These Easy Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a tasty ranch and garlic mix, then grilled to perfection.
They make a great snack or meal! I love serving them with fresh veggies or a dip. Plus, they’re easy to make, which means more time for fun! Who’s ready for a delicious barbecue? 🍗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tenderness, but chicken thighs work well too. They add more flavor and remain juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey instead!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is super convenient, but homemade ranch is fresh and easy! You can swap it for any creamy dressing like Caesar or blue cheese if that suits your taste better.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch—just about 1 teaspoon will do. I find that fresh garlic really makes a difference!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a salty, nutty flavor. If you don’t have it, try pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option, which still offers a nice depth.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Juicy and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is essential to infuse flavor and keep it moist. It’s best to let it sit in the ranch mixture for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, 1-2 hours is even better.
- Combine the ranch dressing, garlic, cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Properly coat the chicken and refrigerate to let those flavors mix.
When grilling, ensure your grill is preheated to the right temperature. This helps to sear the outside quickly, sealing in moisture. Remember, turning the skewers often will help cook the chicken evenly without drying it out!
Easy Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before using)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Once you’re ready to cook, grilling will take about 10-12 minutes. You should plan for about 40-50 minutes total, including marinating and cooking times.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken all the delicious flavor!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the bowl and give it a good toss so the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and pop it into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you can, let it sit for 1-2 hours—this helps the flavors really soak in!
3. Heat Up the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). If you don’t have a grill, that’s okay! You can use a grill pan on the stove or even broil the skewers in the oven.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is ready, carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook them for about 10-12 minutes. Keep turning them occasionally so they cook evenly and get those nice grill marks! You know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Add Toppings and Serve:
After grilling, take the skewers off the grill and sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and dried parsley on top if you’d like—a lovely finishing touch! Serve them warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.
7. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy these flavorful ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers—they’re sure to be a hit!
This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or a small gathering!
FAQ for Easy Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the classic choice, you can substitute it with turkey, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—shrimp cooks much faster than chicken!
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can make a quick alternative by mixing plain yogurt or sour cream with herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and a splash of lemon juice. It’ll still bring a creamy, flavorful element to the skewers!
Can I Bake These Skewers Instead of Grilling?
Yes! You can definitely bake these skewers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches the desired internal temperature.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them gently in the oven or microwave until heated through. Enjoy them cold in a salad, too!
