Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound salted butter, softened; 5 cloves garlic, grated; ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes; ¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional, for serving; 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch strips; 2 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper

There’s something incredibly comforting and irresistible about tender chicken soaked in rich, buttery garlic and topped with nutty parmesan cheese. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe brings together those flavors in a simple, fun-to-make dish that’s perfect for any weeknight or casual gathering.

The image shows five grilled chicken skewers on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has several pieces of golden-brown chicken with crispy edges, sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes. There appears to be a light drizzle of seasoning or sauce on the chicken, giving it a glossy look. At the top center of the plate, two lemon wedges are placed close together, adding bright yellow color and freshness to the dish. The chicken pieces are stacked and arranged closely, showing a mix of juicy and crispy textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I love how this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe turns humble chicken thighs into a flavorful party on a stick. It feels special but is so straightforward—you don’t need to be a grill master to nail these.

Bold Flavor Boost: The combo of garlic, parmesan, and lemon butter is a crowd-pleaser that packs tasty punches with every bite.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Choosing boneless, skinless thighs keeps the meat juicy and forgiving during cooking, making it nearly foolproof.
Perfectly Portable: Skewers are great for hands-on eating and give a fun, informal vibe to your meal.
Easy Air Fryer Magic: Using an air fryer speeds things up and gives you consistent, golden results without standing over a hot grill.

There is a white plate with eight grilled chicken skewers placed close together. Each skewer has many pieces of cooked chicken that look golden brown with charred edges, showing a crispy texture. The chicken pieces have small green herb bits sprinkled all over them, and some white grated cheese or seasoning is also visible on top. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and juicy interior are placed on the side of the skewers on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with light brown and tan specks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here is thoughtfully chosen. The salted butter is the creamy base that carries the garlic, parmesan, and lemon flavors perfectly. Using chicken thighs instead of breasts means you get juicy, tender pieces that won’t dry out in the air fryer. And the red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick that balances the richness.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter in a simple white ceramic bowl, five whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon with a few lemon wedges beside it, a small white bowl with red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, several raw boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl with whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Salted Butter: Softened to blend smoothly with the garlic and cheese, it acts as the flavorful basting sauce base.
Garlic: Freshly grated garlic gives an aromatic kick and deep flavor that’s far superior to powder.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for melting into the butter, adding nuttiness and umami.
Lemon (zest and juice): Brightens up the richness of butter and parmesan with fresh acidity.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, and balances the butter’s richness.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but I love it for a fresh, herbal pop at the end.
Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless, cut into strips for easy skewering and outstanding, juicy texture.
Black Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings subtle earthiness to the chicken.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is such a great base that I like to tinker with it depending on the season or who’s coming over. Adding a smoky paprika or swapping lemon for lime juice are fun ways I like to change things up.

Variation: Once, I swapped red pepper flakes for smoked chipotle powder, and it gave the skewers a smoky depth that my friends couldn’t get enough of.
Dietary swap: For dairy-free, you can try a vegan butter substitute and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan – the flavor is different but still tasty.
Seasonal touch: In summer, I add a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano to the butter for a garden-fresh vibe.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up That Dreamy Garlic Parmesan Butter

Start by melting the softened salted butter gently in a medium-sized bowl. Then, stir in the freshly grated garlic, finely grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and red pepper flakes until everything is combined into a luscious butter sauce. Don’t worry if it firms up a bit while you prep the chicken—simply give it a stir before you baste.

Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken Skewers

Trim your wooden skewers to fit your air fryer basket using poultry shears—I find these work perfectly for clean cuts. Thread about 6-7 chicken thigh strips tightly onto each skewer, seasoning the pieces with salt and pepper as you go along.

Step 3: Baste and Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Grab a basting brush and coat all sides of your chicken skewers generously with the garlic parmesan butter. Place the skewers in your air fryer set to 350°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and baste again with more butter. Repeat this two more times for a total of 15 minutes. You’ll notice the chicken turning beautifully golden and smelling incredible.

Step 4: Serve It Up with Extra Butter and A Squeeze of Lemon

Once all skewers are cooked, make sure to pour the flavorful garlic parmesan butter left in the air fryer over your chicken. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan, and serve with lemon wedges for that final tangy pop.

Top Tip

I’ve made this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe dozens of times, and these tips really took my results from good to unforgettable—so I’m sharing them with you!

Trim Skewers Beforehand: Cutting your skewers with poultry shears before you start saves fumbling around and ensures they fit your air fryer perfectly.
Don’t Skip the Basting: Applying that garlic parmesan butter between cooking intervals keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
Use Thighs, Not Breasts: They stay juicy longer and handle the high heat without drying out.
Watch Your Cooking Times: Air fryer models vary—check the skewers at around 12 minutes so you don’t overcook and end up with dry chicken.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of using fresh parsley and extra grated parmesan for a fresh, cheesy finish. A squeeze of lemon right before eating brightens up the rich flavors beautifully. Sometimes I even add a few red pepper flakes on top for anyone who loves a bit more heat.

Side Dishes

These skewers pair wonderfully with a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette, crispy roasted potatoes, or even creamy garlic mashed cauliflower for a lower-carb option. And of course, crusty bread to soak up any leftover buttery sauce is a winner every time!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, I love arranging the skewers on a large wooden board surrounded by lemon wedges and dipping sauces like ranch or a tangy yogurt dip. It turns dinner into a laid-back, interactive experience where everyone digs in and chats.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The garlic parmesan butter helps keep them moist, but I recommend reheating gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the cooked skewers successfully by wrapping them individually in foil, then placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the air fryer at 320°F for about 5-7 minutes—it crisps the edges nicely without drying the chicken. You can also warm them gently in the oven or microwave if you’re in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite as good.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?

You can definitely use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if that’s what you prefer, but be mindful that breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily. Keep a close eye on them in the air fryer and consider reducing cooking time by a few minutes to keep the chicken juicy.

What if I don't have an air fryer—can I make this on the grill or in the oven?

Absolutely! These skewers translate beautifully to a grill—just watch for flare-ups due to the butter and cook over medium heat until golden and cooked through. Alternatively, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping and basting halfway.

Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the skewers a few hours ahead of time, cover, and keep them refrigerated. Just apply the parmesan butter right before cooking for the best flavor and texture.

What’s the best way to avoid the parmesan butter from making a mess in the air fryer?

To minimize mess, try brushing on the butter rather than pouring it in, and place a piece of parchment paper or a perforated liner under the skewers if your air fryer allows it. This will catch drips and make cleanup easier without affecting airflow.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe feels like a special treat but is so easy to make that I find myself reaching for it again and again. It’s that perfect blend of comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free that makes me smile every time. I hope you love it as much as I do—grab some skewers, gather your ingredients, and let's get cooking together!