create an irresistible dish bursting with aromatic nuances.

Imagine tender meat infused with savory seasonings and delicate cheese notes dancing across your palate.

Crisp exterior layers give way to juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken that melts in your mouth.

Elegant yet simple preparation techniques make these skewers an ideal choice for casual gatherings or sophisticated dinner parties.

Every bite delivers a harmonious balance of herbaceous undertones and robust umami sensations.

Those seeking a crowd-pleasing recipe that impresses without complicated techniques will adore these delectable skewers.

Explore this culinary experience and savor each incredible moment of deliciousness.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Intro

  • Each skewer bursts with zesty garlic, spicy red pepper flakes, and rich Parmesan cheese, creating an explosion of taste that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Air fryer method delivers perfectly cooked chicken in just 12-13 minutes, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner gatherings.
  • These skewers are perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, or as delicious appetizers that everyone can grab and enjoy without complicated utensils.
  • The homemade garlic Parmesan butter sauce elevates simple chicken into a gourmet-style dish that looks impressive but requires minimal culinary skills to prepare.

Skewers with Garlic Chicken – Ingredients

Chicken and Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the main component of the skewers, best when fresh and boneless.
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken for even seasoning and prevents sticking during cooking.
Seasoning and Spice Blend:
  • Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds bold, spicy flavor with a kick of heat.
  • Parsley: Provides fresh herbal notes and bright color to the dish.
  • Hot Sauce: Enhances overall spiciness and adds tangy depth.
Sauce and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Butter: Creates rich, creamy base for the sauce with luxurious mouthfeel.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Delivers sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
  • Wooden Skewers: Necessary for creating compact, easy-to-eat chicken pieces.

Step-by-Step Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare Skewers

  • Wooden skewers
  • Water

Soak wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to prevent charring during cooking. This helps wooden skewers stay intact and prevents burning.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

  • Chicken breast
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Cut chicken into uniform 3-inch cubes. Place chicken in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle olive oil over chicken and sprinkle all seasonings. Gently toss chicken to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Thread Chicken Skewers

Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked wooden skewers. Pack chicken pieces closely together for even cooking. Leave small spaces between pieces to allow heat circulation.

Step 4: Create Garlic Parmesan Sauce

  • Unsalted butter
  • Minced garlic
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Fresh parsley
  • Hot sauce

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in remaining sauce ingredients until smoothly combined.

Step 5: Air Fry Chicken Skewers

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Place chicken skewers in air fryer basket. Cook for 5 minutes. Flip skewers and generously brush with prepared garlic Parmesan sauce. Continue cooking for additional 4-6 minutes, flipping and basting occasionally. Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove skewers from air fryer. Let rest for 2-3 minutes. Drizzle remaining sauce over skewers. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes.

Pro Tips for Chicken Skewers

  • Soak Skewers Smartly: Submerge wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
  • Spice Blend Mastery: Create a balanced seasoning mix by combining spices thoroughly before coating the chicken for maximum flavor distribution.
  • Tight Skewering Technique: Pack chicken pieces closely together on skewers to promote even cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Sauce Timing Trick: Baste chicken multiple times during air frying to keep the meat moist and infuse rich garlic Parmesan flavor throughout cooking.
  • Temperature Check Priority: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing both safety and juiciness.

Storage and Reheat for Chicken Skewers

  • Refrigerate: Store skewers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in Air Fryer: Warm skewers at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating. Drizzle extra garlic Parmesan sauce to restore moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Microwave Option: Place skewers on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

What Pairs Well with Chicken Skewers

  • Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, garlic Parmesan sauce complements the wine's smooth texture, while its crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a balanced and refreshing flavor combination.
  • Serve with Zesty Mediterranean Salad: A bright salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and lemon vinaigrette provides a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy and savory skewers, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Match with Craft Beer Adventure: A hoppy IPA or wheat beer with citrus notes can stand up to the bold flavors of the garlic Parmesan butter sauce, creating a dynamic and exciting taste profile that elevates the chicken skewers.
  • Add Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty bread brushed with olive oil and roasted garlic perfectly soaks up the remaining butter sauce, offering a delicious accompaniment that complements the skewers' intense flavors.

Twist Ideas for Chicken Skewers

  • Zesty Mediterranean Skewers: Replace Parmesan with crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano, chopped fresh mint, and lemon zest to the seasoning mix for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Spicy Asian Chicken Sticks: Swap hot sauce with sriracha, use sesame oil instead of olive oil, and incorporate ginger and soy sauce into the marinade for an Asian-inspired kick.
  • Herb Garden Chicken Skewers: Blend fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the butter sauce, replacing red pepper flakes with a light drizzle of honey for a more aromatic and slightly sweet version of the original recipe.

FAQ About Garlic Parmesan Skewers

  • How long should I soak wooden skewers before cooking?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.

  • Can I use a different cooking method if I don't have an air fryer?

Yes, you can grill or bake the skewers. If grilling, cook over medium-high heat, turning and basting occasionally. If baking, use an oven at 400°F and cook until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy.

  • Can I make the garlic Parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before basting the chicken.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight Skewers Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean-inspired Garlic Parmesan Chicken Delight Skewers bring zesty flavors dancing across tender chicken pieces. Grilled to perfection with aromatic herbs and rich parmesan, these skewers promise a delicious journey through savory culinary landscapes you’ll thoroughly enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Proteins:

  • 2 lbs (907 grams) chicken tenders, thighs, or fillets

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter
  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 8 to 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Oils:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare wooden skewers by submerging them in water for a minimum of half an hour to prevent charring during cooking.
  2. Slice chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks, ensuring consistent cooking and presentation.
  3. Create a flavor-packed seasoning blend and coat chicken pieces thoroughly with olive oil and selected spices.
  4. Carefully thread seasoned chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, positioning them closely to maximize heat distribution.
  5. Craft the garlic Parmesan sauce by gently melting butter with finely minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat.
  6. Enhance the sauce with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, freshly chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
  7. Warm the air fryer to 400°F, preparing for optimal chicken cooking.
  8. Arrange skewered chicken inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  9. Cook for 5 minutes, then carefully rotate skewers and generously brush with prepared garlic Parmesan sauce.
  10. Continue cooking, flipping and basting every 2 minutes, until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, typically requiring 10-12 minutes total.
  11. Remove skewers from air fryer and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Soak wooden skewers beforehand to prevent burning during cooking, ensuring safe and smooth grilling experience.
  • Cut chicken into uniform 3-inch pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the skewers.
  • Create a flavor-packed garlic Parmesan butter sauce by whisking red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and cheese for a zesty kick.
  • Use an air fryer set at 400°F for quick, crispy chicken skewers with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
  • Check chicken’s internal temperature carefully, aiming for the safe 165°F mark to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy meat.
  • Baste skewers multiple times during cooking to infuse extra moisture and enhance the rich, garlic Parmesan taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 540
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 670 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star