These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! They are marinated in ranch dressing, giving them a tangy flavor that’s hard to resist.
Get ready for juicy chicken bites! I love how simple they are to make—just toss everything on skewers and grill. Perfect for summer BBQs, or a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect here. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey breast. For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or chunks of zucchini instead!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch is easy to use, but making your own can add a fresh touch. If you want a dairy-free option, try a vegan ranch substitute or a tahini-based dressing for a unique flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful flavor, but if you don’t have any, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon instead. Roasted garlic can also add a sweet taste if you want a twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty and nutty flavor. If you’re keeping it dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a similar cheesy flavor without the dairy.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken on Skewers?
Getting tender, juicy chicken on skewers depends on a few key steps. Start with marinating the chicken—this helps flavor it and keeps it moist. Aim for at least 30 minutes of marinating time, but ideally, a couple of hours is better.
- Preheat your grill before you start cooking. A hot grill helps create nice grill marks and seals in moisture.
- Keep an eye on the chicken as it cooks. Turn the skewers every few minutes to cook evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken hits 165°F (74°C) for safe and juicy results.
By following these tips, you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken skewers that everyone will love!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate the chicken, plus around 10-12 minutes for grilling. If you have time, marinating for 1-2 hours will enhance the flavors even more. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed. This marinade will add fantastic flavor to the chicken!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss them well to make sure each piece is coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, or if you have more time, 1 to 2 hours is even better!
3. Prepare the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). This will help get nice grill marks and cook the chicken evenly.
4. Thread the Chicken onto Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge and thread the pieces evenly onto your skewers. Leave a little space between the pieces so they can cook evenly.
5. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Now, place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, remembering to turn them every few minutes to make sure they get a nice brown color on all sides. You know they’re done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving plate. You can garnish them with some freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if you like. Enjoy these juicy, flavorful Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for skewers as they remain moist and tender while grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces as you would with chicken breasts for even cooking.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more! Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it safe.
What Should I Serve with These Skewers?
These skewers pair well with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or over rice or couscous to soak up the delicious marinade.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prep the skewers and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. Just make sure to keep them covered to prevent drying out.
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions or need further assistance! Enjoy your cooking!
