Deliciously juicy and coated in garlic butter, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-make for summer grilling, air frying, or baking in the oven. Each bite bursts with rich flavor thanks to a quick marinade and a buttery parmesan finish. Whether I’m feeding the family or prepping for a backyard BBQ, these skewers are always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These skewers are incredibly versatile and easy to prepare. I can grill them outside, toss them in the air fryer, or even bake them indoors. The garlic butter baste paired with sharp parmesan gives them restaurant-worthy flavor without any fuss. They’re also naturally low carb and gluten-free, which makes them a great fit for all kinds of diets. I love that I can serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or even slide them into wraps or on top of salads.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• chicken breasts or thighs, cubed

• olive oil

• paprika

• garlic powder

• onion powder

• no salt added lemon pepper seasoning

• salt

• lemon juice

• butter

• garlic, minced

• grated parmesan

• fresh parsley or cilantro

• lemon slices (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cutting my chicken into equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly. I toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon pepper, and salt. I let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge.

2. While the chicken marinates, I prepare the garlic parmesan butter. I melt the butter over low heat, stir in the minced garlic, and let it simmer for a couple of minutes. Then I set it aside in a warm spot.

3. Once marinated, I thread the chicken onto skewers. If I’m using wooden skewers, I soak them first to keep them from burning.

4. For grilling, I preheat the grill to 400°F. I place the skewers directly on the grates and grill them for 8–10 minutes, turning often. Then I brush them with the garlic butter mixed with parmesan and parsley, flipping them a few more times until they’re golden and reach an internal temperature of 165ºF.

5. I finish them off with an extra brush of butter and a squeeze of lemon before serving. They’re best served hot right off the grill.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings and takes about 45 minutes total (including prep and cook time).

• Prep time: 20 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

• Servings: 4

Variations

• I use either chicken thighs or breasts depending on what I have on hand. Both work beautifully.

• For a dairy-free version, I skip the parmesan and use plant-based butter for basting.

• I sometimes mix in crushed red pepper for a spicier take.

• If I’m out of parsley, I’ve used cilantro, basil, or chives with great results.

• Instead of skewers, I also cook the chicken pieces directly in the air fryer when short on time.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I either warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. For longer storage, I freeze the cooked skewers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. I prefer freezing them raw though, so they stay juicier when reheated.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is done?

I always use a digital meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should also look golden and juicy, not dry.

Can I use store-bought garlic butter instead?

Yes, I can substitute homemade garlic butter with store-bought, but I still like adding some fresh garlic and herbs for an extra flavor boost.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. I marinate the chicken and thread it on skewers a day in advance. Then I store them covered in the fridge and cook them fresh when I’m ready.

What’s the best way to cook these if I don’t have a grill?

If I’m not grilling, I bake them at 350°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through and brushing with garlic butter. Or I cook them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 10–12 minutes.

Can I make these without skewers?

Absolutely. I sometimes skip the skewers and cook the marinated chicken pieces directly in the air fryer or on a sheet pan. The flavor is just as amazing.

Conclusion

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are one of my favorite quick meals. They’re flavorful, easy to customize, and perfect for anything from casual dinners to summer cookouts. With their juicy texture and savory garlic parmesan finish, I know I’ll be making these again and again.