Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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Introduction

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a deliciously simple and flavorful dish that combines the savory taste of grilled chicken with the creamy tang of ranch dressing and the rich flavor of garlic and parmesan. These skewers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a fun appetizer for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy preparation, they offer a mouthwatering combination of flavors that everyone will love. The smoky grill flavor pairs wonderfully with the creamy ranch marinade, making these skewers irresistible.

I remember the first time I made these for a family BBQ. The sizzling sound from the grill filled the air, and the combination of ranch, garlic, and parmesan instantly made the atmosphere smell amazing. What’s great about Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how simple yet flavorful they are—you can serve them as an appetizer, on a salad, or as the main dish. They’re easy to customize, too! Whether you prefer extra garlic, a sprinkle of fresh herbs, or a little extra parmesan, these skewers are versatile and will always deliver on taste.

The best part is how easy they are to prepare. With just a few basic ingredients like chicken, ranch dressing, garlic, and parmesan, you can quickly assemble these skewers and grill them to perfection. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ or simply craving something delicious, these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are sure to be a hit!

Perfect for:

  • Summer BBQs
  • Weeknight dinners
  • Family gatherings
  • Grilling enthusiasts
  • Ranch lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are bound to become your go-to grilling recipe:

  • Flavorful Marinade: The creamy ranch dressing mixed with garlic and parmesan infuses the chicken with delicious flavor.
  • Perfectly Grilled: Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky, charred flavor that pairs perfectly with the rich marinade.
  • Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and simple prep, these skewers come together in no time.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, adding extra garlic or herbs if you prefer.
  • Kid-Friendly: These skewers are perfect for the whole family and are sure to be a hit with kids.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Grilling Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 2g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

For the Marinade:

  • ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)

For the Skewers:

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Wooden or metal skewers

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ranch Dressing: Adds a creamy, tangy base to the marinade.
  • Garlic and Parmesan: Provide a savory depth of flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a bit of richness.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the marinade (optional).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:

Prepare the Marinade:

  1. Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

Prepare the Skewers:

  1. Prepare the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Grill the Skewers:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have a nice char on the outside.

Serve and Garnish:

  1. Serve the Skewers: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or extra parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve the skewers with your favorite side dishes or a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip.

How to Serve

  • With Veggies: Serve with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions for a complete meal.
  • With a Salad: Pair with a fresh salad to add a light, refreshing element.
  • With Rice or Potatoes: Serve over a bed of rice, couscous, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
  • As an Appetizer: Perfect as a finger food or appetizer for parties or BBQs.
  • With Dipping Sauces: Serve with ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.

Additional Tips

  • Use Chicken Thighs: For juicier, more tender skewers, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
  • Marinate Longer: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if you have the time.
  • Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to add extra garlic or herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to customize the flavor.
  • Grill Marks: If you want perfect grill marks, avoid moving the skewers too often while grilling.

Recipe Variations

  1. Spicy Ranch Garlic Parmesan Skewers: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
  2. Lemon Herb Ranch Chicken Skewers: Add fresh lemon zest and herbs like thyme or oregano for a fresh twist.
  3. BBQ Ranch Garlic Parmesan Skewers: Brush the skewers with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling for a smoky finish.
  4. Honey Mustard Ranch Chicken Skewers: Swap out the ranch dressing for honey mustard for a sweet and tangy variation.
  5. Bacon-Wrapped Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: Wrap the chicken in bacon before grilling for an added savory crunch (without using pork, try turkey bacon).
  6. Mediterranean Ranch Chicken Skewers: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and lemon juice to the marinade for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.
  7. Vegetarian Ranch Skewers: Use tofu or veggie cubes like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for a plant-based alternative.
  8. Parmesan Herb Chicken Skewers: Skip the ranch dressing and use a blend of olive oil, parmesan, garlic, and Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
  9. Crispy Ranch Chicken Skewers: After marinating, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or panko for a crispy exterior before grilling.
  10. Garlic Butter Ranch Skewers: Use garlic butter in place of olive oil for a richer, more indulgent flavor.

Freezing and Storage

  • Freezing: Marinate the chicken and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.
  • Storage: Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in a skillet.

Special Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Skewers (wooden or metal)
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish for marinating

FAQ Section

  1. Can I make these skewers ahead of time? Yes, you can marinate and skewer the chicken in advance, then grill when ready.
  2. Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill? Yes, a grill pan on the stove will work just as well.
  3. Can I use chicken drumsticks instead of cubed chicken? Yes, just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
  5. Can I use a different dressing for the marinade? Yes, ranch is classic, but you can experiment with other dressings like blue cheese or Caesar.

Conclusion

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the ultimate combination of flavor and simplicity. These skewers are coated in a creamy, garlicky ranch dressing, then sprinkled with savory Parmesan and grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky, mouthwatering taste in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, preparing a weeknight dinner, or serving them as appetizers, these skewers are sure to be a hit with everyone.

Their bold, cheesy flavor makes them perfect on their own, or you can pair them with your favorite sides and dipping sauces for an extra touch of deliciousness. Easy to make and even easier to devour, Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a must-try for any occasion!

I’d love to see how your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your mouthwatering creations. Enjoy!

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