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; Wooden skewers (trimmed to fit air fryer)

There's something irresistible about the combo of tangy garlic and nutty parmesan, especially when it melts into tender chicken on a skewer. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, bursting with bold flavors and a buttery finish that you just can’t stop eating.

The image shows several skewers of grilled chicken pieces placed on a white plate. The chicken is golden brown with darker char marks, giving it a crispy texture. It is sprinkled with green herbs and red chili flakes, adding color and texture. On top of the skewers, there are two lemon wedges placed near the center, adding a bright yellow contrast. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. 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 remember the first time I whipped up these skewers—just the smell had me hooked. The combination of garlic, parmesan, and butter turns simple chicken thighs into something downright comforting and fancy all at once. Plus, it’s so easy to do in the air fryer!

Flavor-Packed: The garlic parmesan butter coats every bite with savory richness you won’t forget.
Juicy Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay super succulent and tender throughout cooking.
Quick & Easy: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels like a special occasion but takes no fuss.
Air Fryer Friendly: Minimal mess, and the crisp edges make it even better than your typical baked chicken.

A round white plate holds eight wooden skewers with grilled chicken pieces, each skewer layered with several browned, slightly charred chunks of chicken that have a golden yellow and light brown color from the spices and grilling. The chicken is sprinkled with small green herb bits and white grated cheese. Two bright yellow lemon wedges sit on the top left side of the plate. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient has a role in making these skewers sing. The butter is the star base, carrying garlic’s punch and parmesan’s savory saltiness, while the lemon zest and juice bring brightness that balances the richness. Chicken thighs, with their higher fat content, soak up all those flavors and stay juicy when cooked.

Flat lay of a small mound of softened salted butter, five peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with finely grated parmesan cheese, a whole lemon cut in half showing bright yellow flesh, a small white bowl with coarse salt, a small white bowl of red pepper flakes, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, several raw boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into thick strips, a small white bowl of black pepper, all arranged symmetrically 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: Using salted butter helps season the chicken while adding a creamy richness that carries the other flavors.
Garlic: Fresh grated garlic is best for bold aroma and flavor—don't skip it.
Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan adds a salty, umami depth that melts beautifully into the butter.
Lemon Zest & Juice: These cut through the fat and brighten the overall taste; fresh lemon is key.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors evenly—you’ll season the marinade and the chicken for balance.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a pleasant, subtle kick. Feel free to adjust to your heat preference.
Fresh Parsley (optional): A fresh herb finish adds color and freshness when serving.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy, and perfect for quick cooking on skewers.
Black Pepper: Grounds the seasoning with a mild warmth.

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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 tossing in my own twist on this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe based on mood and season. You can easily dial up the spice, swap herbs, or even swap chicken for shrimp if you’re feeling adventurous.

Variation: One of my favorite tweaks is adding smoked paprika to the butter—gives it a subtle smoky richness that’s incredible and unexpectedly cozy.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free option, I substitute the butter with olive oil and sprinkle nutritional yeast instead of parmesan. It’s different but still tasty!
Seasonal twist: Swap the parsley garnish with chopped basil in summer for a fresh herbal aroma that pairs wonderfully.

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

Step 1: Whip Up That Flavor-Packed Garlic Parmesan Butter

Start by melting the softened butter in a medium bowl—microwave works perfectly for this. Then, add grated garlic, parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir it all together until it’s well combined. If it firms up a bit while you prep other things, don’t worry—that’s normal and it’ll melt again when you cook.

Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken

Trim your wooden skewers so they fit in your air fryer. I’ve found that kitchen poultry shears work great for a clean cut. Next, thread 6-7 pieces of chicken thigh onto each skewer, packing them snugly but without squishing. Season generously with salt and black pepper—seasoning every layer is key for great flavor.

Step 3: Butter ‘Em Up and Air Fry

With a basting brush, coat every side of your skewers with the garlic parmesan butter. Place them in your air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes. Then pull them out, baste again, and repeat the cooking and basting two more times for a total of 15 minutes. The chicken should get beautifully golden and juicy—keep an eye so they don’t dry out.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch

Once everything’s cooked, that leftover garlic parmesan butter in the bottom of your air fryer is pure gold. Pour it over the cooked chicken skewers, garnish with extra chopped parsley and parmesan if you like, and add lemon wedges on the side for a little extra zing. Serve immediately and watch how fast these disappear!

Top Tip

I’ve cooked this recipe dozens of times now, and these tips have saved me from common pitfalls. They make the process smoother and bring out the best in every skewer.

Use kitchen shears to trim skewers: It’s way easier and safer than messing around with knives or scissors, giving you the perfect size for your air fryer.
Don’t skip seasoning the chicken: I learned the hard way that just coating with butter isn’t enough—you need that extra salt and pepper on the raw chicken for full flavor.
Baste multiple times: Reapplying the garlic parmesan butter every 5 minutes adds layers of flavor and helps the chicken get that gorgeous crispy edge.
Watch cooking times: Chicken thighs cook quickly—pull the skewers out as soon as they hit an internal temp of 165°F to keep them juicy.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving because it adds a pop of color and a little freshness that lifts the rich flavors. Sometimes, I’ll add extra parmesan shavings too—because why not go big? Lemon wedges aren’t just pretty; the squeeze of citrus brightens every bite perfectly.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides with these skewers are crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, creamy mashed potatoes, or even some roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. I like balancing the richness of the chicken with something fresh or earthy to keep the meal rounded.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served these skewers standing upright in a narrow vase or jar lined with foil—looks fancy and makes them easy to grab! Another idea is to serve them over a bed of lemon-herb couscous or alongside garlic parmesan roasted potatoes for a full flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover skewers store nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the garlic parmesan butter separate if possible, as reheating them together keeps the flavors fresh without getting soggy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well! I like to freeze the cooked skewers individually wrapped in foil, then pop them in a freezer bag. They keep for about 2 months. When you want a quick meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat the skewers in a 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes until warmed through. Brushing a little extra garlic parmesan butter before reheating helps keep them moist and flavorful—microwaving tends to dry them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

You can absolutely use chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be mindful that they tend to dry out faster. To keep them juicy, cut into thicker strips and watch the cooking time carefully—reduce it if needed.

How do I prevent the skewers from burning in the air fryer?

If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to minimize burning. Also, trim the skewers so they fit well in the air fryer basket without touching the heating element.

Can I make the garlic parmesan butter ahead of time?

Yes! The garlic parmesan butter can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before using to make brushing easier.

What can I serve with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with fresh salads, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or garlic bread. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed greens or a lemony quinoa salad. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want something flavorful yet fuss-free. It feels special without a complicated technique, and everyone loves how juicy and tasty the chicken turns out. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making (and eating) these as much as I do—give them a try and let the buttery, garlicky goodness brighten your mealtime!