I remember one sweltering summer barbecue where everyone brought the usual burgers and potato salad, but my aunt showed up with these incredible skewers that completely stole the show. That day, I was introduced to the magic of Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make dish; I promise you’ll nail it!
Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE These Grilled Chicken Skewers
Let’s be honest, chicken can be a bit… well, boring. But not these skewers! Forget dry, flavorless chicken. We’re talking about juicy, tender chicken marinated in a creamy, tangy ranch dressing, infused with the savory punch of garlic, and then grilled to perfection with a coating of nutty parmesan cheese. Are you drooling yet?
- Flavor Explosion: Ranch, garlic, and parmesan? It’s a match made in heaven! The combination is irresistible.
- Super Easy: Seriously, the prep time is minimal, and the grilling is a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From picky eaters to adventurous foodies, everyone loves these skewers. They’re always a hit!
- Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or even add them to salads or bowls. The possibilities are endless!
- Customizable: Want to add a little heat? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Craving more herbs? Sprinkle on some fresh parsley or chives. This recipe is your canvas!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list – most of these are pantry staples!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best for skewers. Cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- Ranch Dressing: Use your favorite brand! I prefer the thicker, creamier kind.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must! It adds so much more flavor than garlic powder.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan cheese is key for that nutty, cheesy crust. Avoid the pre-shredded stuff – it doesn’t melt as well.
- Olive Oil: For a little extra moisture and to help the skewers not stick to the grill.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
- Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat), fresh parsley or chives (for garnish), wooden or metal skewers.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Grill
Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make these amazing Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Make sure they’re roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes with ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated.
- Marinate Time: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! Don’t marinate for longer than 4 hours, as the acid in the ranch can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
Step 2: Assemble the Skewers
- Soak wooden skewers (if using): If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
- Thread the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. Don’t overcrowd the skewers – this will help the chicken cook evenly.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
- Preheat the grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean.
- Grease the grates: Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the skewers from sticking.
- Grill the skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Parmesan Cheese: During the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the skewers generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Let the cheese melt and get slightly golden brown.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove from grill: Carefully remove the Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish (optional): Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Skewers
Here are a few extra tips to ensure your Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a smashing success:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the perfect internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Use a hot grill: A hot grill will give the chicken a nice sear and help it cook quickly and evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill: Overcrowding the grill will lower the temperature and prevent the chicken from browning properly. Cook the skewers in batches if necessary.
- Let the chicken rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other seasonings to the marinade, such as paprika, onion powder, or Italian herbs.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations and substitutions you can try:
- Different cheese: Use another type of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or asiago, instead of parmesan.
- Different dressing: Try using a different type of dressing, such as Italian, Caesar, or blue cheese, instead of ranch.
- Add vegetables: Thread vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes onto the skewers along with the chicken.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Use chicken thighs: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs are more flavorful and stay moister on the grill. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat.
Serving Suggestions
These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:
- As an appetizer: Serve them with a dipping sauce such as ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard.
- As a main course: Serve them with a side dish such as rice, Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta, grilled vegetables, or a salad.
- In a salad: Slice the chicken off the skewers and add it to a salad for a protein-packed meal.
- In a wrap: Wrap the chicken in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick and easy lunch.
- In a bowl: Create a delicious bowl with rice, beans, salsa, avocado, and the Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. You can even try it with the flavors of a Street Corn Chicken Bowl for an extra kick!
Make Ahead Instructions
Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to prepare these skewers in advance:
- Marinate the chicken: You can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the skewers: You can assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Be sure to cover them tightly to prevent them from drying out.
When you’re ready to grill, simply remove the skewers from the refrigerator and grill as directed.
How to Store Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store them:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat the skewers in the microwave, oven, or on the grill until heated through.
Leftover chicken skewers are great in salads, wraps, or sandwiches!
What to Serve with Grilled Chicken Skewers
These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
- Salads: A simple green salad, a Caesar salad, or a pasta salad are all great choices.
- Vegetables: Grilled vegetables, roasted vegetables, or steamed vegetables are a healthy and delicious option.
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all good choices. You could even make a Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl using the leftover chicken!
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or potato salad are all classic sides that go well with chicken.
- Pasta: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta is a delicious and easy side dish that complements the flavors of the chicken.
- Bread: Garlic bread, rolls, or cornbread are all great additions to the meal.
Recipe FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating it. Thawing it overnight in the refrigerator is the safest method.
Q: Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
A: While fresh garlic is always preferable, you can use garlic powder in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every 2 cloves of fresh garlic.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded parmesan cheese?
A: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts much better and has a richer flavor. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese if possible.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly greased with olive oil or cooking spray before grilling the skewers.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Q: Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling them?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I make these skewers without skewers?
A: Yes! You can grill the marinated chicken cubes directly on the grill grates, turning them occasionally until cooked through. Just be sure to grease the grates well to prevent sticking.
Level Up Your Chicken Game
If you love these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you might also enjoy these other delicious chicken recipes:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf: A flavorful twist on a classic comfort food.
- Sticky Honey Bbq Chicken: Sweet, sticky, and totally irresistible!
- Garlic Chicken Wraps: A quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Recipe Card
Here’s a handy recipe card you can print out or save for later:
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 minutes – 4 hours
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, fresh parsley or chives
Instructions:
- Combine chicken, ranch dressing, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread chicken onto skewers.
- Preheat grill to medium heat. Grease grates.
- Grill skewers for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of grilling.
- Garnish with parsley or chives, if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that are guaranteed to impress. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your grilling game and enjoy a delicious, flavorful meal. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and make it your own. Happy grilling, my friend!
How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. Marinating longer than 4 hours is not recommended, as the acid in the ranch can make the chicken mushy.
Can I use a different type of cheese besides parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute parmesan with other cheeses like mozzarella, provolone, or asiago.
What’s the best way to prevent the chicken skewers from sticking to the grill?
Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly greased with olive oil or cooking spray before placing the skewers on the grill.
Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator.
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes and place in a mixing bowl.
- Add ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the bowl with the chicken.
- Mix well to ensure all chicken pieces are coated in the marinade.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean.
- Lightly grease the grill grates with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill.
- Grill for about 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char.
- The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- During the last few minutes of grilling, sprinkle the skewers generously with freshly grated parmesan cheese.
- Let the cheese melt and get slightly golden brown.
- Carefully remove the Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from the grill.
- Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
