Garlic Parmesan Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers: Crispy, Juicy Perfection
There’s something irresistible about food on a stick—especially when it’s hot off the grill, dripping with lemon butter, and coated in a crispy, garlicky crust. These Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are one of those recipes that sneak into your weekly rotation and never leave. Why? Because they hit every note: juicy, crispy, flavoursome, and fast. 💥
It all started on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick with ingredients I already had on hand—panko, a bit of parmesan, some boneless chicken, and a lonely lemon. 🍗🍋 I threw together a simple marinade, let the chicken soak while I prepped the sides, and popped everything into the air fryer. What came out was so good, I made it again the very next day. These Garlic Parmesan Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are now a must-make in my house.
Ingredients You’ll Need 📝
You don’t need anything fancy – just a few pantry staples and some fresh ingredients to make this flavour-packed meal.
- 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized, 1.5-inch pieces
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (acts as a binder and keeps the chicken moist)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon 🍋
- 3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
- 1 tsp paprika 🌶️
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese 🧀
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs (or plain breadcrumbs/seasoned breadcrumbs)
- 3 tbsp melted butter, for basting 🧈
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish 🌿
Optional:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- Oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean twist
Marinate the Chicken 🍗
Start by prepping the chicken. Use a sharp knife and chopping board to cut it into even chunks. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps bites from being chewy or tough.
In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and the rest of the seasonings. The acidic lemon juice helps tenderise the meat, while mayo adds a coating that locks in moisture and makes your Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers extra juicy.
Toss the chicken in until it’s evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or longer if prepping ahead of time.
Prep and Skewer 🍢
Soak bamboo skewers in water for 20–30 minutes if using wooden ones (to avoid burning). Or grab metal skewers for convenience.
Thread the chicken chunks onto the skewers, spacing them just enough to allow airflow but still compact enough for even cooking. Avoid crowding skewers—you want them golden and crisp on all sides.
Air Fryer or Grill Instructions 🍽️
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat to 390°F (200°C) ⚡
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray
- Place skewers in a single layer, not touching
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway 🔁
- Use a thermometer to check for 165°F 🌡️
Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil grill grates
- Grill 12–15 minutes total, flipping every 4 minutes
- Look for slight charred edges and juices that run clear
Baste with Lemon Butter & Finish 🍋🧈
Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then stir in a splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parmesan. This smooth, tangy butter sauce is what takes these Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers from tasty to unforgettable.
Brush liberally during the final minutes of cooking, then serve with more sauce on the side and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives.
Serving Tips & Pairings 🍽️
These skewers are perfect for any meal. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Creamy orzo alfredo with asparagus
- Warm tortilla wrap with crunchy lettuce
- Air fryer potatoes or crispy garlic rice
- Fresh green salad with a citrus flavor vinaigrette
Recipe Tips 💡
- Let your chicken sit at room temperature before cooking for even results
- Don’t skip the mayo—it keeps the juicy chicken tender and helps the coating stick
- Cook leftover marinade before reusing it (or save some before adding chicken)
- Panko gives the crispiest texture, but seasoned breadcrumbs add great flavor
Final Thoughts 💭
These Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers are a game-changer. The balance of bright lemon, creamy butter, and crispy parmesan creates a seriously addictive combo. Whether you’re cooking for guests or yourself, this dish delivers on flavor, ease, and versatility.
Bookmark it. Share it. Repeat it. And next time you need a quick, tasty dinner, you’ll know exactly what to make. 🍢🔥
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FAQs About Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! You can absolutely use chicken breast—just be sure not to overcook it, as it’s leaner and dries out faster than chicken thighs. A quick marinade and basting with lemon butter helps keep it juicy.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes is ideal, but if you have time, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. The longer it soaks, the more tender and flavour-packed the chicken will be.
3. Do I need to soak skewers before grilling?
If you’re using bamboo skewers, yes—soak them in water for at least 20–30 minutes to keep them from burning. Metal skewers don’t require soaking.
4. What can I serve with these skewers?
These pair beautifully with orzo, air fryer potatoes, grilled veggies, or even tucked inside a warm wrap. Don’t forget a side of extra lemon butter sauce for dipping!
5. Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can marinate the chicken the day before and keep it in the fridge. When ready to cook, simply thread, cook, and baste. Leftovers also reheat beautifully in the air fryer.
🍋 Lemon Butter Chicken Skewers (Garlic Parmesan Style)
Ingredients
- For the marinade:
- 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- For the coating & finish:
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs or plain/seasoned breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
- Optional:
- Red pepper flakes for heat
- A pinch of oregano or thyme for a Mediterranean twist
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
- Trim and cut chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife and clean board.
- Make the marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, and seasonings (paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder).
- Marinate the chicken
- Add the chicken to the marinade and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for deeper flavor).
- Soak skewers (if using bamboo)
- Soak wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Skip this step if using metal skewers.
- Thread the chicken
- Skewer the chicken, leaving slight space between each piece to allow airflow.
- Avoid overcrowding for crispier results.
- Coat with parmesan & breadcrumbs
- Mix parmesan and panko in a bowl. Lightly toss or press the skewers into the mixture.
- Cook (Air Fryer or Grill)
- Air Fryer:
- Preheat to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray the basket with oil and place skewers in a single layer.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Chicken is done at 165°F internal temp.
- Grill:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates.
- Cook skewers for 12–15 minutes, flipping every 4 minutes until charred and fully cooked.
- Baste with lemon butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter. Stir in a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of parmesan.
- Brush skewers with the butter mixture during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Serve & garnish
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives.
- Serve hot with extra lemon butter sauce on the side.
Video
Notes
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave to keep the coating crispy.