I still remember the family BBQ where I first experimented with chicken skewers. My cousins, notorious picky eaters, usually turned their noses up at anything that wasn’t a hot dog or plain burger. But that day, smelling the delicious aroma wafting from the grill, they cautiously approached and tentatively took a bite. Their eyes widened, and suddenly, the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – So Easy! I had whipped up were gone in minutes! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – So Easy! you’ll ever make!
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Your New Go-To Recipe!
Get ready to become a grilling hero! These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are seriously the easiest, most flavorful thing you can throw on the grill (or bake, if the weather isn’t cooperating!). I’m talking juicy chicken, coated in a ridiculously addictive ranch-garlic-parmesan crust. Are you ready to dive in? I know I am!
Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe
- Unbelievably Easy: Seriously, if you can mix ingredients in a bowl and thread them onto a skewer, you’ve got this!
- Packed with Flavor: We’re talking ranch, garlic, and parmesan – a flavor explosion in every bite!
- Versatile: Grill ’em, bake ’em, or even air fry ’em! These skewers are perfect for any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will gobble these up!
- Quick: From prep to plate, you’re looking at about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already. And remember, I’m right here if you need any substitutions or have questions!
- Chicken Breasts: About 1.5-2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Boneless, skinless is best!
- Ranch Dressing: 1 cup. Use your favorite brand, or even homemade if you’re feeling fancy!
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, but garlic powder will work in a pinch (about 1 teaspoon).
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated. The real stuff, please! It makes a HUGE difference.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons. For brushing the grill or baking sheet.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
- Skewers: Wooden or metal. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Okay, let’s talk substitutions, because I know sometimes you just gotta make do with what you have! That’s totally fine! Cooking is all about being flexible. Let’s look at some substitutions.
- Chicken: Chicken thighs would also work beautifully in this recipe! They are super juicy and flavorful. If you are thinking of using chicken thighs for this recipe, make sure you check out my CHICKEN THIGHS recipe!
- Ranch Dressing: If you don’t have ranch, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with a ranch seasoning packet.
- Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano is a good substitute for parmesan, but it’s a bit saltier, so adjust the salt accordingly.
- Garlic: As mentioned before, garlic powder is a decent substitute, but fresh is always best!
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make these skewers vegetarian by using firm tofu or halloumi cheese cut into cubes.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, friend, it’s time to get our hands dirty! Don’t worry, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. We’re going to make some magic happen in the kitchen. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be! But don’t sweat it if you’re short on time. Even 30 minutes will do the trick.
Pro Tip: I like to use a zip-top bag for marinating. It’s easy to toss the chicken around and make sure everything is evenly coated.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaking in water! Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This will help them cook evenly.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Aim for about 4-5 pieces of chicken per skewer.
Step 3: Grill (or Bake) the Skewers
Brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Baking Instructions: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Make sure to flip them halfway through!
Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. For more recipes to try in the air fryer, check out my AIR FRYER CHICKEN recipe!
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. It’s the best way to avoid overcooking or undercooking!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the skewers from the grill (or oven/air fryer) and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even juicier chicken. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews!
Serving Suggestions: These skewers are fantastic on their own, but they’re also delicious served with rice, quinoa, salad, or your favorite grilled vegetables. I love to serve them with a side of extra ranch dressing for dipping!
Tips for Perfect Chicken Skewers Every Time
Okay, let’s go over some tips and tricks to make sure your chicken skewers are absolutely perfect every single time. These are the little secrets that separate good skewers from GREAT skewers!
- Soak Your Wooden Skewers: This is crucial to prevent them from burning on the grill. Soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken.
- Cut the Chicken Evenly: This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Aim for 1-inch cubes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between each piece of chicken to allow for even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through without overcooking it. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Let the Chicken Rest: After grilling or baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier chicken.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Feel free to add other vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes.
Variations and Twists: Let’s Get Creative!
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick.
- Lemon Herb: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or oregano, to the marinade.
- BBQ Ranch: Mix BBQ sauce with the ranch dressing for a smoky-sweet flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Burger Bombs Inspired: You could almost think of this recipe as deconstructed GARLIC PARMESAN BURGER BOMBS! If you love this flavor profile, you NEED to try them!
- Garlic Chicken Broccoli Bowl Version: Serve these chicken skewers on top of a bed of rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli for a complete and healthy meal. Kind of like my GARLIC CHICKEN BROCCOLI BOWLS but on a stick!
- Garlic Chicken Wraps Friendly: Chop up the grilled chicken and add it to a wrap with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy lunch. Similar to my GARLIC CHICKEN WRAPS, but with an extra parmesan punch!
- Garlic Parmesan Pasta Addition: Serve these chicken skewers alongside a bowl of GARLIC PARMESAN PASTA for a comforting and satisfying meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or air fryer until heated through. They’re also delicious cold in salads or wraps!
Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!
And there you have it! My foolproof recipe for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. I know you’re going to absolutely nail this. These skewers are so easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. So fire up the grill (or preheat your oven), gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some culinary magic!
What if I don’t have ranch dressing? What can I substitute?
If you don’t have ranch dressing, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream mixed with a ranch seasoning packet.
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
What’s the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I cook these skewers in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss to coat evenly.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Alternatively, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- If grilling, brush the grill grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- If baking, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, flipping them halfway through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- If air frying, place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the skewers from the grill (or oven/air fryer) and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve immediately.
