These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy and full of flavor! With tangy ranch and cheesy parmesan, they’re a hit at any barbecue.
I love how simple they are to make—just marinate and grill! Plus, they disappear fast, so you might want to make extra. Your friends will thank you later! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lean option, go for breasts. For juicier skewers, thighs are my personal favorite! You could also use turkey for a healthier twist.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing brings a creamy, tangy flavor. You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade ranch adds a personal touch. If you’re dairy-free, try using cashew or coconut-based ranch alternatives.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is essential for that cheesy goodness! If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can work well for a similar profile. Just keep in mind the flavor might differ slightly.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic intensifies the flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder is an acceptable substitute—just use less, about 1 teaspoon, since it’s more concentrated.
Herbs and Spices: Fresh parsley adds brightness, while dill gives an aromatic touch. If you can’t find fresh parsley, dried parsley works too. Just remember, dried herbs are more potent, so reduce the amount slightly.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers to Perfection?
Grilling chicken skewers can be tricky, but with a few tips, you can achieve juicy results! Here’s what to do:
- **Soak Skewers:** Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
- **Uniform Pieces:** Cut your chicken into even strips. This helps them cook at the same rate, ensuring everything is perfectly tender.
- **Preheat the Grill:** Make sure your grill is hot before placing the skewers on it. This helps create those beautiful grill marks and seals in moisture.
- **Don’t Overcrowd:** Space the chicken pieces on the skewer. Avoid packing them tightly to ensure even cooking and proper browning.
- **Check Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees safely cooked chicken without drying it out.
By following these steps, you’ll have flavorful and perfectly grilled chicken skewers every time!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 30 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marination (you can go up to 2 hours for extra flavor). It takes about 15 minutes to grill the skewers, so total, you’re looking at around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into long strips that are about 1 to 1.5 inches wide. This will make them easier to thread onto the skewers and help them cook evenly.
2. Make the Marinade:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ranch dressing, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, parsley, dill (if you’re using it), onion powder, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Then, mix everything nicely until it’s all combined. This flavorful marinade will bring your chicken to life!
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken strips and toss them into the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have the time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours will enhance the flavor.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to thread them onto your skewers. Take 3 to 4 pieces of marinated chicken and slide them onto each skewer, leaving a little space between the pieces so they can cook evenly. This is important for getting that grilled goodness!
5. Preheat the Grill:
While you prepare the skewers, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, around 375-400°F (190-205°C). A hot grill helps to give those lovely grill marks and seal in the juices of the chicken.
6. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Place the skewers on the grill grates. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them once. Keep an eye on them until the chicken is cooked through and has nice charred edges. You’ll want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the skewers are done, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve the skewers warm, and feel free to garnish with extra grated Parmesan or fresh parsley for that special touch!
These delicious skewers make a perfect main dish and pair wonderfully with a fresh salad, grilled veggies, or a side of rice. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite of your grilled creation!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you juicier, more flavorful skewers. Just make sure they are boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance, or you can prepare the skewers entirely and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before grilling.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep them moist.
Can I Use a Grill Pan Instead of an Outdoor Grill?
Definitely! A grill pan works wonderfully. Just preheat it over medium-high heat and follow the same grilling instructions. Make sure to watch the time carefully to avoid overcooking!
