By The coronavirus news is becoming something more than a note in a professional newsletter. The hospital has issued its first guidance—not protocols yet, but preparation: inventory of PPE, review of isolation procedures, awareness messaging. I've been through flu seasons and MERS scares and the H1N1 response and I know what institutional preparation looks like when it's precautionary versus when it's the beginning of something. This looks like the beginning of something.
I haven't said this to Sean in those terms. I've said the hospital is watching it. He knows I watch these things professionally. He nods and goes back to the project plans he's reviewing and I go back to my book. We don't catastrophize. We note and continue.
Thirty-five weeks. Full term in two weeks. The hospital bag is at the door again. The notes on the fridge for my mother and Sean Sr. about Liam's routine. The chain lock is open. The path is clear. We have done this before and the knowing doesn't take the weight away but it tells you the weight is manageable.
Liam turned two this week—March birthday coming up—and we've been talking about his party. He wants a cake and wants to help make it and wants "the dinosaurs" on it. Sean got dinosaur candles. I'm working on a cake that deserves them.
Chicken piccata on Thursday—the quick version, twenty minutes, the meal we cook when we want something good without the production—and Sean set the table and Liam ate his without complaint and Nora kicked twice. A normal evening in February. I'm writing it down because it's February and it's ours and it's good.
Thursday’s chicken piccata was the meal that made me realize I need more recipes like it in steady rotation—something that comes together fast enough to feel effortless but tastes like you meant it. These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers land in exactly that category: twenty minutes, real flavor, no production required. On a night when Sean sets the table and Liam eats without complaint and the world outside is just starting to feel like it needs watching, that kind of dinner is worth having close at hand.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak 20 minutes)
Instructions
- Make the marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Coat the chicken. Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until every piece is well coated. Let sit for 5 minutes while you preheat the air fryer.
- Preheat and skewer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece so air can circulate.
- Air fry. Place skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook for 10—12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Finish and serve. Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan and the fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 310 | Protein: 38g | Fat: 16g | Carbs: 2g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 520mg