Fall-apart Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delightful dish that brings flavor and ease to your dining table. Perfect for appetizers or as a main course over rice and veggies, these skewers are basted with a rich garlic parmesan sauce throughout the cooking process. They are made effortlessly in an air fryer, ensuring a juicy inside with a crispy outside. Enjoy them at gatherings or family dinners and experience the joy of this simple yet delicious recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have these skewers ready to cook in no time.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and spices makes every bite packed with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as an appetizer or serve over rice and veggies for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these skewers fit right in.
- Air Fryer Friendly: Cooking these skewers in an air fryer allows for quick cooking with less oil, making them healthier.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, ensure you have the right tools handy. This will make the preparation process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: Provides even cooking and crispiness without excess oil, making it perfect for skewers.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the marinade and coating the chicken evenly.
- Skewers: Help hold all your ingredients together, making them easy to cook and serve.
Ingredients
For your delicious Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, gather the following 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 Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces if using chicken breasts. Ensure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a mixing bowl:
* Melt the butter and combine it with olive oil.
* Add minced garlic, grated parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
* Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken pieces into the marinade:
* Stir until each piece is well-coated.
* Let it sit for about 10 minutes to absorb flavors.
Step 4: Assemble Skewers
Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers:
* Leave some space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Air Fry the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer according to its instructions:
* Place the skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
* Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until cooked through and golden brown. Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
Step 6: Serve
Carefully remove skewers from the air fryer:
* Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy as an appetizer or over rice with leftover garlic parmesan butter drizzled on top!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a delightful appetizer or part of a main meal, these skewers will impress your guests and family alike.
As an Appetizer
- Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
- Pair with a tangy dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese for added flavor.
Over Rice
- Place the skewers over a bed of fluffy rice to create a filling meal.
- Drizzle with extra garlic parmesan butter for enhanced taste.
With Grilled Vegetables
- Serve alongside grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful plate.
- The smoky flavor of the veggies complements the garlic parmesan sauce beautifully.
In a Wrap
- Use in a wrap with fresh greens, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a portable lunch.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrition.
How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
To make your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers truly irresistible, consider these tips:
- Choose Quality Chicken: Select fresh chicken tenders or thighs for juicy skewers.
- Marinate: Allow chicken to marinate in the garlic parmesan sauce for at least 30 minutes before cooking for deeper flavor.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
- Baste Frequently: Baste the skewers with garlic parmesan butter during cooking to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let Rest: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Pairing side dishes with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the skewers perfectly.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds a refreshing crunch.
- Roasted Asparagus – Tender roasted asparagus drizzled with olive oil enhances the earthy flavors of the dish.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and feta provides a healthy contrast.
- Couscous – Fluffy couscous flavored with lemon zest makes a delightful base under the skewers.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brushed with butter is an ideal summer side that pairs well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not marinating long enough: Failing to marinate the chicken skewers can lead to less flavor. Aim for at least 30 minutes or overnight for best results.
- Overcrowding the skewers: Packing too much chicken on each skewer can prevent even cooking. Space out the pieces to ensure thorough cooking and browning.
- Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds essential flavor to these skewers. Ensure you don’t skip this ingredient; use fresh minced garlic for the best taste.
- Ignoring temperature settings: Cooking at an incorrect temperature can result in undercooked or burnt chicken. Use a food thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Not using enough sauce: The garlic parmesan sauce is key to the dish’s flavor. Don’t be shy; baste generously throughout cooking for maximum taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Place cooked skewers in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat skewers for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed, cover until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best chicken cut for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Use chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts. Each offers tenderness and flavor, but thighs provide extra juiciness.
How do I know when the chicken skewers are done?
Check with a meat thermometer; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Can I customize the spice levels in Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! Adjust red pepper flakes and hot sauce according to your preference for mild or spicy flavors.
Can I cook these skewers on a grill?
Yes, they can be grilled! Preheat your grill and follow similar cooking times as air frying.
Are there vegetarian options for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with hearty vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms, using the same marinade.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice with veggies, they are sure to impress. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or vegetables!
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Savor the delightful flavors of Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, a dish that elevates any meal with its rich taste and easy preparation. These tender chicken pieces are marinated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, then air-fried to golden perfection, delivering a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Ideal for gatherings or weeknight dinners, you can serve them as a flavorful appetizer or alongside rice and vegetables for a complete meal. With minimal prep time and versatile serving options, these skewers are sure to impress your family and friends.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (12 skewers) 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 stick butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Fresh parsley, minced
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, melt butter and combine with olive oil. Add garlic, parmesan, hot sauce, spices, and herbs; mix well.
- Marinate chicken in the mixture for at least 10 minutes.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook skewers for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through until cooked through.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 skewers (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: For added flavor depth, marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes or overnight. Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes and hot sauce according to preference. Enjoy with grilled vegetables or in wraps for diverse serving ideas.
