Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Short Description

Savory and juicy chicken skewers marinated in a creamy ranch and Parmesan mix, grilled to perfection for an irresistible smoky char and depth of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Flavorful: The creamy ranch base paired with garlic and Parmesan gives the chicken a savory, herby depth.
• Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Great as a main dish, appetizer, or party snack, and works with a variety of sides and sauces.
• Simple Yet Flavorful: Easy steps and everyday ingredients elevate the dish to something special.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll Find The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

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

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

Ingredient Highlights

• Ranch Dressing: Offers a creamy, tangy base for the marinade.
• Garlic & Parmesan: Deliver savory and cheesy undertones.
• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness while helping the marinade penetrate the chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens and balances the creamy richness (optional).

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade
   In a bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (if using).
2. Marinate the Chicken
   Place cubed chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and ensure every piece is coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
3. Prepare the Skewers
   Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small spaces between pieces for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 15 minutes beforehand to avoid burning.
4. Grill the Skewers
   Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill the chicken skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (75 °C) and develop a slight char.
5. Serve and Garnish
   Remove from the grill and let the skewers rest briefly. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan if desired. Serve with your favorite sides or dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a tangy yogurt-based dip.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 4–6 skewers (depending on size)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating)
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 2 hours
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes to ~2 hours 25 minutes (depends on marinating)

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: For juicier, more flavorful skewers, try boneless thighs.
• Marinate Longer: Let it rest overnight for even bolder flavor.
• Extra Herbs: Add fresh or dried thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a herbal boost.
• Spice It Up: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
• Oven Option: Bake on a lined sheet pan at 425°F until cooked through and golden (about 15–18 minutes), flipping halfway.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on a grill or in an oven at 350 °F for 5–7 minutes until warmed through and juicy.

FAQs

Can I Use Only Chicken Breast or Thighs?

Both work. Breasts cook leaner, while thighs stay juicy and tender.

Is 30 Minutes of Marinating Enough?

Yes—30 minutes gives good flavor. Longer marinating time, like 2 hours, improves taste further.

Do I Need to Soak Wooden Skewers?

Yes—soaking them prevents burning and makes threading easier.

Can I Grill These Indoors?

Definitely—use a stovetop grill pan or broil in the oven until fully cooked.

Can I Freeze the Skewered Chicken?

Yes—prepare skewers but cook fresh, or freeze already cooked skewers (and reheat later).

What’s a Good Dipping Sauce?

Classic ranch, garlic aioli, BBQ sauce, or even salsa verde all pair nicely.

Does Lemon Juice Make the Chicken Tangy?

A bit—it brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity to balance the creamy marinade.

Conclusion

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling season—or any time you’re craving a snackable, delicious meal. Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with savory herbs, this easy recipe is a great pick for meals, gatherings, or weeknight dinners.

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