Irresistible Air Fryer & Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Your Ultimate Easy Dinner!

Unlock a world of savory flavor with these incredible Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, perfectly cooked in your air fryer or on the grill! Juicy, tender, and dripping with an irresistible garlic butter sauce, these skewers are guaranteed to become a family favorite. Get ready for a uniquely delicious meal that’s both simple to prepare and packed with taste!

Garlic. Parmesan. Just hearing those two words together conjures images of rich, savory deliciousness, doesn’t it? Well, prepare to have your taste buds dazzled, because this dynamic duo comes together in these unbelievably flavorful Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, making for a meal that’s not just good, but truly unforgettable.

These aren’t your average chicken kebabs. We’re talking about succulent chicken pieces, deeply marinated in a blend of seasoning salt, a touch of creamy mayonnaise, and a few other secret ingredients that ensure every bite is incredibly tender and bursting with savory goodness. The mayonnaise, a brilliant trick passed down from my mom’s Persian chicken kebabs, is a game-changer. It’s a technique I’ve happily incorporated into other recipes like my Asian grilled chicken, and it works wonders here, locking in moisture and delivering unparalleled juiciness.

What makes this recipe even better is that the ingredient list is comprised of pantry staples you likely already have on hand. This means you can whip up these delectable chicken skewers in a flash, making them perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings. As with any good marinade, remember this golden rule: the longer you let them marinate, the more flavor-packed and tender your chicken skewers will be. Aim for at least 20 minutes, but truly, the magic happens with a few hours or even overnight.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

Crafting these mouthwatering skewers requires a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavor and texture, from the tender chicken to the rich, savory basting sauce.

• Chicken: For optimal tenderness and ease, I often opt for chicken tenders. However, if you prefer a richer, more succulent bite, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice and will yield incredibly juicy results due to their higher fat content. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts also work beautifully, just be mindful not to overcook them. Whichever cut you choose, ensure you cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces. This consistency is key for even cooking, preventing some pieces from drying out while others are still undercooked.
• Seasonings: The foundation of flavor starts with a good seasoning salt (such as Lawry’s) or a quality poultry seasoning blend. To truly amp up the garlicky essence, we’ll also add an extra ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, even if your seasoning mix already contains it. A few cracks of fresh black pepper can also enhance the overall profile. If using a salt-free seasoning, remember to add about 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt to the marinade.
• Mayonnaise: This might sound unconventional for a marinade, but mayonnaise is my absolute favorite ingredient for tenderizing chicken. Its emulsified oils and egg yolks create a protective coating, locking in moisture and preventing the chicken from drying out during cooking. The result is consistently juicy and incredibly tender chicken every single time. It also helps the seasonings adhere beautifully to the meat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated Parmesan cheese is essential for that signature umami depth and savory, salty flavor. It also contributes to a delicious, slightly crispy crust on the chicken as it cooks. Use good quality Parmesan for the best results.
• Softened Butter: For our luscious basting sauce, you’ll need butter that has been softened to room temperature. This makes it effortless to mix in the minced garlic and other ingredients, creating a smooth, spreadable compound butter that will melt beautifully onto the chicken.
• Garlic Cloves: No “Garlic Parmesan” recipe is complete without plenty of fresh garlic! Minced or pressed garlic cloves are the star of our basting sauce, infusing the skewers with a potent, aromatic flavor that truly stands out.
• Fresh Parsley: A tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the rich garlic butter sauce, balancing the flavors beautifully.
• Chili Crunch: To add a delightful layer of mild heat and textural intrigue, I recommend 1-2 teaspoons of chili crunch (or chili crisp). This ingredient provides a subtle warmth without overpowering the garlic and Parmesan. If you prefer more spice, feel free to double or triple the amount. If chili crunch isn’t available, ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes makes an excellent substitute.
• Lemon Juice: A small amount of fresh lemon juice in the butter sauce brightens the flavors and adds a hint of tanginess that cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced profile.
• Metal or Wooden Skewers: The choice is yours! Metal skewers are reusable and conduct heat well, while wooden skewers are disposable. If you’re using wooden skewers, especially when grilling, it’s crucial to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes (or ideally an hour) before threading. This prevents them from burning and charring excessively over high heat.

