Ready for a kitchen adventure? Let’s tackle a dish that’s bound to become a favorite: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. It’s not your typical chicken recipe. Think juicy chicken wrapped in a rich, garlicky parmesan hug, each skewer bursting with flavor.
Perfect for gatherings or a fun family dinner, these chicken skewers are about making everyday meals exciting. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s make your kitchen the new hotspot for deliciousness!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- A New Spin on Chicken: Move over, regular chicken dinners! The rich blend of garlic and parmesan, with a touch of basil, transforms the familiar into the extraordinary.
- Adaptable for Any Occasion: These skewers are as perfect for a casual weeknight meal as they are for the centerpiece of a festive gathering. They’re the culinary chameleons of your recipe book.
- Effortlessly Impressive: Easy enough for beginners but with a gourmet flair that will impress even seasoned foodies. It’s all about big flavors with minimal fuss.
- Meal Prep Friendly: A lifesaver for busy schedules. Prepare in advance and savor a delicious, homemade meal anytime during the week.
- Personalize It Your Way: Whether you like it spicier or milder, or prefer different herbs, this chicken skewers recipe is a fantastic canvas for your personal touches.
- A Year-Round Favorite: These chicken skewers don’t play favorites with seasons. Whether it’s grilling in the summer or baking in the winter, they’re always a hit.
- Unanimous Approval: This recipe has a unique way of winning hearts, making it a reliable go-to for pleasing a diverse crowd.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 lbs of chicken (choose from tenders, thighs, or breast)
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp
For the Garlic Parmesan Basil Butter Sauce
- Butter: 1 stick
- Garlic: 8-10 cloves, minced
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated
- Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp, adjust to taste
- Red Pepper Flakes: 2 teaspoons
- Fresh Parsley: 1/3 cup, minced
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Seasoning Mix for Chicken
- Paprika: 2 teaspoons
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
- Mayonnaise: 2 Tablespoons
- Parmesan Cheese: 2 Tablespoons
Instructions
Prepping and Skewering the Chicken
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes.
- Mix the seasonings in a small bowl. Cut the chicken into 2″ pieces and coat them in a blend of olive oil and seasonings.
- Thread the chicken onto skewers tightly and trim if necessary.
Creating the Garlic Parmesan Basil Butter Sauce
- Melt butter with garlic in a microwave-safe bowl. Add in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, basil, and parmesan, whisking until combined. If the sauce separates, mix in a little softened butter.
- Reserve a third of the sauce for basting the semi-cooked chicken, keeping the rest for later use.
Cooking the Chicken Skewers
- Cook the chicken skewers in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, then flip and baste with the sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Flip once more, add more sauce, and continue cooking until the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, about 5-6 more minutes.
- Finish with a final layer of the clean reserved sauce and extra parmesan.
Oven-Baked Chicken Skewers
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a sheet with foil or parchment paper. Use a wire rack on the sheet if available.
- Place Skewers: Arrange skewers on the sheet or rack, ensuring space between each for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 20-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. Baste with sauce after flipping.
- Check Doneness: Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a golden brown color.
- Final Baste and Serve: Give a final baste with the sauce, add extra Parmesan if desired, let rest for a few minutes, and serve.
Totally loving these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? Awesome! Why not share the joy? Pin the image below to your Pinterest board and let your friends in on this skewer secret. It’s a small click for you, but a giant leap for your foodie friends!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Marinate for Flavor: If time allows, let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to a few hours. This helps the flavors to penetrate deeper into the chicken.
- Consistent Size for Even Cooking: When cutting the chicken, aim for uniform pieces. This ensures that each piece cooks evenly, preventing some from being overcooked or undercooked.
- Room Temperature Chicken: Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This helps in cooking the chicken evenly, avoiding a cold center.
- Prevent Stick Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning during the cooking process.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: While it might be tempting to pack as much chicken as possible onto each skewer, leaving a little space between pieces allows for better heat circulation and more even cooking.
- Check Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the skewers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Basting Techniques: When basting with the sauce, use a separate utensil or brush for the raw and cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
- Utilize the Air Fryer Basket: If using an air fryer, ensure the skewers are not touching the sides of the basket for uniform cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these skewers with a side of fresh salad, garlic bread, or over a bed of pasta or rice for a complete meal.
- Storage and Reheating: Leftover skewers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to retain the texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and spices in the marinade or sauce to tailor the recipe to your taste.