Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a delicious and savory dish that combines the rich flavors of ranch seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese, all grilled to perfection on juicy chunks of chicken. These skewers are simple to prepare, full of flavor, and make an excellent appetizer, party food, or a main course for any meal. The marinade infuses the chicken with savory goodness, while the grilling gives it a wonderful smoky flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed marinade: The ranch seasoning and garlic bring out a deliciously bold flavor in the chicken, while the parmesan adds a savory, cheesy kick.

• Quick and easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can have these skewers ready for grilling in no time.

• Perfect for any occasion: Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a casual dinner, or need a quick weeknight meal, these skewers are always a hit.

• Versatile: Serve them with a side salad, veggies, or over rice for a full meal, or enjoy them on their own as an appetizer.

• Kid-friendly: The familiar ranch and parmesan flavors make these skewers a great choice for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

For the chicken skewers:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Skewers (wooden or metal)

For garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

• Extra parmesan cheese, for sprinkling (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the ranch seasoning, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well blended.

2. Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to let the flavors meld.

3. Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20-30 minutes before threading to prevent them from burning.

4. Thread the chicken onto the skewers: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.

5. Grill the skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is golden brown with grill marks.

6. Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes about 4 servings (approximately 4 skewers per person).

• Preparation time: 10 minutes for marinade prep

• Marinating time: 30 minutes to 2 hours

• Grilling time: 12-16 minutes

Variations

• Add veggies: You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for a more colorful and hearty dish. Just make sure the vegetables are cut to a similar size as the chicken for even cooking.

• Use chicken thighs: For juicier skewers, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They will stay more tender and flavorful.

• Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Baking option: If you don’t have a grill, you can bake these skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

• Herb variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in the marinade for an extra depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or on a stovetop in a hot skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can use ranch dressing, but the consistency will be different. It may create a wetter marinade, so you might need to adjust the amount of olive oil to compensate.

Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken and thread it onto the skewers ahead of time. Keep the prepared skewers in the fridge for up to 2 hours before grilling them.

What can I serve with these chicken skewers?

These skewers go well with a variety of sides like grilled vegetables, a fresh green salad, rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter meal, serve with a cucumber salad or roasted sweet potatoes.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Fresh chicken is recommended for the best texture and flavor, but if you use frozen chicken, be sure to fully thaw it before marinating.

Can I bake these skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can bake these skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out on the grill?

To keep the chicken juicy, be sure to marinate it well and don’t overcook it. Keep an eye on the temperature and remove the chicken from the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F (75°C).

Can I make these skewers without the parmesan?

Yes, you can skip the parmesan if you prefer a lighter flavor or if you have dietary restrictions. You can also substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.

How long do I need to soak wooden skewers?

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20-30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Can I grill these skewers on a grill pan or stovetop?

Yes, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan. Heat it over medium-high heat and cook the skewers for about 6-8 minutes per side.

Can I add a dipping sauce to these skewers?

Absolutely! Ranch dressing, garlic butter, or a tangy yogurt-based sauce would pair wonderfully with these skewers.

Conclusion

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect combination of savory ranch seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese, all grilled to perfection. These skewers are quick, easy to prepare, and full of flavor, making them a great choice for any meal or gathering. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser!