Fall-apart Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect addition to any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are versatile and packed with flavor. The homemade garlic parmesan sauce adds a rich taste that will impress your guests and family alike. Enjoy them as an appetizer or serve over rice and veggies, making them suitable for various occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip these skewers up in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of garlic and parmesan creates an irresistible taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as an appetizer or main course over rice and veggies.
- Great for Meal Prep: These skewers can be made ahead of time and reheated easily.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, they fit right in.
Tools and Preparation
To make the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Large mixing bowl
- Air fryer (or oven/grill)
- Basting brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Skewers: Essential for holding the chicken while cooking, ensuring even cooking.
- Mixing Bowl: Allows you to combine all ingredients easily, making marinating simple.
- Air Fryer: Cooks the chicken evenly while retaining moisture, giving you juicy skewers.
- Basting Brush: Helps spread the delicious garlic parmesan sauce evenly on the chicken.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs or breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces into the marinade mixture.
- Toss until the chicken is well coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or longer for more flavor).
Step 3: Assemble Skewers
- Preheat your air fryer according to its instructions (if using).
- Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Cook the Skewers
- Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until fully cooked through.
Step 5: Baste During Cooking
- Halfway through cooking, use a basting brush to apply more marinade onto the skewers for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers as an appetizer or main dish!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers make a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as an appetizer or a main course, these skewers are versatile and can be paired with numerous sides.
As an Appetizer
- Serve warm with toothpicks for easy eating.
- Pair with a creamy dip such as ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
Over Rice
- Place the skewers over a bed of steamed rice to create a filling meal.
- Drizzle extra garlic parmesan sauce on top for enhanced taste.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini.
- The charred flavor of the veggies complements the skewers perfectly.
In Tacos
- Shred the cooked chicken and use it as a filling in soft tortillas.
- Top with salsa, avocado, and more garlic parmesan sauce for a delicious twist.
Salad Topper
- Slice the cooked skewers and add them to a fresh salad.
- They provide protein and flavor, making your salad more satisfying.
How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
To achieve perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, follow these helpful tips. These simple techniques will enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
- Marinate the chicken: Allowing the chicken to marinate in the garlic parmesan sauce for at least 30 minutes improves flavor absorption.
- Use even-sized pieces: Cutting your chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking throughout.
- Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Baste while cooking: Regularly baste the skewers with sauce while they cook to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest before serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after cooking for juicier meat.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Complement your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with these delicious side dishes. They enhance your meal and bring additional flavors to the table.
- Garlic Bread – A classic choice that pairs well with any dish. Toasted bread slathered in garlic butter is always a hit.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with creamy Caesar dressing brings freshness to your meal.
- Roasted Potatoes – Seasoned and roasted potatoes provide a hearty side that balances well with the skewers.
- Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients without overpowering flavors.
- Coleslaw – A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the savory skewers.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with vegetables is not only healthy but also filling.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using the wrong cut of chicken: Different chicken cuts cook at different rates. Stick to tenders, breasts, or thighs for even cooking.
- Not marinating long enough: Allowing the chicken to soak in the garlic parmesan sauce enhances flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes but overnight is best.
- Overcrowding the skewers: If skewers are packed too tightly, the chicken won’t cook evenly. Space them out for better heat circulation.
- Ignoring the cooking time: Overcooking can dry out your chicken skewers. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F without going beyond.
- Skipping the basting step: Basting with garlic parmesan butter helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful. Don’t skip this step during cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow skewers to cool before sealing to prevent moisture build-up.
Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short bursts, checking frequently until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, cover, and heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
Can I use other meats for this recipe?
Yes! While this recipe features chicken, you can also use shrimp or firm tofu for a different twist.
How can I customize my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers for added flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best way to serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
These skewers are great as an appetizer but also pair wonderfully with rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Can I make these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can marinate and assemble them a day ahead, then cook them when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. They make for a fantastic appetizer or main dish that everyone will adore. Customize with your favorite veggies or spices to make it your own. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, homemade garlic parmesan sauce. Perfect for any gathering or a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are bursting with flavor and easy to prepare. Whether served as an appetizer or over rice with vegetables for a hearty dinner, they are sure to impress your guests and family alike. The best part? They can be made ahead of time, making them ideal for meal prep. Follow this simple recipe to create delicious skewers that will elevate any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add chicken pieces to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Baste with extra marinade halfway through cooking for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 skewers (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 363
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 552mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 109mg
