There’s something irresistibly cozy about the rich, savory flavor packed into my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe. The buttery garlic, the zing of lemon, and that crispy parmesan crust make it a surefire crowd-pleaser, whether you're whipping up a quick dinner or impressing friends.

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

This isn't just any chicken skewer recipe—it's my little love letter to garlic and Parmesan done right. It’s simple to prep, packed with bold flavors, and cooks perfectly in the air fryer. Whether you’re a busy home cook or just a fan of fuss-free meals, this recipe consistently nails those crave-worthy juicy bites.

Bold Flavor Blast: The combination of garlic, parmesan, lemon zest, and a hint of red pepper flakes really wakes up your taste buds.
Quick & Easy: You can have these skewers ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Using chicken thighs keeps the meat succulent and flavorful, even with high-heat cooking.
Hands-Off Cooking: The air fryer does the heavy lifting, giving you more time to relax or prep sides.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a part in making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe stand out. The garlic butter melds beautifully with the sharp, nutty parmesan, while lemon adds that zesty brightness you didn’t know you needed. And chicken thighs? They bring the juicy, tender texture every bite deserves.

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: The base of our savory sauce; it melts smoothly and carries flavor like a dream.
Garlic cloves: Freshly grated garlic ensures punchy aroma and flavor, not the muted taste from garlic powder.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan adds a salty, nutty crust that browns deliciously in the air fryer.
Lemon zest and juice: Both brighten the butter sauce and cut through the richness for balance.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, including the natural juices of the chicken.
Red pepper flakes: Just the right touch of heat without overpowering the garlic-parmesan combo.
Fresh parsley: Optional for a fresh herbal note and pretty garnish.
Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, perfect for skewering and staying juicy after cooking.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle spice to season the chicken before cooking.

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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

I love to experiment with this recipe based on what’s on hand or who I’m cooking for. It’s a great canvas for adding your own flair—whether it’s swapping herbs or adjusting heat levels. Don’t hesitate to make it truly yours!

Variation: I once swapped chicken thighs for chicken breast strips when my thighs were sold out—just watch the cooking time, as breast cooks faster and can dry out. Basting frequently keeps it juicy.
Dairy-Free: Try replacing the butter with your favorite plant-based spread and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative for a vegan twist.
More heat: If you like it spicy, double up on the red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce before serving.
Herb swap: Fresh basil or thyme work wonderfully if parsley isn’t your thing.

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

Step 1: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Butter

First, soften your butter at room temp so it blends easily. Melt it slightly in a bowl, then add grated garlic, parmesan, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together until you have a silky, fragrant butter sauce. Don’t worry if the butter firms back up while you prep—just stir before basting.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken & Skewers

Trim your wooden skewers if needed so they fit nicely into your air fryer—my trusty poultry shears make quick work of this. Thread 6-7 pieces of chicken thigh onto each skewer, packing them tightly. Season with salt and pepper to get that basic but vital seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry and Baste in Rounds

Place your skewers in the air fryer at 350°F. Here’s the secret: cook for 5 minutes, then baste with that gorgeous garlic parmesan butter. Repeat that two more times—five minutes cook, baste, five more minutes, baste again, and a final 5 minutes. This triple basted approach locks in flavor and guarantees golden brown, juicy chicken.

Step 4: Serve with Extra Butter and Fresh Lemon

When all the skewers are done, pour the buttery juices collected at the bottom of the air fryer over the chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra parmesan if you like. A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens everything beautifully.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few tricks that make this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe a guaranteed hit every time. These small details save time and boost flavor like crazy:

Consistent Chicken Size: Cutting the chicken into uniform 2-inch strips helps them cook evenly and prevents some pieces from drying out while others are still raw.
Baste Late and Often: Don't skip the repeated basting steps in the air fryer—it’s what seals in juiciness and builds that delicious crust.
Skip Overcrowding: Give your skewers space in the air fryer basket so hot air circulates properly—tighter is not better here!
Trim Skewers Safely: Use heavy-duty poultry shears for clean cuts; trying to bend or snap wooden skewers by hand often ends in splinters.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of fresh parsley sprinkled on top—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note. Sometimes, I throw on extra grated parmesan for good measure and serve with lemon wedges so everyone can add zing to their own liking.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp garden salad, garlic roasted potatoes, or even creamy mashed cauliflower for a lighter option. For an easy weeknight meal, I’ll sometimes serve it with steamed green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love arranging the skewers fan-style on a big platter, drizzling extra garlic parmesan butter over, and setting out toothpicks for easy snacking. You can also thread colorful veggies like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes on alternate skewers for a vibrant look.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually sprinkle a little fresh parmesan before cover to keep that cheesy goodness fresh. When you reheat, the chicken stays surprisingly moist thanks to the buttery marinade.

Freezing

I’ve frozen both raw marinated chicken pieces and fully cooked skewers. For best results, flash freeze on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and air fry a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Reheating

My go-to reheating method is popping the skewers back in the air fryer at 320°F for about 5 minutes. It revives the crisp edges without drying them out like a microwave might. Just watch closely so they don’t overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?

You absolutely can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts cook faster and tend to dry out if overcooked. To avoid this, cut them into similar-sized strips as thighs, start checking for doneness a few minutes earlier, and baste frequently with the garlic parmesan butter to keep the meat juicy.

What can I do if I don’t have an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook these skewers in a conventional oven or on the grill. For the oven, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, and baste at intervals for that buttery crust. On the grill, cook over medium heat with regular basting until chicken is cooked through and golden.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is naturally gluten-free, assuming your parmesan cheese is unprocessed and free from additives. Always double-check labels if you have gluten sensitivities.

How do I know when the chicken skewers are fully cooked?

Chicken thighs are fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer gives you the most accurate result, but the chicken should also be golden brown on the outside and juices should run clear when pierced.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits such a perfect balance of quick, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It’s that recipe I’m always happy to share and feel confident about serving, whether to family or guests. Give it a try—you’ll see just how effortlessly tasty dinner can be!