These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are so tasty! Juicy chicken is marinated in a creamy ranch sauce, garlic, and topped with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a summer BBQ!
Honestly, they disappear fast at my gatherings. Who can resist that juicy chicken on a stick? Just make sure you have enough for seconds—trust me, you’ll want them!
I love how easy they are to prepare! Just mix, marinate, and grill. These skewers are not just delicious but also a fun way to enjoy chicken. Perfect for sharing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean option, but chicken thighs work great too. They’re juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. If you’re looking for a less meaty option, tofu or veggies like bell peppers can be awesome substitutes!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is convenient, but if you want to make it healthier, try a yogurt-based ranch or make your own with Greek yogurt, herbs, and spices. Want to switch things up? Use a Caesar or blue cheese dressing instead for a different flavor!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor; however, you can substitute it with garlic powder in a pinch. One clove of fresh garlic equals about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder. If you love garlic, feel free to add more!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor. If you’re a fan, try using Pecorino Romano for sharper notes or nutritional yeast for a plant-based option. Just remember the texture might change a little.
How Do I Get Juicy Chicken on Skewers?
The key to juicy chicken skewers is marination! Take the time to let the chicken soak up the flavors. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the marinade well and make sure every piece of chicken gets coated. This helps lock in moisture.
- Cover and chill in the fridge. The longer it marinates (up to 3 hours), the more flavor it will have.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! This allows the chicken to cook evenly and prevents steam from building up.
- Keep an eye on it while grilling! Turn the skewers every few minutes to achieve those nice char marks.
Just remember, a little patience during marination and grilling goes a long way in making these skewers delicious! Enjoy grilling! 🍗
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 2 lbs 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus a minimum of 1 hour for marinating the chicken (2-3 hours is best for more flavor!). Cooking the skewers will take around 10-12 minutes. So, all in all, you can expect around 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish, mostly because of the marinating time. This makes it great for meal prepping or a weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, dried Italian seasoning (or oregano), salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is combined to create your tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add your chicken cubes into the marinade and toss gently to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour, but if you can, let it sit for 2-3 hours for the best flavor!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your skewers will cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Retrieve the marinated chicken from the fridge. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. This helps make sure that each piece gets that nice, grilled flavor.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Carefully place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken should be cooked through, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety.
6. Add the Cheese:
In the last 2 minutes of grilling, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken skewers. Let the cheese melt slightly for that delicious, cheesy flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill. If you like, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while they’re hot and enjoy your flavorful, cheesy, garlicky chicken skewers!
These skewers are perfect for a summer barbecue, a family dinner, or really any occasion. Enjoy!
FAQ for Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Other Proteins for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with shrimp, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly, as different proteins have different cooking times.
What Can I Serve with These Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a side of grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or rice. You could also serve them with pita bread and a dipping sauce for a fun twist!
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the marinade in advance! Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before adding the chicken. Just make sure to mix well just before marinating your chicken.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
