Whether you’re firing up the grill for a backyard BBQ or cozying up indoors during winter, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are guaranteed to be the highlight of your meal. Loaded with garlic, herbs, buttery parmesan, and juicy chunks of chicken, they’re a savory, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible dish for any season.
The first time I made them was for a summer cookout, and they disappeared within minutes—no exaggeration. Since then, I’ve adapted the recipe for oven and air fryer versions, so I can enjoy that same bold flavor year-round. The garlic-parmesan combo creates a golden crust and rich aroma that will make your kitchen smell like a gourmet rotisserie restaurant.
And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – Garlic, butter, parmesan, and a few herbs make these shine.
- Cook Them Any Way – Grill, oven, or air fryer—whichever works best for you.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate in advance for even more flavor and an easy weeknight dinner.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Approved – Great for gatherings or casual dinners.
- Perfect Year-Round – Light and fresh for summer, comforting and hearty for winter.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil or melted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (for garnish)
- 10–12 wooden or metal skewers
Optional Marinade (Highly Recommended for Juicier Skewers):
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
Recommended Tools
- Mixing bowls
- Skewers (wooden soaked in water or reusable metal)
- Grill, oven, or air fryer
- Basting brush (for brushing garlic butter)
- Meat thermometer (to check for doneness)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken
Cut chicken into even-sized cubes. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Optional Marinade
In a bowl, mix the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
3. Season with Garlic Parmesan
In a separate bowl, combine parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil or melted butter, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken cubes in the garlic parmesan mixture.
4. Skewer the Chicken
Thread the coated chicken pieces onto skewers, packing them close but not too tightly.
Cooking Methods
Grill Method
Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill skewers for 12–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
Oven Method
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for an additional 1–2 minutes for crispy edges.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place skewers in a single layer and cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Serve It With
Summer Sides:
- Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
- Grilled corn on the cob
- Watermelon and feta salad
- Garlic butter rice
Winter Comforts:
- Garlic Smashed Potatoes
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Creamy mac and cheese
- Buttery dinner rolls
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Garlic Parmesan – Add chili flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter mix.
- Herb-Loaded – Toss in fresh chopped basil, oregano, or rosemary.
- Breaded & Crispy – Coat skewers with panko and parmesan before baking.
- Lemon Pepper Parmesan – Add zest of one lemon and cracked pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Bacon-Wrapped – Wrap chicken cubes in bacon before threading onto skewers!
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Marinate the night before: The longer the chicken sits in lemon and garlic, the better the flavor.
- Assemble ahead: Skewers can be prepped and stored in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance.
- Leftovers? Dice the cooked chicken and add to pasta, wraps, or salads throughout the week.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked marinated chicken (off skewers) for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in the air fryer for 5 minutes.
Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.
Entertaining Tip: Skewer Bar Party!
Let guests build their own skewers! Offer bowls of seasoned chicken, veggies (like zucchini, mushrooms, peppers), and sauces like garlic ranch, sriracha mayo, or chimichurri. It’s interactive and fun—perfect for summer grilling or winter gatherings indoors.
Final Thoughts
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the kind of meal you’ll make once and never forget. They’re juicy, garlicky, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you grill them outside on a summer evening or roast them in the oven on a snowy night, they’re guaranteed to be devoured.
Serve them with fresh sides in the summer or comforting carbs in the winter. Want to make it even easier? Double the batch and freeze some for next time.
You won’t just want to make these again—you’ll have to.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is chicken thigh or breast better for skewers?
Chicken thighs are better—they’re juicier and more flavorful, and they stay tender even when grilled or baked on skewers.
2. How long to marinate chicken for skewers?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2–4 hours gives the best flavor. Overnight is great too—just don’t go over 24 hours.
3. What sauce goes with chicken skewers?
Top picks include:
- Garlic yogurt sauce
- Peanut satay sauce
- Teriyaki glaze
- Chimichurri
- Tzatziki
Choose based on your seasoning or theme!
4. What to eat with garlic Parmesan chicken
Pair it with:
- Roasted veggies
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Caesar salad
- Buttered noodles
- Or even garlic bread for a carb-loaded treat.