Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight Recipe

Tender Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight Recipe for Summer

Succulent garlic Parmesan chicken skewers promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds with bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Those tender meat morsels combine zesty herbs and savory cheese for an irresistible combination.

Imagine grilling juicy chicken pieces coated in a fragrant mixture that delivers incredible depth and complexity.

Perfectly seasoned ingredients create a sensational blend of textures and aromas that elevate simple proteins into something extraordinary.

Each skewer represents a delightful journey through rich, complementary flavors that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how these classic ingredients revamp into a stunning dish with minimal effort.

You can find this recipe incredibly simple yet impressively delicious, making it ideal for casual weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Explore this culinary experience and watch your guests marvel at your cooking skills.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight Everyone at the Table

  • Zesty paprika, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese create an explosive taste experience that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering delight.
  • Air fryer method delivers perfectly cooked chicken in just 12-14 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
  • These skewers work brilliantly as appetizers, main course, or party snacks, appealing to both kids and adults with their irresistible combination of spicy and cheesy flavors.
  • Air frying reduces oil usage while maintaining juicy chicken texture, offering a lighter alternative to traditional deep-frying without compromising on taste and crispiness.

What Goes Into Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight

Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the skewers, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic spice mix that adds depth and layers of flavor to the chicken, creating a robust seasoning profile.
Liquid and Fat Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps coat chicken and promote even seasoning and browning.
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for sauce with deep flavor.
  • Hot Sauce: Adds spicy kick and tangy undertone to the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces additional heat and subtle warmth.
Aromatic and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Garlic: Fresh, intense flavor that complements chicken and adds aromatic complexity.
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the final dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty notes and creates a golden, crispy finish.
Preparation Tools:
  • Wooden Skewers: Essential for easy handling and presentation, must be soaked in water to prevent burning.
  • Air Fryer: Provides quick, even cooking with crispy exterior.

Directions for Making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight

Step 1: Prepare Skewers

  • Wooden skewers
  • Water

Submerge wooden skewers completely in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking. This technique ensures your skewers stay intact and protect the chicken from charring.

Step 2: Create Seasoning Blend

  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

In a small mixing bowl, thoroughly combine all spices. The blend will create a robust flavor profile for the chicken.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

  • Chicken breasts
  • Olive oil

Cut chicken into uniform 3-inch chunks. Transfer pieces to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the prepared seasoning mixture over chicken, tossing until every piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble Skewers

Thread seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, ensuring each skewer has consistent spacing and chicken distribution.

Step 5: Craft Garlic Parmesan Sauce

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

Microwave butter until partially melted. Whisk in remaining ingredients until sauce becomes smooth and well-integrated.

Step 6: Air Fry Chicken

Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook skewers for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with sauce. Continue cooking for 2 minutes, flip again, and baste. Cook an additional 5-6 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Brush skewers with remaining garlic parmesan sauce. Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Insider Tricks for Better Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight

  • Skewer Soak Strategy: Immerse wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent charring and ensure even cooking.
  • Seasoning Sensation: Mix spices thoroughly to create a robust flavor profile that coats every chicken piece evenly.
  • Tight Packing Technique: Thread chicken pieces closely on skewers to promote consistent heat distribution and juicy results.
  • Basting Brilliance: Brush sauce multiple times during cooking to lock in moisture and build deep, layered flavors.
  • Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches 165F, ensuring safety and perfect doneness without drying out the meat.

Save and Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight the Right Way

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm skewers gently in the air fryer at 350F for 3-4 minutes, ensuring they remain juicy and crispy without drying out. Alternatively, use the microwave for 30-45 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
  • Safety Check: Always verify the internal temperature reaches 165F when reheating to guarantee food safety and prevent potential bacterial growth.

What to Pair with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to complement the garlic and parmesan flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken while refreshing your palate.
  • Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together a light greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and a lemony vinaigrette to balance the skewers' bold and spicy profile.
  • Serve with Cooling Dip: Whip up a quick tzatziki or ranch dressing to provide a cool, creamy contrast to the hot and spicy chicken skewers, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Match with Herbed Couscous: Prepare a light couscous side dish with fresh herbs like parsley and mint, which will absorb the garlic parmesan sauce and provide a delightful textural accompaniment.

Flavorful Variations of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight

  • Spicy Mediterranean Herb Skewers: Replace paprika with za'atar seasoning, add chopped rosemary and oregano to the spice mix, and swap hot sauce for lemon juice to create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
  • Cajun Ranch Chicken Spears: Substitute the current seasoning with Cajun spice blend, use ranch seasoning packet in the butter sauce, and incorporate chopped green onions for extra zest and color.
  • Honey Mustard Garlic Sticks: Modify the sauce by mixing honey, dijon mustard, and garlic together, reduce parmesan quantity, and sprinkle dried dill over the finished skewers for a tangy, sweet alternative.
  • Smoky BBQ Parmesan Bites: Replace hot sauce with smoky BBQ sauce, add smoked paprika to the chicken seasoning, and finish with a light sprinkle of smoked sea salt for an intense barbecue-style experience.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight FAQs You’ll Want to Read

  • How long should I soak wooden skewers before cooking?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during air frying.

  • What's the best way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F, which typically takes about 12-14 minutes in the air fryer. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.

  • Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

You can prepare the skewers and seasoning mixture in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just be sure to bring the chicken close to room temperature before air frying.

  • What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can also grill or bake these skewers. If grilling, cook over medium-high heat for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. In the oven, bake at 425F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Delight Recipe


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4.8 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling garlic parmesan chicken skewers dance with Mediterranean flavors, promising a culinary journey through zesty herbs and golden-grilled perfection. Succulent chicken meets creamy parmesan in this irresistible dish that will make you crave another bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

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

Cheese and Seasoning:

  • ½ cup (50 grams) grated parmesan
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

Herbs, Spices, and Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 stick (113 grams) butter
  • 810 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

  1. Immerse wooden skewers in cold water for half an hour to prevent charring during air frying.
  2. Craft a robust seasoning blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a compact bowl.
  3. Transform chicken into uniform 3-inch cubes, then massage with olive oil and the prepared spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  4. Meticulously thread seasoned chicken chunks onto pre-soaked skewers, arranging them compactly for even cooking.
  5. Create a luxurious sauce by microwaving butter with minced garlic until partially liquefied. Whisk in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, fresh parsley, and grated parmesan cheese to develop a complex flavor profile.
  6. Position skewers in the air fryer basket, cooking at 400F for approximately 5 minutes. Carefully rotate and lavish with sauce, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  7. Perform a final rotation, generously baste with remaining sauce, and continue cooking until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F, typically requiring 12-14 minutes total.
  8. Upon completion, embellish skewers with a final brushing of garlic parmesan sauce and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for a decadent finish.

Notes

  • Skewer Prep Tip: Soaking wooden skewers in water prevents burning and ensures safe, even cooking in the air fryer.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Create a flavorful dry rub by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for maximum taste infusion.
  • Chicken Coating Technique: Evenly coat chicken pieces with olive oil and spices to guarantee delicious, well-seasoned bites.
  • Sauce Magic: Blend melted butter, garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan cheese for a mouthwatering, creamy finish.
  • Cooking Precision: Air fry at 400F, flipping and basting periodically to achieve perfectly cooked, juicy chicken with crispy edges.
  • Serving Suggestion: Finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a luxurious, restaurant-quality presentation that elevates the entire dish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 455
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 306 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 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.

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