What makes a recipe truly special? It’s the ability to be both incredibly simple for a hectic weeknight and undeniably impressive for serving to guests. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers embody that perfect balance. We start with tender chicken thighs, cut into convenient bite-sized pieces, and infuse them with a fragrant blend of spices. Threaded onto skewers, the chicken can be cooked to perfection through grilling, baking, or air-frying. Finally, a rich garlic Parmesan butter sauce is brushed over, adding an irresistible finishing touch.

My children adore skewers, and they often request them. Some of our other favorites include Chicken Souvlaki, Mediterranean Beef Kabobs, Mediterranean Grilled Shrimp Skewers, and Lebanese Chicken Kebabs. These chicken skewers are particularly delightful when paired with Lebanese Hummus or Baba Ghanoush, creating a complete and flavorful meal.

Looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea or a fantastic meal-prep solution? Look no further! Here’s why we can’t get enough of these delicious skewers:

• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients: Achieve restaurant-quality flavor with basic pantry staples.
• Fast Prep + Quick Cooking: Easily prep these skewers and quickly cook them on the grill for those busy evenings. You also have the option to air fry or bake them in the oven for a versatile cooking experience!
• Great for Meal-Prep: Marinate the chicken and thread the skewers in advance to be ready to grill or bake at a moment’s notice. I enjoy preparing these on the weekends and having them available throughout the week. Serve them with a Mediterranean Hummus Bowl or a Greek Quinoa Bowl for a nutritious and satisfying meal.

• Chicken Thighs: For these skewers, you’ll need approximately 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces. Chicken thighs are the secret to achieving incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful skewers. Thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers for easy grilling or baking. Alternatively, you can use chicken tenderloins or chicken breasts, ensuring they are cut into suitably small pieces for threading. The use of chicken thighs is highly recommended for the best moisture and taste.
• Spices: The carefully crafted spice mixture is what imparts a burst of warmth and depth of flavor to the chicken. The mixture includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, working in harmony to create a well-rounded taste profile that complements the other ingredients. Adjust the amounts to your personal spice preferences.
• Garlic Parmesan Sauce: This sauce is truly the highlight of the skewers, adding a rich, decadent, and irresistible finishing touch. It’s a simple mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a splash of lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick). This sauce is what takes the skewers from good to unforgettable.

Spice It Up: Recipe Variations

One of the great aspects of this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to customize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some fun variations to try:

• Mediterranean Style: Swap the smoked paprika for oregano and za’atar, add an extra squeeze of lemon juice, and serve with a side of creamy tzatziki sauce for a refreshing Mediterranean twist. The herbs and yogurt sauce complement the chicken beautifully.
• Cajun Seasoning: Replace the current seasoning blend with a Cajun seasoning mix for a spicier, bolder flavor. Finish the skewers with a drizzle of hot sauce and melted butter for an extra kick. This version is perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
• Shawarma: Add a teaspoon of shawarma seasoning to the chicken marinade for an authentic Middle Eastern flavor. The warm, earthy spices will transform the skewers into a shawarma-inspired delight.
• Honey: Whisk 1 tablespoon of honey into the garlic Parmesan butter mixture for a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile. The honey adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness that balances the savory Parmesan and garlic.
• Pesto: Incorporate pesto into the butter mixture for a vibrant, herby flavor. You can either add the pesto directly into the butter or brush it onto the skewers as they grill for an extra layer of flavor.
• Veggie Boost: Thread thinly sliced zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms between the chicken pieces on the skewers. This will add color, texture, and nutritional value to your meal. Ensure the vegetables are cut into sizes that cook evenly with the chicken.

Serve these delicious skewers with a side of Tahini Garlic Sauce, Tahini Yogurt Sauce, or Creamy Dill Sauce for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.

Alternative Cooking Methods for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Kabobs

Don’t have a grill? No problem! These skewers can be cooked using various methods:

• Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, then open the air fryer, baste the skewers with garlic Parmesan butter, and continue air frying for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. For added color and crispness, broil the skewers for 1-2 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close eye on them to prevent burning.

Storing and Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to store and reheat your Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to maintain their quality:

• Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the oven, a skillet, or the microwave, being careful not to dry out the chicken.
• If you have leftover garlic butter mixture, store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat it gently before using. Discard any butter that has come into contact with raw chicken.
• For longer storage, freeze cooked skewers (without the garlic butter) for up to 2 months. Add the garlic Parmesan butter only after reheating for the best texture.