1-First Step: Soak the skewers and prep the chicken Start by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps prevent burning, especially if you are using the grill or oven. While the skewers soak, cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces so the bites cook evenly and fit well on each skewer. This is also a good time to get your seasonings, butter, garlic, and parmesan ready so the rest of the process moves smoothly. If you want to get ahead, you can prep the chicken earlier in the day and keep it covered in the refrigerator until cooking time. That makes this recipe very convenient for busy evenings when dinner needs to come together fast. Make sure to pat the chicken dry before seasoning so the oil and spices cling better.

2-Second Step: Season the chicken Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and coat them with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then toss until every piece is evenly coated. This seasoning blend gives the chicken flavor before it ever hits the heat, which helps each bite taste good all the way through. After seasoning, thread the chicken tightly onto the soaked skewers. Packing the pieces close together helps keep the chicken juicy while it cooks. If needed, trim any excess skewer sticking out so the pieces fit neatly and cook evenly.

3-Third Step: Make the garlic parmesan sauce Set a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 stick butter. Stir in 8 to 10 cloves minced garlic and let it cook just until fragrant. You do not want the garlic to brown too much, since that can make it taste bitter. Once the garlic smells great, stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, parsley, and grated parmesan. The sauce should look glossy and thick enough to coat a spoon. If it seems a little loose at first, that is fine because it will thicken slightly as it sits. For the best flavor, use real grated parmesan if you have it. Shelf-stable parmesan still works, but fresh grated parmesan gives a stronger cheesy taste.

4-Fourth Step: Cook in the air fryer If you are using the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Place 2 to 3 skewers in the basket at a time, leaving enough space for air to move around them. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the skewers and brush them with about 1/3 of the sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, flip again, baste once more, and continue cooking for 5 to 6 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. This air fryer method gives you quick browning and juicy chicken without needing to fire up the oven. It is especially handy for weeknight dinners because the cook time stays short and the cleanup is simple. Finish with the reserved sauce and a little extra parmesan for the best finish.

5-Fifth Step: Bake in the oven To bake the skewers, preheat the oven to 450°F. Place the skewers on a lined baking sheet or on a rack set over a baking pan if you want more air circulation around the chicken. Bake for 14 minutes, flipping and basting halfway through. The chicken should cook through and reach 165°F in the thickest part. The oven method is great when you are cooking for a crowd or making several batches at once. It also works well if you want a more hands-off method. If you like baked chicken dinners, you may also enjoy browsing this comforting pineapple casserole recipe for a sweet and savory side dish idea.

6-Sixth Step: Grill for a smoky finish If you are grilling, cook the skewers over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side. Brush them with sauce as they cook so the butter garlic mixture seeps into the chicken and builds flavor on the outside. Keep an eye on the heat so the butter sauce does not burn too quickly. The grill gives the chicken a smoky edge that works really well with the parmesan and garlic. This is a great option for backyard dinners, cookouts, or warm-weather meals. It also makes the skewers feel a little more special without adding much extra work.

7-Final Step: Finish and serve Once the chicken is fully cooked, spoon or brush on the reserved sauce and top with extra parmesan if you like. Serve the skewers hot with rice, salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple vegetable side. The whole recipe takes about 35 minutes total, with 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cook time, and it makes 6 skewers.