Finding a recipe that’s both simple enough for a busy weeknight and sophisticated enough to serve to guests can be challenging. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers effortlessly bridge that gap. The key is using tender chicken thighs, which are cut into perfectly sized bite-sized pieces and infused with a harmonious blend of spices. Once threaded onto skewers, the chicken can be grilled for a smoky char, baked for a tender finish, or air-fried for a crispy exterior. Regardless of your chosen cooking method, the crowning glory is the rich garlic Parmesan butter sauce, adding an irresistible touch of flavor that elevates these skewers to a whole new level.

Skewers are always a hit, especially with kids! We often enjoy other variations like Chicken Souvlaki, Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers, and Lebanese Chicken Kebabs. To complete your meal, consider pairing these chicken skewers with a side of creamy Lebanese Hummus or savory Baba Ghanoush.

Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you’re searching for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal or a convenient meal-prep idea, look no further. Here are just a few reasons why we adore these skewers:

• Bold Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Achieve restaurant-quality flavor with everyday pantry staples.
• Fast Prep + Quick Cooking: Effortlessly prep these skewers and have them cooking on the grill in no time, perfect for those busy evenings. You can also opt for air frying or baking in the oven for added convenience!
• Ideal for Meal-Prep: Marinate the chicken and thread it onto skewers ahead of time, so you’re ready to cook whenever hunger strikes. I often prepare these on weekends and enjoy them throughout the week. Pair them with a vibrant Mediterranean Hummus Bowl or a refreshing Greek Quinoa Bowl for a complete and balanced meal.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

For detailed ingredient measurements and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the full recipe card provided below.

• Chicken Thighs: You’ll need approximately 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces for easy threading onto skewers. Using chicken thighs ensures tender, juicy, and flavorful skewers. While chicken thighs are preferred, you can also use chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts, ensuring they are cut into smaller pieces suitable for threading.
• Spices: A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder creates a warm and savory flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken. Feel free to adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: This is the star of the show! A luscious combination of butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, and a touch of crushed red pepper (optional) creates a rich and irresistible finishing sauce that elevates these skewers to gourmet status.

Recipe Variations for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Unleash your culinary creativity with these delicious variations:

• Mediterranean Style: Swap the smoked paprika for oregano and za’atar, add a generous squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with a dollop of cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce.
• Cajun Seasoning: Replace the original spice blend with a zesty Cajun seasoning mix, and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce and melted butter for an extra kick.
• Shawarma: Infuse the chicken with authentic Middle Eastern flavors by adding a teaspoon of shawarma seasoning to the marinade.
• Honey: Introduce a touch of sweetness by whisking 1 tablespoon of honey into the butter mixture for a delightful sweet and savory combination.
• Pesto: Elevate the flavor profile by adding a spoonful of pesto to the butter mixture or brushing it directly onto the skewers as they grill.
• Veggie Boost: Create a colorful and nutritious meal by threading vegetables like thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms between the chicken pieces on the skewers.

For an extra burst of flavor, serve these delectable skewers with a side of creamy Tahini Garlic Sauce, tangy Tahini Yogurt Sauce, or classic Creamy Dill Sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Mix Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Thoroughly mix to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to several hours for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Thread Chicken onto Skewers: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them tightly together. Aim for approximately 6-7 well-filled skewers per batch. If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Parmesan Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for approximately 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 4: Grill Chicken Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Add the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to the melted butter mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Divide the butter mixture into two separate bowls. Reserve one bowl for basting the skewers during cooking and keep the remaining bowl for brushing the cooked skewers to avoid cross-contamination.

Other Cooking Options for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kabobs

Prefer a different cooking method? No problem! These skewers are equally delicious when cooked in the air fryer or oven.

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, then open the air fryer, baste the skewers with the garlic butter, and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken is cooked through. For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

What to Serve with These Grilled Chicken Skewers

Complete your meal with these delicious side dish suggestions:

• Salads are a fantastic addition! Try a refreshing Easy Lebanese Salad, a vibrant Copycat La Scala Chopped Salad, a crisp Greek Cabbage Salad, or a flavorful Malfouf Salad (Lebanese Cabbage Salad).
• For a delicious vegetable side, consider serving these skewers with Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables, Za’atar Roasted Carrots, Easy Bok Choy Recipe, or Lebanese Green Beans.
• Pair these skewers with flavorful grains like Lemon Orzo Recipe or Lemon Pearl Couscous Recipes.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven, a skillet, or the microwave to prevent the chicken from drying out.
• Any leftover garlic butter mixture should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently before using. Discard any butter that has come into contact with raw chicken.
• For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers (without the garlic butter) for up to 2 months. Add the garlic Parmesan butter only after reheating for the best texture.

Recipe FAQs

What happens if the Parmesan butter sauce becomes hard?

If the garlic Parmesan butter cools and thickens, reheat it gently over low heat (or in a few short microwave bursts). Overheating can cause the butter and Parmesan to separate.

Do I have to soak wooden skewers?

Yes, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning. Metal skewers also work well and don’t require soaking.

How do I keep chicken skewers juicy?

To keep your chicken skewers juicy, use chicken thighs, cut the chicken into uniform size pieces for even cooking, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.

More Chicken Recipes

Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? Try these:

Greek Marinated Chicken Kabobs with Lemon

Mediterranean Chicken

Greek Lemon Chicken

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Greek Marinade

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 6-7 wooden skewers, soaked
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
• Oil, for cooking
• Lemon zest, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let marinate for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. Thread the meat onto skewers, packing the pieces tight. You should get 6-7 well filled skewers.
3. In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
4. Add Parmesan, lemon juice, parsley, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until combined. Reserve half of the butter to use for basting the skewers during cooking. Keep the remaining half in a separate bowl for brushing on at the end to avoid cross-contamination.
5. Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Grill 6-7 minutes per side, basting after flipping. Brush hot skewers with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with more Parmesan, parsley, and lemon zest. Enjoy!

Other Cooking Options:

• Air Fryer: Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Open, baste, and air fry for 3-4 minutes more, until golden.
• Oven: Bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end to brown.

Notes:

• If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes to prevent burning. Metal skewers also work and don’t need soaking.
• If the garlic parmesan butter cools and thickens, reheat it gently over low heat (or in a few short microwave bursts). Overheating can cause the butter and Parmesan to separate.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently so the chicken doesn’t dry out.
• Freeze cooked skewers (without the butter) for up to 2 months. Add the garlic parmesan butter only after reheating for the best texture.