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 about that rich, savory blend of garlic and parmesan that just makes everything better, especially chicken skewers cooked to tender, juicy perfection. This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make again and again—the buttery, garlicky goodness combined with that slight lemony zing is absolutely irresistible.

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’ve made a lot of chicken dishes over the years, but this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe always stands out in both flavor and ease. It’s perfect whether you’re entertaining friends or just craving something special for dinner without a fuss.

Flavor-packed: The combination of garlic, parmesan, lemon, and butter elevates simple chicken thighs into something truly crave-worthy.
Easy prep and cook: The marinade doubles as a basting butter, so you’re not juggling a million bowls or sauces.
Juicy and tender: Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs keeps the meat moist and flavorful every time.
Great for air fryer or grill: Versatile cooking options let you adapt to your kitchen setup or even the season.

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 in this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe plays a key role. The butter carries bold flavors and keeps the chicken moist, while the garlic and parmesan add depth. Lemon zest and juice give a fresh lift that cuts through the richness. I always recommend getting good-quality parmesan for the best taste.

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 adds immediate seasoning and richness to the marinade; make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
Garlic cloves: Freshly grated garlic tastes completely different from jarred minced—always worth the small extra effort.
Parmesan cheese: Finely grated parmesan melts into the butter, lending a nutty, creamy taste that coats the chicken beautifully.
Lemon (zest and juice): The zest maximizes the lemon flavor without watering down the butter, and the juice adds a subtle tang.
Salt and red pepper flakes: These seasonings balance the butter’s richness, while red pepper flakes add just a hint of heat without overpowering.
Chicken thighs: They’re juicier than breasts and hold up well to basting and air frying, which helps keep the skewers tender.
Black pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds subtle warmth and depth to the seasoning.

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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

One of the reasons I adore this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch up the heat level or herbs depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. Experimenting is part of the fun!

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken thighs for breasts when I want a leaner option, but watch cooking times closely as breasts dry out faster.
Spice it up: Adding extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika gives the skewers a smoky kick that’s fantastic for grilling.
Herb boost: Toss in fresh thyme or rosemary with the parsley to deepen the aroma and freshness.
Without skewers: I’ve made this nugget-style by cooking chicken pieces directly in the air fryer—just reduce cooking time and keep a close eye.

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

Step 1: Whip up the Garlic Parmesan Butter

First, melt the salted butter in a medium bowl—it helps everything mix smoothly without clumps. Then grate the fresh garlic right into the butter. I find that the tiny bursts of garlic work best when freshly grated instead of minced or powdered. Add the finely grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest and juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir until smooth. Here’s a little heads up: the butter mixture might firm up a bit while you prep the chicken—it’s totally normal, just keep it nearby so it's easy to brush on.

Step 2: Prep Your Skewers and Chicken

Trim your wooden skewers if needed to fit comfortably in your air fryer basket or grill. Poultry shears are my go-to for a clean cut—they work better than scissors or knives for this job. Then, cut the boneless chicken thighs into uniform 2-inch strips—they cook evenly and look great on the skewers.

Step 3: Skewer, Season & Brush

Thread 6 to 7 pieces tightly onto each skewer so they hold together nicely during cooking. Season well with salt and pepper, then use a basting brush to coat every side with that gorgeous garlic parmesan butter. Don’t be shy—make sure the chicken gets a good, even layer.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer

Place your skewers in a single layer in the air fryer at 350°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then pull them out to baste again with more butter sauce. Repeat this two more times (cook 5 minutes, baste, cook 5 minutes) for a total of 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is golden brown, tender, and cooked through. This stepwise basting locks in flavor and keeps the meat super moist.

Step 5: Finish & Serve

After all your skewers are cooked, you might notice a little pool of leftover garlic parmesan butter at the bottom of the air fryer—it’s liquid gold! Pour it over your cooked chicken, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and a little extra parmesan if you have it, and don’t forget a few lemon wedges on the side for squeezing.

Top Tip

After trying this recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned some tricks that consistently bump up the flavor and ease of cooking. These tips come from a mix of happy accidents and avoiding pitfalls — hopefully you find them as useful as I do.

Trim skewers for air fryer fit: Poultry shears make it quick and safe to shorten wooden skewers without splintering, a small step that saves a lot of hassle.
Don’t skip the basting: Repeatedly brushing on that garlic parmesan butter during cooking keeps the chicken moist and flavorful—don’t rush this part!
Uniform chicken pieces: Cutting chicken strips roughly the same size ensures even cooking and prevents drying out smaller pieces.
Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan make a noticeable difference in flavor compared to pre-packaged alternatives.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

garlic parmesan chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing these skewers with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright pop of color and fresh flavor. Plus, an extra dusting of parmesan adds a creamy, salty touch. Lemon wedges on the side are essential—I always squeeze a bit of juice over just before eating to brighten up those rich flavors.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. I often go with a crisp Caesar salad or grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice soak up all the leftover buttery sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the skewers on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs, lemon slices, and little bowls of extra parmesan and red pepper flakes. It makes for a casual, shareable feast that looks gorgeous and invites conversation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying the skewers fresh, I wrap any leftovers tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay flavorful and tender for up to 3 days. Just be sure to pour any leftover garlic parmesan butter back over before storing to keep things moist.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked skewers a couple of times—wrap each skewer individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They thaw best overnight in the fridge and reheat nicely in the air fryer or oven without losing too much moisture.

Reheating

To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F and warm the skewers for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy. If you don’t have an air fryer, a hot oven on a baking sheet works in a pinch—cover loosely with foil to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be mindful that they cook faster and can dry out more easily. Cut the breasts into uniform pieces and reduce cooking time slightly, checking for doneness early to keep them juicy.

Do I have to use wooden skewers, or can I use metal ones for this recipe?

You can absolutely use metal skewers if you have them and if they fit into your air fryer or grill. They’re reusable and won’t splinter. Just be careful when handling them as metal conducts heat quickly.

Can I prepare the garlic parmesan butter ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the garlic parmesan butter up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Just bring it to room temperature or gently warm it before using to make basting easier.

What’s the best way to avoid the garlic parmesan butter from getting too firm?

Keeping the butter mixture at room temperature while you’re cooking is key. If it firms up, gently warm it in a microwave or over a double boiler just enough to soften for easy brushing. It won’t affect the flavor at all!

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe has firmly earned a spot in my meal rotation—not only because it tastes incredible, but because it’s so satisfying to make and share. These tender, buttery skewers never fail to impress my family and friends, and I’m pretty sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same. So grab those ingredients and give it a go—I’m confident you’ll love the way garlic, parmesan, and chicken come alive in this simple yet special recipe.