These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of savory flavors—marinated in ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan, then grilled to perfection. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an easy appetizer for a party, these skewers are a hit every time!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large bowl, I combine ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
I then add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss them until evenly coated with the marinade. After that, I cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to let the flavors meld.
I preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If I’m using wooden skewers, I make sure to soak them in water for 10-15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
I thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, making sure they’re spaced evenly for even cooking.
I grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and has beautiful grill marks.
After grilling, I remove the skewers from the grill and garnish them with a little extra parsley if I feel like it. Then, I serve them hot and enjoy!
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 22-24 minutes
Variations
Add veggies: I like to thread some bell peppers, onions, or zucchini onto the skewers along with the chicken for a full, colorful meal.
Spicy twist: If I want a little heat, I can add red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Cheese swap: Instead of Parmesan, I could use pecorino Romano or another hard cheese for a different flavor profile.
Oven-baked: If I don’t have a grill, I can bake the chicken skewers in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Storage/reheating
Storage: Leftover chicken skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, I can place them in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side or warm them up in the microwave. If I’m using the grill, I can also reheat them for a few minutes on low heat to keep them juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! I can easily substitute chicken thighs for the breasts. Chicken thighs will add a bit more flavor and juiciness, but they may require slightly more cooking time.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Definitely! I can prepare the marinade the night before and store it in the fridge. This will give the chicken even more time to soak up the flavors before cooking.
How can I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
To avoid sticking, I make sure to preheat the grill properly, oil the grates, and soak wooden skewers before use. Also, I can brush a little oil on the chicken before grilling.
Can I use store-bought ranch seasoning mix instead of ranch dressing?
Yes, if I don’t have ranch dressing on hand, I can use ranch seasoning mix and just add a little olive oil or water to help make the marinade.
Can I cook these skewers on a stovetop grill pan?
Yes, I can cook the skewers on a stovetop grill pan. Just make sure it’s well-heated before adding the skewers and cook them for a similar amount of time as on a regular grill.
Conclusion
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a fantastic and simple dish that’s perfect for almost any occasion. The flavors are savory and satisfying, and the recipe is versatile enough to allow for customization based on personal preferences. Whether I’m grilling for a casual weeknight dinner or serving up a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish is always a winner!
Recipe:
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Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a perfect blend of savory flavors—marinated in ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan, then grilled to perfection. Ideal for a quick dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup ranch dressing
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
Skewers (wooden or metal)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Soak wooden skewers in water for 10-15 minutes if using.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, spacing them evenly.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked with grill marks.
- Remove from the grill and garnish with extra parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini on the skewers.
For a spicy twist, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the marinade.
Can be baked in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes if a grill is not available.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat by using a skillet, microwave, or grill on low heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
