Hi there! We’re Sarah & Ben, the duo behind Easy Recipes To Go. Our kitchen journey began with a love for good food and the challenge of juggling real life with real meals. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers became one of our weeknight wins—flavorful, fast, and fun to eat. With a buttery garlic base and zesty finish, they were an instant favorite from our grill to yours. We found that all you really need is simple seasoning, fresh lemon, and a little heart to make meals memorable. This one’s easy, juicy, and full of flavor. Just how we like it.
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Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Delicious, juicy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on the grill or in the air fryer. Bursting with garlic butter flavor in every bite.
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
1 small lemon, sliced for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, add cubed chicken. Add olive oil, lemon juice and seasonings. Mix to coat and marinate for 15 minutes to 4 hours in fridge.
2. Skewer the chicken onto wooden or metal skewers. Place on a baking sheet.
3. Melt butter on low heat, add minced garlic, and simmer for 2 minutes. Set aside at room temperature.
4. Preheat grill to 400ºF. Grill skewers 8–10 minutes, turning often.
5. Add parmesan and parsley to garlic butter. Brush skewers as they grill.
6. Rotate every 2 minutes and brush generously. Cook until chicken reaches 165ºF.
7. Remove from grill, brush again, squeeze fresh lemon, and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. Freeze up to 2 months.
If using wooden skewers, soak for 20 minutes to prevent burning.
Air Fryer: Cook at 350ºF for 10–12 minutes, brushing with garlic butter.
Oven: Bake at 350ºF for 15–18 minutes, turning often.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Hot Meals
- Method: Grilled or Air Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 615mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 116mg
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect balance of zesty, savory, and juicy flavor—delivered bite after bite on the grill or in your air fryer. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or prepping a quick weeknight dinner, this easy chicken skewer recipe brings the bold flavor of garlic butter and parmesan to your table with minimal effort. In this article, we’ll cover exactly how to make these skewers foolproof, flavorful, and meal-prep ready—plus how they tie into our broader grilled chicken collection.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
– Juicy Garlic Chicken On A Stick
– The Flavor Behind Garlic Parmesan
Grilled chicken skewers have always been a go-to in our house. They’re fast, fun to eat, and easy to flavor in so many ways. But garlic parmesan chicken skewers? That’s a whole new level. The first time we made these, it was a Saturday evening—we had some chicken breast in the fridge and a craving for something buttery and garlicky. We skewered the chicken, mixed up a quick marinade, tossed everything on the grill, and hoped for the best.
The result? Absolute flavor bomb. The garlic butter soaked into every bite, the parmesan added a light cheesy crust, and the lemon kept it all bright. Since then, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have become a weekly favorite.
The best part is, you don’t need fancy ingredients or hours of prep. Just simple pantry seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and a good pat of butter. We’ve even tried it with Chick-fil-a grilled chicken nuggets, and the flavors translate beautifully.
Garlic and parmesan together create a bold, crave-worthy combo. The fresh parsley at the end adds brightness, and the grill gives it those irresistible charred edges. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding the kids, these skewers are a crowd-pleaser.
Also, if you’re loving grilled meals like this one, be sure to check out our cast iron chicken recipes and our comparison of grilled chicken nuggets vs Chick-fil-A—you might be surprised how easy it is to recreate those drive-thru flavors at home.
How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
– Grill or Air Fryer—Your Choice
– Step-by-Step for Perfect Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are as flexible as they are flavorful. Whether you’re firing up the grill for smoky char or keeping things simple with the air fryer, the method is nearly foolproof. The key is all in the prep—marinate your chicken well and don’t skip the garlic butter baste.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: The Classic Way
Start by soaking wooden skewers for 20 minutes if you’re using them—this helps prevent burning. Cube your chicken into even chunks, toss them with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and a pinch of salt. Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you have time.
Preheat your grill to 400ºF (medium-high). Skewer the chicken, place directly on the grates, and grill for about 8–10 minutes, turning often. The turning ensures the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy. Skewers have been used in countless world cuisines for centuries. As explained on Wikipedia, skewers allow meat to cook evenly while keeping it juicy—especially over open flame or high heat. As they cook, melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in minced garlic. Simmer it for a couple minutes until fragrant. Then mix in parmesan and chopped parsley. This is the magic—brushing the skewers with garlic parmesan butter as they grill builds deep flavor and that signature golden color.
Once the chicken reaches 165ºF internally, pull them off and brush generously with the remaining butter. Add a fresh squeeze of lemon, and they’re ready to serve.
Want to add variety to your grilled lineup? Try our Cast Iron Chicken Breast or explore Garlic Parmesan Chicken in baked form—both deliver on flavor while switching up the texture.
Air Fryer Skewers: Quick & Mess-Free
For a weeknight meal with minimal cleanup, the air fryer is your best friend. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to trim your skewers or skip them altogether and use chunks instead.
