Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this mouthwatering Air Fryer Chicken on a Stick Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe. These irresistible chicken skewers combine the convenience of air frying (with oven option) with the bold flavors of garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese, resulting in crispy, golden-brown perfection.
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This is the perfect appetizer for any party, or to enjoy as an easy weeknight meal.
Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or hosting a gathering with friends, this easy-to-follow chicken on a stick recipe promises to be a hit every time.
This was inspired by my BBQ Chicken Skewers and Parmesan Pork Bites recipes.
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Benefits of using an air fryer
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. These handy kitchen appliances offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, allowing you to enjoy crispy and delicious foods without the excess oil. When it comes to making this Garlic Parmesan Chicken on a stick, using an air fryer has several benefits.
One of the main advantages of using an air fryer is the ability to achieve that coveted golden crunch without the need for excessive oil.
Another benefit of using an air fryer is the convenience it offers. Simply place the chicken on a stick in the air fryer basket, set the temperature and time, and let the machine do its magic.
Additionally, air fryers are known for their quick cooking times. The hot air circulation ensures that the food cooks evenly and rapidly, meaning you can have a batch of these delicious skewers ready in no time.
Overall, using an air fryer for this Garlic Parmesan Chicken on a stick recipe not only provides a healthier cooking method but also saves time and effort.
Not to worry, If you are not an air fryer owner, I also have oven instructions included below as well!
Ingredients for Chicken on a stick
To create this irresistible Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe, you'll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into chunks
- Olive oil
- Sour Cream
- Garlic Salt
- Seasoned salt
- Parmesan cheese
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
- Butter
- Parsley
- Garlic powder (or fresh minced garlic)
- Smoked paprika (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions for Chicken on a stick
Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the skewers cook evenly and achieve that desired crispy texture.
Step 1 : Cut your Chicken thighs into cubes, and soak your wooden skewers (if using) in water for at least 10 minutes. This will prevent them from burning during the cooking process.
Step 2 : Combine the seasoning ingredients together with the chicken
Step 3 : Mix the ingredients with the chicken ensuring each piece is coated well
Step 4 : Once the skewers are soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers
Step 5 : Carefully place the chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
Step 6 : Cook the skewers in batches if necessary. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes flipping once halfway.
Step 7 : Once the skewers are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
Step 8 : While the chicken is cooking prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
Step 9 : Combine the butter with the seasonings and mix well.
Step 10 : Pour butter mix over chicken skewers or brush on and Enjoy!
Hint: Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential to achieve that perfect crispy exterior.
Oven & Air Fryer instructions for different cuts
Chicken on a stick:
Air Fryer (15-20 minutes total) - 380°F for 10 minutes flip over , baste and cook an additional 10-15 minutes skin side up.
Oven (20-25 minutes total) - 400°F for 10 minutes, flip over, baste and cook an additional 10-15 minutes skin.
Bone In Chicken Thigh:
Air fryer (20-25 minutes total) - 380°F for 10 minutes skin side down, flip over , baste and cook an additional 10-15 minutes skin side up.
Oven (30-40 minutes total) - 400°F for 10 minutes skin side down, flip over, baste and cook an additional 20-30 minutes skin side up.
Drumsticks:
Air Fryer (20 minutes total) - 380°F for 10 minutes, flip over. baste and cook another 10 minutes.
Oven (35-40 minutes total) - 400°F for 20 minutes and flip over, baste and cook another 15-20 minutes.
Chicken Breast:
Air Fryer (16-19 minutes total) - 360°F for 10 minutes, flip over and baste and cook another 6-9 minutes.
Oven (20-25 minutes total - 400°F for 10 minutes, flip over and baste and cook another 10-15 minutes.
Tips for achieving perfect crispy chicken
- Choose the right chicken: To achieve the best results, it's important to choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. Thighs are not only more flavorful than chicken breasts, but they also tend to stay moist and juicy during the cooking process. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring that they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheating the air fryer is essential to achieve that perfect crispy exterior. Set the air fryer to the desired temperature (usually around 400°F or 200°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken skewers.
- Arrange the skewers properly: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can prevent the chicken from getting crispy. If necessary, cook the skewers in batches to maintain optimal air circulation.
- Cook with precision: Place the skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the cooking time to prevent any burning.
- Serve immediately: Once the chicken skewers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Serve them hot with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a side of your favorite dipping sauce.
Substitutions & Variations
- Instead of chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or tenders for a different texture.
- Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste preferences by adding herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- If you don't have parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with pecorino romano or asiago cheese.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
- Experiment with different cheese varieties such as cheddar or mozzarella for a unique flavor profile.
- Incorporate diced vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms onto the skewers for added color and texture.
Storage
Leftover Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer, oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Top tip
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This prevents the skewers from burning during grilling and ensures they stay intact.
FAQ
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
The secret to this Juicy Chicken on a stick recipe is the secret or not so secret ingredient. I LOVE using sour cream for this recipe because in addition to making the chicken extra juicy, it also adds an extra layer of flavor compared to yogurt. Yogurt is a healthier option, and sometimes I also use greek yogurt to substitute.
More Chicken Recipes
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📖 Recipe Card
Garlic Parmesan Skewers | Chicken on a stick
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs Chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon Seasoned Salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- ¾ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoon Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 3 tbsp Sour Cream or Yogurt
Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoon Butter
- ½ tablespoon Garlic Powder or Fresh garlic
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan
- ½ teaspoon Parsley optional
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika optional
Save this recipe! 💌
We'll email this recipe to you, so you can come back to cook it later!
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 380°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the skewers cook evenly and achieve that desired crispy texture.
- Cut your Chicken thighs into cubes, and soak your wooden skewers (if using) in water for at least 10 minutes. This will prevent them from burning during the cooking process.
- Combine the seasoning ingredients together with the chicken and mix well½ teaspoon Seasoned Salt, 1 ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt, ¾ teaspoon Onion powder, ½ teaspoon Black Pepper, 1 ½ tablespoon Parmesan , ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika, 1 tablespoon Olive Oil, 3 tablespoon Sour Cream
- Once the skewers are soaked, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers
- Carefully place the chicken skewers in the preheated air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes flipping once halfway.
- Once the skewers are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy chicken.
Butter Sauce
- While the chicken is cooking prepare the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- Heat the butter in the microwave 10-20 seconds to soften up.
- Combine the butter with the seasonings and mix well. Pour butter mix over chicken skewers or brush on and Enjoy!½ tablespoon Garlic Powder, ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt, 2 tablespoon Parmesan, ½ teaspoon Parsley, ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika
Jacob Rhett Bailey says
This looks very tasty.