Name: garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cubed; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); Wooden or metal skewers

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Looking for a bold and juicy meal that’s both easy and satisfying? These garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo are your next dinner hit.

Whether you’re planning a casual cookout or weeknight family dinner, this recipe delivers rich flavor with just a few simple ingredients. Using mayonnaise to marinate chicken might sound surprising, but it’s a secret weapon for locking in moisture. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes these skewers so crave-worthy, how to prepare and grill or bake them perfectly, and what sides and sauces to pair them with. Let’s start with the story behind the recipe.

Why Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with Mayo Are a Must-Try

The recipe that started it all
Hi there! I’m Noura, the heart behind Dinner Scoop. One summer evening, while prepping for a backyard barbecue, I realized I had run out of olive oil. All I had on hand was a jar of mayo. Desperate but curious, I coated my chicken in mayo before adding garlic and parmesan. I threaded them onto skewers, grilled them over hot coals, and hoped for the best. What came off the grill was golden, tender, and incredibly flavorful—these garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo were born.

That small substitution changed the way I marinate poultry forever. The mayo not only infused the chicken with flavor but also helped it stay juicy and tender, even on high heat. It quickly became one of my go-to recipes for gatherings, just like my buffalo chicken dip that friends always request.

A crowd-pleaser with crave-worthy flavor
Garlic and parmesan are classic partners, but adding mayo to the mix makes this dish stand out. It clings to the chicken, forming a savory coating that crisps slightly while cooking. Whether you grill or bake them, these skewers are the kind of dish you can serve at game nights, dinner parties, or even meal prep for the week.

They also remind me of the same satisfying comfort I get from chicken cobbler casserole—rich, hearty, and family-approved. These skewers strike the same balance: easy to make, full of flavor, and loved by all ages. Plus, you can prep them ahead of time and cook in minutes, which makes them even more appealing for busy nights.

Ingredients and How to Cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with Mayo

Garlic parmesan chicken skewers ingredients — Ingredients for garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo

Key ingredients that make the flavor pop
The beauty of garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo is that they use pantry staples to create a flavor bomb. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless chicken thighs or breasts – juicy and versatile
Mayonnaise – keeps the chicken moist and flavorful
Grated parmesan cheese – adds a nutty, salty depth
Garlic (minced or paste) – essential for bold flavor
Salt and black pepper – to season just right
Paprika or chili flakes (optional) – for a little kick
Fresh parsley or herbs – a bright finish
Skewers – soaked if using wooden ones

Don’t underestimate the role of mayo here. It’s similar to how creamy richness in my olive garden crockpot chicken pasta takes a dish from average to unforgettable. In this case, mayo binds the seasoning to the meat and tenderizes it, helping lock in all that garlicky-parmesan goodness.

Grill it, bake it, or use an air fryer
There’s more than one way to bring these skewers to life:

Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium-high. Cook skewers 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Mayo creates a golden crust like you’d find in baked chicken bites, with a satisfying char.
Oven method: Line a baking sheet with foil and bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway. Finish under the broiler for crisp edges.
Air fryer option: At 400°F, air fry for 12–14 minutes, flipping once. It’s fast, clean, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Each method delivers juicy, flavorful skewers with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking indoors or out, this recipe is forgiving and full of flavor every time.

The Mayo Magic & Perfect Dipping Sauce Pairings

Skewering garlic parmesan chicken — Threading seasoned chicken onto skewers

Why mayonnaise makes your skewers irresistible
If you’ve ever wondered, does mayonnaise really help keep chicken juicy?—the answer is a definite yes. Mayo might seem unconventional, but it’s one of the best marinades for lean meat like chicken. Its fat content coats each piece, locking in moisture during high-heat cooking. Plus, it creates a lightly crisped, golden-brown crust when grilled or baked.

I first noticed this effect when testing chicken recipes like my crispy sweet chili chicken. While chili sauce adds a punch, the mayo in these skewers works quietly in the background—moisturizing, browning, and flavoring the chicken without overpowering the garlic and parmesan.