Set your air fryer to 350ºF and cook the chicken for 10–12 minutes, turning or shaking halfway through. Just like the grill, brush them with garlic butter at least once during cooking for that rich parmesan flavor. If you’re craving that crispy edge, turn the heat up to 400ºF for the last 2 minutes.
We also suggest trying this method with Chick-fil-A-style grilled nuggets, which can easily be tossed in the same garlic parmesan butter after cooking for a flavorful spin.
Flavor & Serving Ideas for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
– What Makes Them So Irresistible
– Sides That Complete the Meal
The first bite into a garlic parmesan chicken skewer hits you with garlic-forward richness, the savory pull of parmesan, and the brightness of lemon. It’s juicy on the inside, golden on the outside—and totally addictive.
What Garlic Parmesan Skewers Really Taste Like
If you’ve ever wondered how do garlic parmesan wings taste, these skewers hit the same flavor notes—just without the mess of bone-in meat. The butter melts into every crevice of the chicken, while the parmesan lightly crisps on the edges as it touches heat. Garlic is the star, of course, but the fresh parsley and hint of citrus lift the whole thing and keep it from feeling heavy.
They pair perfectly with other summer staples. If you’re serving these alongside other grilled meals, consider layering your plate with grilled chicken strips, some grilled veggies, or cast iron chicken thighs. For a lower-carb twist, cauliflower rice or a light cucumber tomato salad will keep things fresh.
What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Need to round out the meal? Here are our go-to sides that balance the bold flavor of the skewers:
- Lemon herb rice – Keeps the citrus flavor going and soaks up that garlic butter
- Garlic bread or toasted pita – Use it to swipe every last drop of sauce
- Roasted or grilled asparagus – Light and crisp to contrast the richness
- Creamy mashed potatoes or polenta – Comfort food meets backyard grilling
If you’re cooking for a crowd, we also recommend a fresh pasta salad or simple corn on the cob to balance things out. These skewers make a great addition to our hot meals category, or you can build them into lunch wraps with leftovers.
Make-Ahead Tips, Storage & Easy Skewer Variations
– How to Keep Chicken Skewers Juicy
– Flavor Twists You’ll Want to Try
One of the best things about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how well they hold up for meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for a party or planning weekday lunches, these skewers are easy to prep in advance, store well, and reheat beautifully.
How to Keep Chicken Skewers from Drying Out
The secret to juicy skewers? First, use even-sized chunks of chicken so everything cooks at the same speed. Second, don’t skip the marinade. The olive oil and lemon juice help tenderize the meat while locking in moisture. And most importantly—don’t overcook. Always check for an internal temp of 165ºF and pull them right off the heat.
Another great tip: brush with garlic butter during the final minutes of grilling or air frying. That added fat on the outside helps protect the chicken while also boosting flavor. If you’re cooking in batches, tent your cooked skewers loosely with foil so they stay warm and steamy.
Storing Leftovers & Flavor Variations
Leftover skewers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven, brushing with a little extra butter or a spritz of lemon juice to bring them back to life.
Want to try a twist? Swap in chicken thighs for extra richness, or use this same seasoning on shrimp or cauliflower for a lower-carb or meatless version. You can even build it into a bigger flavor series by exploring more from our grilled chicken nuggets or garlic parmesan chicken family of recipes.
FAQ: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
How do you know when chicken skewers are done?
Chicken skewers are done when the internal temperature of the thickest piece reaches 165ºF. The outside should be golden and slightly charred, while the juices run clear. Use a digital meat thermometer for best accuracy—especially when grilling or air frying.
Does chicken parmesan get soggy?
It can, especially if the coating is thick or the sauce is too heavy. But for skewers, there’s no breading—just marinated chicken brushed with garlic parmesan butter. This keeps everything crisp on the outside and juicy inside, with no sogginess to worry about.
How do garlic parmesan wings taste?
Garlic parmesan wings have a rich, buttery flavor with bold garlic notes and a cheesy finish. These skewers deliver a very similar taste—just lighter and easier to cook. They’re less messy than wings but still satisfy the same flavor craving.
How to keep chicken skewers from drying out?
Always marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes, use even-sized pieces, and avoid overcooking. Basting with butter or sauce during cooking also helps. If grilling, turn often. If air frying, brush with garlic butter mid-cook. These tips lock in moisture and keep every bite tender.
Conclusion
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers aren’t just another chicken recipe—they’re a flavor-packed upgrade you’ll want on repeat. Whether you throw them on the grill or pop them in the air fryer, they deliver juicy, buttery bites with every skewer. With simple pantry ingredients and less than an hour from prep to plate, this dish fits right into busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
From the garlic-rich marinade to the finishing brush of parmesan butter, this recipe checks every box: fast, flavorful, and family-approved. Want more ways to enjoy grilled chicken? Check out our grilled chicken nuggets Chick-fil-A style, or explore the full lineup of hot meal recipes for even more dinner inspiration.
