These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Tender chicken pieces are marinated with ranch, garlic, and parmesan before being grilled to perfection.
It’s so simple to make, and your friends won’t be able to resist! I love serving these skewers with a fresh salad. Perfect for a sunny day BBQ or a cozy dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they stay juicy when grilled. If you’re looking for a leaner option, chicken thighs work well too! They add a little more flavor and won’t dry out as quickly.
Ranch Dressing: You can use store-bought ranch dressing for convenience, but homemade is often much tastier. If you’re vegan, try substituting with a dairy-free ranch or tahini-based dressing.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the way to go for a punch in flavor. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1 teaspoon as a substitute.
Parmesan Cheese: While grated Parmesan enhances the flavor, you could use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Nutritional yeast is a good vegan alternative that gives a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Italian Seasoning: This is optional, but if you don’t have it, mix some dried oregano and basil for a nice flavor boost. It adds a nice herby touch to the chicken!
How Do You Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling skewers can be a tasty challenge! To ensure your chicken is juicy and flavorful, proper marination and cooking technique are essential.
- Start by marinating your chicken for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- When threading the chicken onto skewers, leave a little space between each piece. This helps them cook evenly and get those lovely grill marks.
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat, which will help in achieving a nice sear. If it’s too hot, the outside may burn before the inside cooks through.
- Keep an eye on the skewers and turn them every few minutes. Chicken should cook for about 10-12 minutes total, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let them rest a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps lock in the juices and makes the chicken more tender.
Enjoy your grilling adventure!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before use)
- Fresh parsley or chopped chives for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours) for marinating the chicken. The grilling process will take around 10-12 minutes. So, you can enjoy these delicious skewers within a total of about 1-2 hours, depending on your marination time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, Italian seasoning (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined to create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated with the mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even better flavor, leave it in the fridge for 1-2 hours. Yum!
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is about 400°F (200°C). A properly preheated grill ensures nice, even cooking and helps get those lovely grill marks on the chicken!
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps the chicken cook evenly and makes flipping easier.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them every 3-4 minutes. Look for nice grill marks and make sure the chicken is cooked through—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once cooked, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the chicken juicy! If you’d like, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives to make it look extra pretty, then serve them up!
Enjoy your flavorful grilled chicken skewers! They’re perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Other Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they tend to stay juicier on the grill. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Grill Skewers?
If you don’t have skewers, you can grill the marinated chicken directly on the grill grates or use a grill basket. Just make sure the pieces are evenly spaced for even cooking!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes, but for maximum flavor, aim for 1-2 hours. Avoid marinating for more than 24 hours, as the acidity can break down the chicken too much.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying out the chicken.
