Name: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-1½ lb chicken breasts, cubed, or thighs; 3 Tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1-2 tsp no salt added lemon pepper seasoning; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup lemon juice; 4-6 Tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup parmesan, grated; 2 tsp lemon juice, optional; 3 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (fresh cilantro will also work); 1 small lemon, sliced for garnish, optional

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 28 reviews

If you’re searching for a meal that’s impossible to resist—overflowing with bold flavors, juicy bites, and effortless charm—let me introduce you to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. This delightful dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, a buttery burst of garlic, and the irresistible tang of parmesan, all kissed by the grill (or air fryer). Perfect for summer cookouts or cozy nights in, these skewers offer a harmonious blend of savory, zesty, and fresh. Trust me, after just one bite, these skewers will stake a permanent claim on your dinner rotation!

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients unite to build the unforgettable flavor of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Every element brings its own special touch—whether that’s juicy moisture, earthy depth, or a vibrant pop of color.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless chicken for the juiciest, most flavorful skewers; thighs are extra tender, but breasts work beautifully, too.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings cling to each cube of chicken.
Paprika: Delivers subtle smokiness and a gorgeous golden hue to your skewers.
Garlic powder: A concentrated punch of garlicky goodness to layer the flavor.
Onion powder: Lends mellow sweetness and roundness, making the seasoning blend irresistible.
No salt added lemon pepper seasoning: Brings brightness and zing, letting you control the salt.
Salt: Just enough to make all the flavors pop without overwhelming the dish.
Lemon juice: Tenderizes the chicken with fresh acidity and gives every bite a welcome lift.
Butter: The foundation for your garlic parmesan drizzle—rich and deeply savory.
Garlic (minced): Pungent, aromatic, and completely essential for classic flavor.
Parmesan (grated): Adds a nutty, salty finish and helps create that signature cheesy topping.
Fresh parsley or cilantro: Herbs bring color and a whisper of freshness on top.
Lemon slices (for garnish): A bright finishing touch, balancing the richness beautifully.

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by cubing your chicken into evenly sized pieces—this ensures each skewer cooks at the same pace, so you don’t end up with dry bites (no one wants that!). In a large bowl, toss those chicken cubes with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper seasoning, and salt. Massage everything together so each piece is glistening and flavored all the way through. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes; for maximum flavor, you can leave it for up to 4 hours.

Step 2: Prep the Skewers

When you’re ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken onto your skewers—wooden or metal, your call! (If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for 20 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.) Lay the assembled skewers out on a baking sheet so they’re ready for action.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, gently melt your butter, then stir in the minced garlic. Let it simmer just for two minutes—the goal is to infuse the butter with mellow, aromatic garlic flavor without letting it brown. Set this liquid gold aside at room temperature; you want it ready for basting as soon as those skewers hit the grill.

Step 4: Grill or Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high (about 400°F). Lay the skewers directly on the grates and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning often to ensure each side picks up that lovely char. If you’re using the air fryer, work in batches if needed, setting the temp to 350°F and cooking for about 10–12 minutes, brushing the chicken with garlic butter at least once halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when the outside is golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Brush with Garlic Parmesan Butter

While the chicken finishes up, stir grated parmesan and fresh parsley into your warm garlic butter. In the last two minutes of grilling, baste the skewers generously with this cheesy, herby butter, flipping them to coat both sides. This final glaze turns sticky, glossy, and absolutely mouthwatering. When the chicken is cooked through, let it rest briefly on a baking sheet, hit it with a final brush of garlic parmesan butter, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A shower of fresh-chopped parsley or cilantro over the top does wonders—adding grassy freshness and dazzling color contrast to the buttery glaze. Don’t forget a few thin lemon slices on the side! Their vivid brightness balances the richness of the skewers, and anyone who loves extra tang can squeeze a wedge right before digging in.

Side Dishes

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are endlessly versatile—they shine next to a crisp green salad, herby rice pilaf, buttery corn on the cob, or grilled vegetables. For a cozy meal, pair them with garlic bread or creamy mashed potatoes, so you can mop up every last drop of that luscious garlic butter!

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your guests? Try sliding the skewers onto a platter and topping with a shower of microgreens or edible flowers, or serve “skewer bar” style so everyone can pick and choose their favorite toppings. For appetizers, remove the chicken from the skewers and pile onto crostini or skewered with mini picks—perfect for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stash them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll keep beautifully for up to four days. The flavors only get more savory overnight, making those next-day lunches a real treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! Once cooled, wrap them tightly or seal in freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They’ll be ready for another meal for up to two months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-off-the-grill taste, reheat your skewers gently in a 300°F oven or air fryer until warmed through. Sprinkle a little extra parmesan or a dab of butter before serving, and they’ll taste as scrumptious as day one.

FAQs

Can I make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the oven?

Absolutely! Just arrange the skewers on a rimmed baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, turning once or twice and brushing with the garlic parmesan butter.

Is it better to use chicken breasts or thighs?

Both work well, but chicken thighs will give you an even juicier, more flavorful result. Breasts are leaner and still delicious if you prefer a lighter option!

How do I keep wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling. This creates a protective barrier so they don’t catch fire or char too quickly.

Can I prep the chicken in advance?

Definitely—marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead, or even overnight, for maximum flavor. The longer the soak, the more delicious your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will be!

What if I don’t have a grill or air fryer?

No worries! Your oven can do the job just fine. Just be sure to rotate the skewers and baste with butter for the tastiest results.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser—super simple, dazzlingly delicious, and ready to shine at any occasion. Give them a try, and I know you’ll be grilling up batch after batch before you know it!