Pin it
Every time I fix these tender garlic parmesan chicken kabobs, they're a hit and super chill to whip up. The juicy bites soak up a buttery, cheesy garlic sauce that can't be beat. You'll keep going back for more.
Honestly, these kabobs started out as a last-minute cookout fix when I was in a rush, but wanted to serve up something memorable. Soon as they hit the table—gone. Now my family always begs for them at get-togethers.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Chicken thighs, tenders, or breasts: Use whichever you like best. Personally, I go for thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps all those seasonings stick and gives a nice golden touch.
- Butter: Makes the sauce super rich. Unsalted lets you play with the flavor more.
- Fresh garlic (minced): Brings bold, awesome flavor no one forgets.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Packs extra salty, nutty vibes and crisps up beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: Gives a little pop of color and a mild kick.
- Hot sauce: Use your fave for some heat—make it as mild or wild as you want.
- Fresh parsley: Cuts through the butter and brightens up the whole thing.
- Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper: Quick toss of these makes that chicken sing.
Easy Instructions
- Get Your Sauce Going:
- Pop butter and garlic into a microwave-safe dish and zap it till just melting. That warmth helps the garlic really shine. Add your parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and parsley, then whisk it all up. Split in half: some for basting, some for serving later on.
- Set Up the Chicken:
- If you’re using wooden skewers, dunk them in water for a half hour so they don’t burn. Mix up your chicken with olive oil and all your dry spices. Cut chicken to size, toss it in the bowl so it gets coated everywhere, and load it tight on the sticks without gaps. That’s how you get juicy skewers!
- Air Fry Them Up:
- Air fry a couple kabobs at a time at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, brush with your buttery sauce so it really sinks in, and cook for 2 more minutes. Flip, sauce again, then finish for another 5 or 6 minutes. Make sure your chicken’s at 165°F inside. Slather on a little fresh sauce and sprinkle more parmesan on top to finish.
Pin it
Hands down, what I love best is watching that cheesy butter bubble and brown around the edges. The crispy, caramelized bits are always claimed first. To avoid fights, I usually double up so everyone gets their crunchy pieces!
Crucial Temperatures
Nail juicy chicken by keeping an eye on the heat. For air fryers, stick to 400°F—you’ll get it crispy on the outside, tender in the middle. In the oven, crank it to 450°F to make up for less airflow. If you’re grilling, medium-high is just right—hot, but not so wild that things burn. No matter how you cook 'em, check for 165°F in the center for safety, but don’t let them dry out.
Fun Ways to Serve
These kabobs fit in anywhere. Serve alone as the world's best finger food, dunk into extra sauce for bonus flavor. Or put them over a scoop of rice or quinoa, roasted veg on the side, and pour over more garlic butter. Want something handheld? Slide the chicken off, wrap it in warm pita, add greens and tzatziki—now you’ve got a tasty Mediterranean sandwich.
Easy Storage and Reheat
Stash leftovers sealed in your fridge—they’ll keep fine for three days. To warm them up, take the chicken off the sticks and toss in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes 'til hot through. You can also heat gently in a covered pan with a splash of water if you want. A microwave will work too, but it can dry things out a bit. If you want to freeze, remove from skewers, pack in freezer-safe boxes, and eat within a couple months.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use any cut of chicken for the skewers?
Totally. Grab breast, tenders, or thighs. Thighs keep things juicy. Breast is lighter and lean.
- → How do I prevent the chicken skewers from drying out?
Press the chicken close together on the stick, baste plenty with garlicky butter as they cook, and don't leave them in too long—go by the temp.
- → Can I cook these chicken skewers in the oven?
Yep. Set your oven to 450°F, bake about 14 minutes, turning and brushing halfway. Finish under the broiler for a couple minutes to get them nice and brown.
- → What is the best way to reheat leftover skewers?
Rewarm in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for several minutes. They'll stay juicy and crispy that way.
- → Can I substitute the parmesan with another cheese?
Absolutely. Asiago or Pecorino Romano both taste great as swaps.
- → How can I make this less spicy?
Just skip the red pepper flakes and leave out the hot sauce. You'll still have loads of garlic flavor.