These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy and tasty! Marinated in ranch dressing, sprinkled with garlic and Parmesan, they’re a hit at any barbecue!
I love how quick they are to prepare. Just thread the chicken on skewers, grill, and enjoy! Trust me, you’ll be the star of the cookout when you serve these babies. 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best here. If you’re looking for something leaner, turkey breast can be a good substitute. I personally prefer thighs for their juicy texture!
Ranch Dressing: Store-bought ranch dressing is convenient, but you can easily make your own using yogurt, mayo, herbs, and spices. For a healthier spin, try a yogurt-based dressing or a vinaigrette.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds fantastic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but I always opt for fresh when I can — it makes a noticeable difference!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice tang. Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) can provide similar flavors. Just remember that Parmesan melts, while nutritional yeast won’t.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish, but dried parsley works if fresh isn’t available. I love a sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end for a pop of color and flavor!
How Do You Properly Marinate Chicken?
Marinating chicken not only adds flavor but also keeps it juicy while grilling. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a zip-top bag or a bowl; ensure the chicken is coated well in the marinade.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but 1-2 hours is even better. If you can, try marinating overnight for maximum flavor.
- Always discard any marinade that has touched raw chicken to avoid contamination.
With these steps, you’ll have flavorful, juicy chicken skewers ready for grilling. Enjoy your cooking! 😊
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for grill and skewers
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) of marinating time. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes grilling, making the total time around 1 hour to 2 hours, depending on your marinating preference. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into evenly sized strips or chunks, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. This ensures they cook evenly on the skewers, making for delicious bites every time!
2. Make the Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, smoked paprika (if you want a smoky flavor), and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for 1-2 hours will give you even more flavor.
4. Prepare Skewers:
After marinating, drain the wooden skewers that you soaked in water. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece. This helps them cook thoroughly.
5. Preheat the Grill:
While you’re preparing the skewers, heat your grill to medium-high, around 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the grill grates using olive oil or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
6. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is hot, place the chicken skewers on it. Grill for about 4-6 minutes per side. Turn them once or twice, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice charred grill marks. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Finish and Serve:
When the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill. Let them rest for a couple of minutes to keep the juices inside. You can sprinkle a little extra fresh parsley and Parmesan on top for a beautiful presentation!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with your favorite sides like grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or rice. Enjoy this flavorful, cheesy, and garlicky dish with family and friends!
FAQ: Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Different Meats for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star of this recipe, you can also use turkey breast or even pork tenderloin. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of meat you’re using.
How Do I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the grill or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Prep the Marinade in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to grill, add your chicken and let it marinate as instructed.
What Can I Serve with the Skewers?
These skewers pair wonderfully with a variety of sides! Consider serving them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or even a warm grain like rice or quinoa. For a fun twist, you can even serve them with pita and tzatziki sauce!
