If you’re on the hunt for an irresistible dish, look no further than Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. This exquisite ensemble combines tender chicken and a savory marinade that’s nothing short of brilliant. Whether you’re preparing a weekend barbecue or a weekday family meal, these skewers are bound to become a beloved regular in your culinary rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: Experience a perfect blend of creamy, tangy ranch with the deep savory notes of garlic and parmesan.
- Easy to Make: With minimal preparation, these skewers require little effort and give excellent results.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively barbecue, these skewers fit right in!
- Customizable: The marinade can be adjusted to suit different tastes, making it versatile and family-friendly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in the simplicity and impact of each ingredient. These staples might already be in your pantry, ready to work their wonders with minimum fuss.
- Ranch Dressing: This creamy base acts as both a marinade and a sauce, infusing the chicken with a tangy richness that tenderizes each bite.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melds into the marinade, adding umami depth and helping create a crispy layer when grilled.
- Olive Oil: Adds a touch of richness while keeping the chicken beautifully moist.
- Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic sharpens the overall flavor and pairs wonderfully with parmesan.
- Lemon Juice: (Optional) A splash of this can introduce brightness and a hint of citric acidity to balance the richness.
Variations
One of the best parts about cooking is the freedom to adapt recipes. Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are no exception, and a few tweaks can offer delightful new results.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to create a spiced-up version.
- Herby Touch: Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of parsley for an aromatic twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers, using the same marinade.
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Combine all the marinade ingredients—ranch dressing, grated parmesan, olive oil, garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice—in a bowl. Stir until well blended, allowing those flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken cubes to a sealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over, ensuring each piece is coated generously. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Letting it marinate longer will intensify the flavors.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, spacing them evenly to ensure thorough cooking. If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water beforehand helps prevent any accidental burning while grilling.
Step 4: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the skewers on the grill, flipping occasionally, until the chicken pieces are cooked through and charred nicely outside, which takes about 10-15 minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Marination Magic: Longer marination times infuse more flavor and ensure tender chicken. Aim for at least 2 hours if you have the time.
- Grill Temp Guide: Maintain a medium-high grill heat to crunch up the outside while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Cheese Crust Perfection: Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before removing the skewers from the grill for a nutty, cheesy crust.
How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Garnishes
Top with freshly grated parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley for a dash of vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous note that enhances the overall taste.
Side Dishes
Pair your skewers with a side of grilled vegetables or a crisp salad to balance out the richness. A light Caesar or cucumber salad complements the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a feast fit for the eyes and stomach, arrange skewers on a large platter, alternating with colorful vegetables, and serve alongside dipping sauces in small bowls.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place the cooled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They taste great cold or reheated.
Freezing
If you plan to freeze any, do so before grilling. Store marinated but uncooked chicken in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or try a quick re-grill to refresh the skewers’ delicious charred texture.
FAQs
-
Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely! While chicken breasts are great for a lean option, thighs offer more juiciness due to higher fat content.
-
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before use?
Yes, soaking them in water for 15 minutes helps prevent them from burning during grilling.
-
Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
Definitely! Bake them on a lined tray at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, rotating halfway through.
-
What if I don’t like ranch dressing?
You can try a yogurt-based marinade as a substitute, which will still provide a creamy texture and tang.
Final Thoughts
You’ve got everything you need to create Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers that will impress friends and family alike. These skewers are all about flexibility, ease, and full-on flavor. I hope you’ll give them a try and create some delightful meals and memories!
Print
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy and flavorful ranch garlic Parmesan chicken skewers that are perfect for grilling or oven-roasting. Marinated in a tangy ranch dressing with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, then grilled to perfection for a delicious, easy-to-make meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
For the Skewers
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice if using. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken cubes in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces for even cooking. If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 15 minutes beforehand to prevent burning.
- Cook the Skewers: Preheat grill or oven. For grilling, cook skewers over medium-high heat for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a slight char. For oven, arrange on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Serve and Garnish: Let the skewers rest for a few minutes, then garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan. Serve with sides or dipping sauces of choice.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning; metal skewers require no soaking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for juicier skewers.
- Marination can be extended up to 24 hours for maximum flavor, but at least 30 minutes is sufficient.
- Grilling provides a smoky char, but baking is a great alternative if outdoor grilling isn’t available.
- These skewers pair well with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (about 4 oz of chicken)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
