Description
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy dish perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend BBQ. Marinated in a savory mix of mayonnaise, parmesan, and garlic, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer, they come out tender with a crispy exterior. Enhanced with a delicious garlic parmesan compound butter and a touch of chili crunch for a subtle heat, these skewers are an irresistible crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½-2 pounds chicken thighs or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 ½ teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lowry’s)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Compound Butter
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 teaspoons chili crunch (or chili crisp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Mix thoroughly to coat all the pieces evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, preferably 4 to 16 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Compound Butter: In a separate bowl, mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, chili crunch, and lemon juice. Use a fork to blend everything into a smooth compound butter. Warm slightly in the microwave for 5 seconds to soften the butter if needed.
- Skewer: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers evenly. Set the skewers aside while you preheat the cooking appliance.
- Preheat and Cook: Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (or an outdoor grill if preferred). Arrange 4-7 skewers in the air fryer basket without overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook for 6 minutes.
- Flip and Cook: After the initial cook, flip the skewers and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached at least 150ºF before proceeding to baste.
- Baste and Finish Cooking: Baste the chicken skewers with the prepared compound butter, then continue cooking for 1 minute. Flip the skewers, baste the other side, and cook another 30-40 seconds. Verify the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure doneness.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, sprinkle with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken overnight or at least 4 hours.
- Can substitute chicken breasts but thighs remain juicier and tender.
- Use metal skewers for faster even cooking; soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use to prevent burning.
- Chili crunch adds a spicy kick; adjust quantity according to your heat preference.
- This recipe works well on an outdoor grill if an air fryer is unavailable.
- Check internal temperature carefully with a meat thermometer to ensure safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
