Fall-apart Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a family dinner, or looking for a delicious appetizer, these skewers deliver rich flavor and tender chicken. The homemade garlic parmesan sauce elevates the taste while being simple to prepare in an air fryer. Enjoy them as is or over rice and veggies with the leftover garlic parmesan butter for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and spices creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can whip these skewers up in no time.
- Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer or main course, they suit various occasions.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking in an air fryer minimizes mess and simplifies cleanup.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to match your spice preference.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: Cooks chicken evenly while keeping it juicy and tender with less oil.
- Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken pieces together while cooking; choose metal for easier reuse or wooden for a classic touch.
- Mixing bowl: Allows you to combine ingredients thoroughly before marinating the chicken.
- Knife: Necessary for cutting chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
Ingredients
For these delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
For the Sauce
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly on the skewers.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss well to ensure every piece is coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes; longer is better for enhanced flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. Aim for even spacing between pieces to promote uniform cooking.
Step 5: Cook in Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in a single layer in the basket. Cook for about 12-15 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once done, remove from air fryer and let cool slightly before serving. These skewers are delightful on their own or served over rice with extra garlic parmesan butter!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or just having a casual family dinner, these skewers can elevate any meal.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for a flavor boost.
- Pair with a fresh vegetable platter to balance the richness of the skewers.
Over Rice
- Create a delicious bed of rice, allowing the garlic parmesan sauce to soak in.
- Add steamed vegetables on the side for a complete meal.
In Tacos
- Shred the cooked chicken skewers and fill soft tortillas for tasty tacos.
- Top with avocado, salsa, or extra garlic parmesan sauce for added flavor.
With Salad
- Slice the chicken and place it over a garden salad for a hearty lunch option.
- Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette or your favorite dressing for an extra zing.
As Meal Prep
- Pack them into meal prep containers along with grains and veggies for easy lunches.
- Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat quickly for busy days.
How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Perfecting Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is all about technique and attention to detail. Follow these tips to make your skewers outstanding.
- Choose quality chicken: Fresh chicken tenders or thighs ensure better flavor and texture.
- Marinate longer: Allow the chicken to marinate in the garlic parmesan sauce for at least an hour to enhance flavor.
- Skewer properly: Ensure even spacing on skewers so that each piece cooks uniformly.
- Baste periodically: Brush the skewers with garlic parmesan butter during cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
- Use high heat: Cooking at higher temperatures helps achieve that perfect char without drying out the chicken.
- Let rest before serving: Allowing the skewers to rest briefly after cooking helps retain juices.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair well with many sides that complement their rich flavors. Consider these delicious options to round out your meal:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic enhance the savory notes of the skewers.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine topped with Caesar dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with lemon juice and herbs brings brightness to your meal.
- Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs serves as a great base that absorbs all those delicious juices.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter pairs perfectly alongside grilled chicken skewers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using cold chicken: Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking and better texture.
- Skipping the marination: Don’t forget to marinate the chicken in the garlic parmesan sauce for at least 30 minutes. This adds flavor and tenderness.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Avoid placing too many pieces on each skewer. This can hinder even cooking; leave space between pieces for air circulation.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy finish. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
- Ignoring the garlic: Fresh garlic makes a substantial difference. Avoid using garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic for a richer flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Wrap skewers tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- They last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid drying out.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Heat for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
Can I use different cuts of chicken for skewers?
Yes, you can use thighs, breasts, or even drumsticks. Each cut will offer a different flavor and texture, so choose according to your preference.
How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers spicy?
To add more heat, increase the amount of hot sauce or red pepper flakes in your marinade. You can also include diced jalapeños on the skewers.
What should I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
These skewers pair well with rice, grilled vegetables, or salads. You can also serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces.
Can I cook these skewers on a grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill and cook them over medium heat until fully cooked. Make sure to baste them with garlic parmesan butter during grilling for extra flavor.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you serve them as an appetizer or with rice and veggies, they promise satisfaction in every bite. Feel free to customize by adding vegetables or experimenting with different spices!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, homemade garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for parties, family dinners, or as a tasty appetizer, these skewers offer an irresistible flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for more. The air fryer method ensures juicy chicken with minimal cleanup, making this recipe both convenient and delicious. Serve them on their own or over rice and veggies drizzled with leftover garlic parmesan butter for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re entertaining guests or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 stick butter
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, parmesan cheese, hot sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken to the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook skewers in a single layer for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approximately 115g)
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