Tips for Success! Got a jar of chili crunch and wondering how else to use this versatile condiment? Beyond these skewers, it’s fantastic in my Chili Crisp Salmon with Cucumber Crisp Pepper Salad or try it to elevate the flavors in Ponzu Zucchini Stir Fry with Chicken. It adds a delicious kick to almost anything!

Mastering Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Whether you’re firing up the grill or utilizing the convenience of your air fryer, these steps will guide you to perfectly cooked, flavor-packed chicken skewers.

1. Season the Chicken for Maximum Flavor: Begin by placing your cut chicken pieces into a large bowl. Add the seasoning salt, creamy mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Toss everything together thoroughly until every piece of chicken is evenly coated. For even easier cleanup, you can do this in a large Ziploc bag, massaging the ingredients into the chicken. Now comes the waiting game: marinate the chicken for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For truly exceptional results and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, I highly recommend marinating for 4-16 hours, covered, in the refrigerator. This longer soak ensures deeper flavor penetration and a juicier final product.
2. Prepare the Irresistible Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: While your chicken is marinating, prepare the heavenly basting sauce. In a small bowl, combine the softened (room temperature) salted or unsalted butter. Use a fork to mash it lightly. Add the freshly pressed or minced garlic, chopped parsley, a tablespoon of grated Parmesan, the chili crunch (or red pepper flakes), and the fresh lemon juice. Mix vigorously with the fork until all ingredients are well combined and you have a fragrant compound butter. Set this aside. Just before you’re ready to baste, a quick 5-second zap in the microwave can help loosen the butter slightly, making it easier to brush onto the hot chicken.
3. Skewer the Chicken Evenly: Once the chicken has marinated sufficiently, it’s time to thread the pieces onto your skewers. If using wooden skewers and grilling, ensure they have been soaked beforehand to prevent burning. Thread the bite-sized chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure not to overcrowd them. Leave a small gap between each piece to allow for even cooking and proper airflow. Set the prepared skewers aside until you’re ready to cook.
4. Air Fry Your Chicken Skewers to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to your model’s instructions. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the chicken skewers with avocado or olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote a crispy exterior. Arrange 4-7 skewers in the air fryer basket, depending on what will comfortably fit without overcrowding. Cook for an initial 6 minutes, then carefully flip the skewers. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Grill Your Chicken Skewers for Smoky Flavor (Alternative Method): If you prefer the smoky char of a grill, preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers directly over the heat, ensuring not to overcrowd the grill. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through. Keep an eye out for flare-ups, especially if using boneless, skinless thighs due to their higher fat content.
6. Baste and Finish for Ultimate Flavor: Regardless of your cooking method, when the chicken is almost done (it should have reached an internal temperature of around 150-155°F or 65-68°C), it’s time for the final flavor boost. Liberally baste both sides of the chicken skewers with your prepared garlic Parmesan butter sauce. Return the skewers to the air fryer or grill and cook for an additional 60-90 seconds per side, allowing the butter to melt and infuse into the chicken, creating a delectable glaze. Always check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Remove from heat, baste again with any remaining sauce for extra juiciness, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.

If you’re a fan of these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll also adore:

If the savory magic of garlic and Parmesan combined with tender chicken has won your heart, then you’re in for a treat! Explore these other fantastic recipes that bring similar irresistible flavors and cooking methods to your table:

• Garlic Parmesan Wings: Crispy wings tossed in that quintessential garlic Parmesan goodness.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Achieve perfect crispiness without the deep-fryer.
• Chicken Shish Tawook: A classic Middle Eastern grilled chicken kebab, packed with aromatic spices.
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers: Zesty and herb-infused Greek-style chicken, ideal for grilling.
• Easiest Greek Grilled Chicken: Simple yet incredibly flavorful grilled chicken that’s perfect for any occasion.