Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect dish for any occasion. These savory, tender skewers offer a delightful blend of flavors that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are versatile and easy to prepare. The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible taste that will leave your guests asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Flavorful Delight: The savory garlic and rich parmesan blend perfectly, making every bite delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer or main course, these skewers pair well with various sides.
• Perfect for Any Season: Ideal for summer grilling or quick indoor air frying, enjoy them year-round!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful chicken skewers.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make preparation smoother and help you create the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Metal or wooden skewers
• Mixing bowls
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Air fryer or grill
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Metal or wooden skewers: These are essential for holding your chicken pieces together while they cook evenly.
• Mixing bowls: A good mixing bowl allows you to thoroughly combine ingredients for marinades and seasonings.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures that your chicken is cooked to the perfect temperature for safe consumption.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 ½-2 pounds chicken thighs or tenders, cut in 1-inch pieces
• 1 ½ teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lowry’s)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Garlic Butter Mixture

• 5 tablespoons softened butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese
• 1-2 teaspoons chili crunch (or chili crisp)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to a bowl. Season with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. Mix to coat evenly. Allow the chicken skewers to marinate for at least 20 minutes; ideally, let them marinate covered in the refrigerator for 4-16 hours.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a bowl, combine softened butter with pressed garlic, parsley, parmesan, chili crunch, and lemon juice. Use a fork to press these ingredients together into a compound butter. Microwave it for just 5 seconds to loosen it slightly.

Step 3: Skewer the Chicken

Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers. Set aside for later use. Preheat your air fryer or outdoor grill—typically air fry at 400ºF.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Once preheated, add 4-7 skewers to the air fryer at a time without overcrowding them. Cook for about 6 minutes before flipping them over and cooking for another 3 minutes.

Step 5: Baste and Check Temperature

When the internal temperature reaches around 150ºF, baste one side of the chicken with your prepared garlic butter mixture. Cook for an additional minute; then flip and baste the other side. Cook for another 30–40 seconds until fully cooked through—an internal temperature of 165ºF is ideal.

Step 6: Serve Your Skewers

Remove skewers from the air fryer once cooked through. Top with additional parmesan or parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides!

With this guide on making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’re set for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress! Enjoy every bite!

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 barbecue or enjoying a family dinner, these skewers pair wonderfully with different sides and dips.

With Dipping Sauces

• Garlic Aioli: A creamy garlic dipping sauce complements the savory flavors of the skewers.
• Spicy Ketchup: Add a kick to your meal with a spicy ketchup mix, perfect for those who love heat.

On a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Slice the skewers and serve them on top of Caesar salad for a hearty meal.
• Mixed Greens: Toss them in with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a fresh option.

As Part of a Wrap

• Chicken Wraps: Roll the skewers in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for an easy grab-and-go meal.
• Pita Pockets: Place the chicken skewers in pita pockets with tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

With Grains

• Quinoa Bowl: Serve the skewers over quinoa with roasted vegetables for a nutritious bowl.
• Rice Pilaf: Pair them with fragrant rice pilaf that enhances the flavors of the chicken.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Bold Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 16 hours for deeper flavor.
• Bold Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese to elevate the taste.
• Bold Don’t Overcrowd: When cooking, avoid overcrowding the air fryer or grill to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Bold Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165ºF for safety.
• Bold Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to adjust seasonings or add herbs to customize flavors according to your taste preferences.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Complement your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted with olive oil and herbs add color and nutrition.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that balances the savory skewers.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting side that pairs well with chicken.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds a delightful bite and is easy to prepare on the grill.
6. Greek Yogurt Dip: A cool yogurt dip made with cucumber and mint can complement the skewers nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Over-marinating: Leaving the chicken in the marinade for too long can lead to a mushy texture. Aim for 20 minutes to 16 hours for the best results.
• Skipping seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can result in bland skewers. Use seasoning salt and garlic powder generously to enhance flavor.
• Crowding the skewers: Placing too many pieces on one skewer can prevent even cooking. Space out chicken pieces for better heat distribution.
• Ignoring temperature checks: Failing to check the internal temperature may lead to undercooked chicken. Always ensure it reaches 165ºF for safety and doneness.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Poor-quality butter or stale spices can impact flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• • Containers: Use an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• • Duration: You can freeze skewers for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or use a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF and place skewers on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Arrange skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Warm skewers in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally until heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, turkey, or lamb for a different flavor profile while still enjoying this recipe.

How do I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers spicier?

To add more heat, increase the amount of chili crunch or add red pepper flakes when marinating your chicken.

What side dishes pair well with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

These skewers go great with salads, grilled vegetables, rice, or even pasta tossed in garlic butter sauce.

Can I prepare these skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 16 hours in advance and assemble the skewers before cooking.

What is the best way to cook these skewers?

Both air frying and grilling yield delicious results! Choose whichever method suits you best based on equipment and preference.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not only flavorful but also versatile. They make for an excellent meal any day of the week! Feel free to customize them by adding your favorite veggies or spices. Give this recipe a try; your family will love it!