Description
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are tender, flavorful chicken pieces marinated in a savory blend of mayonnaise, parmesan, and garlic, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Finished with a rich compound butter featuring garlic, parsley, and chili crisp, these skewers make a perfect appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2-2 pounds chicken thighs or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt (such as Lowry’s)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon grated parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Seasoning Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1-2 teaspoons chili crunch (or chili crisp)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Season: Add the chicken pieces to a bowl, season with seasoning salt, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and grated parmesan. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, ideally between 4 to 16 hours to allow flavors to develop.
- Prepare Butter: In a separate bowl, combine softened butter, pressed garlic, fresh parsley, parmesan cheese, chili crisp, and lemon juice. Mash together using a fork to create a compound butter. Microwave for 5 seconds to loosen it slightly but do not melt completely.
- Thread Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto metal or wooden skewers. Preheat your air fryer or outdoor grill to 400ºF.
- Cook: Place 4 to 7 skewers in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Baste: Check that the chicken has reached at least 150ºF internally. Apply the compound butter on one side of the chicken skewers and cook for 1 minute. Then flip, baste the other side, and cook for another 30 to 40 seconds. Verify doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165ºF.
- Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight but at least 20 minutes is sufficient.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred but thighs tend to remain juicier.
- Adjust chili crunch amount based on your heat tolerance; omit for milder taste.
- The compound butter can be made in advance and refrigerated for convenience.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken safety and optimal tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
