Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

• 2 lbs chicken tenders, thighs, or breast

• 2 tbsp olive oil

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

• 1 stick butter

• 8 to 10 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup parmesan, grated

• 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if you like it spicy)

• 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

• 1/3 cup fresh parsley, minced

Chicken Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

Prep and Skewer Chicken:

1. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.

2. Mix chicken seasoning in a small bowl and keep it aside.

3. Cut chicken into 3″ pieces and toss them in olive oil and the spices you mixed.

4. Slide them onto skewers tightly, no gaps.

Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

1. Heat butter and garlic until partially melted, then toss in red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and parmesan. Whisk it all up until it’s well mixed.

Cook The Chicken:

1. Get your air fryer preheated to 400 degrees.

2. Cook the skewers in the air fryer for 5 minutes, then flip them, baste with the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.

3. Flip them again, baste once more, and keep cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. That’ll take about 5-6 more minutes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 skewers

Marinating and Grilling:

1. In a bowl, mix together minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
3. While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
6. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks.
7. Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Serving Tips:

1. Serve the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers immediately after grilling for the best flavor and texture.
2. Garnish the skewers with freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving to enhance their visual appeal.
3. Consider serving the skewers with a side of marinara sauce or creamy garlic aioli for dipping, adding another layer of flavor to the dish.
4. Arrange the skewers on a platter and serve them alongside your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad, to create a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage Tips:

1. If you have leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, allow them to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container.
2. Store the leftover skewers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
3. To reheat the skewers, gently warm them in a preheated oven or microwave until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them to maintain their juiciness.
4. Avoid freezing the cooked skewers, as freezing and thawing may affect the texture and flavor of the chicken.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers remain delicious and enjoyable, whether you’re serving them fresh off the grill or reheating leftovers for a quick and convenient meal.

Variations:

1. Bacon-Wrapped Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Add an extra layer of indulgence by wrapping each chicken piece with a strip of bacon before threading them onto the skewers. The crispy bacon complements the savory garlic and Parmesan flavors perfectly.
2. Pesto-Marinated Chicken Skewers: Swap out the garlic Parmesan marinade for a vibrant basil pesto marinade. Simply coat the chicken pieces in pesto sauce before grilling for a fresh and herbaceous twist on the classic recipe.
3. Lemon Herb Chicken Skewers: Infuse the chicken with bright citrus flavors by marinating it in a mixture of lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley), olive oil, and a touch of honey. Grill the skewers until golden brown and juicy for a refreshing take on chicken skewers.
4. Teriyaki Chicken Skewers: For an Asian-inspired twist, marinate the chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Grill the skewers until caramelized and glazed, and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for a delightful flavor fusion.
5. Mediterranean Chicken Skewers: Create a Mediterranean-inspired dish by marinating the chicken in a mixture of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and olive oil. Thread the chicken onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, and bell pepper chunks before grilling for a burst of Mediterranean flavors.
6. Buffalo Chicken Skewers: Give your chicken skewers a spicy kick by tossing the chicken pieces in buffalo sauce before grilling. Serve the skewers with a side of blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for a fun and flavorful twist on classic buffalo wings.
7. Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and apple cider vinegar for a sweet and tangy flavor profile. Grill the skewers until caramelized and glazed, and serve with extra honey mustard sauce for dipping.

These variations offer a diverse range of flavors and culinary influences to suit different preferences and occasions, allowing you to customize your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers and explore new taste sensations with each variation.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe is a surefire way to elevate any mealtime with its irresistible flavors and juicy, tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these skewers are guaranteed to be a hit. So fire up the grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of these flavorful skewers.