If you’re looking for a dish that combines bold flavors with quick and easy preparation, you’re going to adore this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. Juicy, tender chicken pieces are seasoned to perfection, grilled to a golden finish, and then lovingly coated with a luscious garlic parmesan sauce that brings every bite to life. Whether as a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe promises a delightful experience with each skewer you enjoy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a key role in delivering the irresistible taste, texture, and aroma of the dish. The simplicity means you can easily find everything in your pantry, and their combined magic creates a savory masterpiece.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your preferred cut for tender, juicy meat that absorbs seasoning beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the chicken for even seasoning and keeps it moist while cooking.
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning: A flavorful blend that infuses the chicken with savory, aromatic spices.
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce: The star of the dish—creamy, tangy, and packed with garlic and parmesan to elevate every bite.
- 6-inch bamboo skewers: Perfect for portioning the chicken and easy handling during air frying.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Toss these tender chunks with olive oil to help the seasoning stick and lock in moisture. Then sprinkle on your chicken seasoning and mix thoroughly so every piece is bursting with flavor before threading them tightly onto your bamboo skewers. This prepping step builds all the flavor layers from the ground up.
Step 2: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange the skewers in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, making sure not to crowd them for that perfect crisp outside and juicy inside. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes—if your basket is small, split the batch to avoid steaming. This high temperature quickly seals in the juices while creating those irresistible golden edges.
Step 3: Add the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Halfway through cooking, open the air fryer to flip the skewers gently. Brush them generously with the garlic parmesan sauce so the chicken starts soaking up that rich, savory glaze. Return the skewers to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to meld into the chicken with a tantalizing finish.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Take the skewers out and immediately brush on the remaining garlic parmesan sauce for that extra punch of flavor. At this point, you can add optional garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot and watch everyone savor how delicious and easy the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe turns out!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your chicken skewers with freshly chopped parsley not only adds a fresh pop of color but also a hint of herbaceous brightness that balances the creamy sauce. A sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese enhances the cheesy flavor and adds a beautiful texture contrast. Don’t hesitate to experiment with crushed red pepper flakes if you crave a slight kick.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables that complement their richness without competing. For something heartier, fluffy garlic mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf help soak up every drop of the garlic parmesan sauce. Even a crisp garlic bread makes for a fantastic side that echoes the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve the skewers on a wooden board garnished with lemon wedges for added zest. Alternatively, nestle the chicken skewers over a bed of creamy polenta or grilled veggies for a stunning presentation. You could also thread alternating veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for color and added freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain moisture, consider brushing a little extra garlic parmesan sauce over them before sealing. This way, when reheated, they stay wonderfully flavorful and tender.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend to revive the crispy edges—pop the skewers back in at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, warming them in the oven on a baking sheet at 375°F until heated through works really well. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually excellent in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe because they stay juicy and tender even when air-fried, making the skewers even more flavorful.
Do I have to use an air fryer to cook these skewers?
You can cook these on a grill or in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking or burning.
Is the garlic parmesan sauce difficult to make from scratch?
Not at all. The sauce typically combines simple ingredients like garlic, parmesan cheese, butter, and mayonnaise or cream—all easy to blend together quickly and pack a punch of flavor.
Can these skewers be made ahead of time for a party?
Yes! You can prep and skewer the chicken a few hours before cooking. Keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to air fry. This makes party prep so much smoother.
What can I substitute if I don’t have chicken seasoning?
You can use a simple mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to season the chicken. This homemade blend will still complement the garlic parmesan sauce wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those delightful dishes you’ll find yourself reaching for again and again. It’s quick to make, impressively flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. I hope you give it a try soon—you won’t be disappointed by how this tasty meal brings smiles all around your table!
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 16 skewers (16 servings)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a quick and delicious appetizer or meal, featuring tender chicken pieces seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Coated with a flavorful garlic parmesan sauce, they offer a savory blend of herbs and cheese, ready in just 22 minutes for a crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chicken seasoning
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- ½ cup garlic parmesan sauce
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh chopped parsley
- Grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss them evenly with the olive oil and chicken seasoning to ensure each piece is well coated with flavor.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto 6-inch bamboo skewers, placing 4 pieces on each skewer. Arrange the skewers so they fit properly in your air fryer basket.
- Air fry the chicken: Place a single layer of skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches—8 skewers fit in a 6-quart air fryer at once.
- Apply the sauce and continue cooking: Open the air fryer, flip the chicken skewers to cook evenly, and brush the tops generously with the garlic parmesan sauce. Air fry for another 2 minutes at 400°F to set the sauce.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer and brush again with any remaining garlic parmesan sauce for extra flavor. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and grated parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use either chicken breasts or thighs based on your texture preference; thighs will be juicier.
- Chicken seasoning can be store-bought or homemade with herbs like paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Soak bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes before cooking to prevent burning in the air fryer.
- Ensure skewers are placed in a single layer for even cooking in the air fryer.
- The garlic parmesan sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
