These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are delicious and super fun to make! Tender chicken is coated in a zesty ranch seasoning and cheesy goodness for extra flavor.
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? They are great for gatherings, barbecues, or a simple family dinner. I often make extra because they disappear quickly! 🍗
Making these skewers is a breeze. Just toss the ingredients together, thread them on skewers, and grill! Perfect for busy nights or a tasty treat anytime.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook evenly and stay tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use thighs for extra flavor or even firm tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Ranch seasoning: This gives a delicious flavor boost. If you don’t have ranch seasoning, try a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, and onion powder for a similar taste. Homemade ranch mix is also an option!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy texture. You can substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Olive oil: This helps the chicken stay moist and enhances flavors. Avocado oil is a good alternative, or melted butter for richness.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Skewers Don’t Overcook?
Overcooking chicken can lead to dryness, so keeping an eye on the cooking time is key. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use medium-high heat and preheat the grill properly to help achieve nice grill marks.
- Cook the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes for even cooking.
- Check for doneness by cutting into a piece – it should be white and juicy inside without any pink.
Resting your skewers for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and flavorful!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus a minimum of 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking on the grill will take about 10-12 minutes. Overall, you can have these delicious skewers ready in under an hour!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade that will coat the chicken pieces.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss them until they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Allow to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or if you have time, up to 2 hours for an even bolder flavor.
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that it’s hot enough to cook the chicken quickly and get nice grill marks.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
After marinating, take the chicken out of the refrigerator. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. You can check for doneness by cutting into a piece; it should be white and juicy inside with no pink remaining.
6. Let Rest and Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy. If you like, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing!
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers! They make a perfect dish for any occasion.
FAQ for Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer more flavor and juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your ranch seasoning mix doesn’t contain any gluten. Brands vary, so look for a certified gluten-free option or make your own seasoning blend.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them gently in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.
Can I Bake These Skewers Instead of Grilling?
Yes, you can bake the skewers! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the skewers on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until the chicken is cooked through.
