If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with juicy, tender chicken, then the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This recipe takes simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and transforms them into flavorful skewers bursting with creamy ranch, a hint of garlic bite, and the irresistible saltiness of Parmesan cheese. Whether you’re grilling for a family dinner or a weekend barbecue, these skewers bring a delightful fusion of zest and comfort that everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe starts with straightforward ingredients that play essential roles in texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Each component, from the tender chicken to the fragrant Italian seasoning, works in harmony to create a skewered masterpiece that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing: The creamy base that infuses the chicken with that signature tangy and herbaceous flavor.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and aids in achieving that attractive golden brown when grilled.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a sharp, aromatic kick that complements the ranch and Parmesan beautifully.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a savory richness with a slightly nutty flavor and adds a wonderful texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant notes of oregano, basil, and thyme, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory profile with subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice without overpowering.
- Wooden or metal skewers: For threading the chicken neatly and making grilling a breeze; remember to soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the ranch dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This combination creates a rich, creamy marinade that perfectly coats each chicken piece, ensuring every bite will be packed with flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade and stir until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least one hour. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with those signature ranch and Parmesan notes.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. This simple step prevents them from burning on the grill, keeping your skewers safe and your hands happy.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
Set your grill to medium-high heat. This temperature ensures the chicken will cook evenly and develop a gorgeous char on the outside while staying juicy inside, the perfect balance for these delicious skewers.
Step 5: Thread the Chicken
Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, spacing them evenly to allow heat circulation. Avoid crowding to ensure each piece cooks uniformly and gets just the right amount of grill marks.
Step 6: Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. This step is key to achieving evenly cooked chicken that’s slightly charred on the edges, bursting with that irresistible ranch garlic Parmesan flavor. Use a meat thermometer to check and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal juiciness.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately. If you want to up the flavor quotient, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan cheese over the top while they’re still warm. This final touch adds a lovely finish and extra burst of cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds a fresh, vibrant color and aroma that perfectly complements the rich flavors of the skewers. Don’t shy away from adding a drizzle of ranch dressing or a dusting of Parmesan cheese for that extra flair and indulgence.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp garden salad, grilled vegetables, or even garlic butter rice. The savory and creamy nature of the chicken works beautifully with fresh veggies or a zesty coleslaw, balancing out the richness for a complete, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a visually stunning presentation, serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges around for squeezing, adding a bright, citrusy contrast. You can also turn this into a fun finger-food party platter by arranging skewers alongside different dipping sauces like a tangy ranch dip or spicy sriracha mayo to kick things up a notch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or snacks later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe on hand for a longer time, freeze the cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them in freezer bags. They can be stored up to 2 months without losing flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method preserves the texture far better than a microwave and helps maintain that freshly grilled taste you love.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a bit more flavor, though they might require a slightly longer grilling time. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Do I need to soak metal skewers before grilling?
No need to soak metal skewers since they won’t burn like wooden ones. Just ensure they’re clean and ready to use.
Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?
Definitely! Bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a dairy-free ranch dressing to keep it allergy-friendly while maintaining great flavor.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for at least one hour is ideal, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will impart noticeable flavor. For deeper taste, you can marinate up to 24 hours in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe—it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines ease, flavor, and that comforting familiarity of ranch paired with the boldness of garlic and Parmesan. Give it a try for your next cookout or cozy dinner at home, and watch how quickly it becomes a household favorite!
Print
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h 0m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers featuring tender chicken breast cubes marinated in a flavorful blend of ranch dressing, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasonings, then grilled to juicy perfection with a slight char. Perfect as a savory appetizer or main dish for any grilling occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade. In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade and toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to infuse the chicken.
- Soak Skewers (if wooden). To prevent burning during grilling, soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
- Preheat the Grill. Heat your grill to medium-high to prepare for cooking the chicken skewers evenly with nice char marks.
- Thread the Chicken. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, spacing them evenly without crowding to ensure thorough cooking.
- Grill the Skewers. Place the skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally so the chicken cooks evenly and gets a slight char. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve. Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly cut to promote even cooking.
- Marinating for longer than 1 hour will enhance flavor but is optional.
- Soaking wooden skewers helps avoid flare-ups and burning during grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature for safe consumption.
- If a grill is not available, these skewers can also be cooked under a broiler or on a grill pan.