Even better, mayo helps the seasoning stick. Every bite is loaded with flavor because none of that delicious garlic-parmesan mix falls off during cooking. And since mayo is so neutral, it allows the cheese, garlic, and seasonings to shine through.

Top dipping sauces to serve on the side
These garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo are flavorful enough to stand alone—but a great dip takes them to the next level. Here are a few easy sauces that pair beautifully:

Garlic aioli – Intensifies the garlic punch
Creamy ranch – Adds a cool contrast
Honey mustard – Sweet and tangy perfection
Buffalo mayo – Blend of heat and creaminess (a nod to buffalo dip)

You can even mix mayo with a bit of sriracha and lime juice for a quick zesty drizzle. The richness balances the parmesan, while the acidity brightens the flavor.

Serve the skewers on a platter with assorted dips for a party-ready spread. Everyone will find a flavor they love—and it makes your dish the star of the table.

Serving Ideas, Storage Tips & Creative Meals

Grilling garlic parmesan chicken skewers — Grilling the skewers to golden perfection

How to serve garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo
These skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. You can serve them hot off the grill or oven, laid over a bed of rice, pasta, or salad greens. For casual meals, pair them with roasted vegetables or a quick slaw. Their bold flavor stands up well next to lighter sides like cucumber-tomato salad or grilled corn.

They also make a fun appetizer when cut into bite-size pieces and skewered on toothpicks. Serve them alongside a trio of sauces (think ranch, garlic aioli, and buffalo-mayo) and you’ve got an instant game-day or potluck hit.

If you love dishes that double as easy dinners and meal prep, you’ll appreciate how these skewers are as versatile as my one-pan creamy chicken pesto pasta. Both are flavorful, comforting, and easy to pair with your favorite sides.

Storage, leftovers & next-day meal ideas
Leftover skewers store beautifully. Let them cool, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can reheat in the air fryer or microwave, but they’re even delicious cold—especially when chopped over salads or wrapped in flatbread.

Want to repurpose them? Slice the chicken off the skewers and:

Toss it in a wrap with crunchy lettuce and a drizzle of dressing
Top a grain bowl with leftover skewers, roasted veggies, and a spoonful of yogurt sauce
Serve on mini buns as sliders, similar to chicken sandwiches but with that garlic-parmesan twist

And if you’re looking for something fresh and quick, they pair surprisingly well with the light flavors of healthy dill pickle chicken salad.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping for the week, these garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo offer flavor, ease, and flexibility all in one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo?
Start by cutting chicken into chunks, then marinate with mayonnaise, garlic, grated parmesan, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Skewer the pieces and either grill, bake, or air fry until golden and cooked through. The mayo helps lock in moisture while enhancing flavor and texture.

Can I grill or bake these chicken skewers?
Absolutely! Grilling gives a smoky, charred flavor while baking delivers a golden, tender result. Both methods work well. If you prefer speed and minimal cleanup, use an air fryer for a crisp finish in just minutes.

Does mayonnaise help keep the chicken juicy?
Yes, mayo acts as both a marinade and moisture barrier. It coats each chicken piece, preventing it from drying out during cooking. It also helps the garlic and parmesan cling to the chicken, boosting flavor.

What dipping sauces go well with garlic parmesan chicken skewers?
Great pairings include garlic aioli, ranch, buffalo-mayo, or honey mustard. You can also mix mayo with sriracha and lime juice for a quick, zesty dipping sauce.

Conclusion
These garlic parmesan chicken skewers with mayo are everything you want in a quick meal: juicy, flavorful, and endlessly versatile. Whether grilled or baked, served for dinner or at a party, they’re sure to earn repeat requests. Just like other Dinner Scoop favorites such as birria chicken tacos, these skewers combine everyday ingredients with big flavor. Try them once, and they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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