Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe combines the deliciously rich and savory flavors of garlic and Parmesan with juicy, tender chicken. The skewers are easy to prepare and cook, making them ideal for a quick dinner or a special occasion. The garlic butter sauce takes the flavor to the next level, while the fresh parsley adds a perfect balance. Plus, the air fryer method ensures a crispy finish without much effort!

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast/thighs)
1 stick butter
8-10 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped
Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
Cut the chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces. Toss them in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Skewer the chicken pieces tightly, making sure they’re packed together for maximum juiciness.
In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat and add minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, and any remaining seasonings. Mix well and remove from heat.
Baste the skewers with a portion of the garlic Parmesan sauce and air fry in batches at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, baste again, and cook for another 2 minutes.
Baste with the remaining sauce and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve the skewers with a final sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12-14 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

Grilled Version: If you don’t have an air fryer, grill the skewers for a smoky flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce or chili flakes to the garlic butter for a more intense heat.
Cheese Variation: Try adding mozzarella or Asiago cheese to the butter sauce for extra creaminess.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, chicken breasts or thighs work well for this recipe, though you’ll need to cut them into pieces.

Can I bake these skewers instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can marinate the chicken in the spice mix for up to 4 hours before skewering and cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal doneness.

Can I make this without hot sauce?

Yes, you can omit the hot sauce for a milder flavor, or substitute with a splash of lemon juice for acidity.

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Parmesan is ideal, but you can experiment with Romano, Asiago, or even a blend of cheeses for variation.

How do I get the chicken to stay juicy?

Make sure to pack the chicken tightly on the skewers and baste with the garlic butter sauce throughout the cooking process.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Fresh chicken tends to work better for this recipe, but if using frozen, ensure they’re fully thawed before cooking.

How do I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before basting the chicken.

What can I serve these skewers with?

These skewers pair beautifully with rice, a side salad, or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of juicy chicken, savory garlic butter sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, these skewers are ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or to wow guests at your next gathering.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy and tender pieces of chicken, basted with a flavorful garlic parmesan butter sauce. Cooked in the air fryer, they’re easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings
Category: Appetizers
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Chicken tenders (or breasts/thighs)
Butter
Garlic (8-10 cloves)
Parmesan cheese
Hot sauce
Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes
Fresh parsley
Wooden skewers

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
Toss chicken pieces with olive oil and spices. Thread onto skewers.
Make garlic parmesan sauce by combining butter, garlic, parmesan, and other ingredients in a saucepan.
Air fry the skewers at 400°F for 5 minutes. Baste with sauce, flip, and cook for 7-9 more minutes until the internal temp is 165°F.
Serve with the reserved sauce and extra parmesan.

Notes

Make sure the chicken is tightly packed on the skewers for maximum juiciness.
You can grill or bake these skewers if you don’t have an air fryer.