Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Category: Chicken Recipes

These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! With juicy chicken, zesty ranch, and a sprinkle of parmesan, they bring big flavor in every bite.

Plus, they’re super fun to eat and perfect for a barbecue. Just skewer, grill, and enjoy while they’re hot. Trust me, your friends will be asking for seconds! 🍗✨

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs tend to be juicier, but if you want to keep it lean, breasts are great too. You could even use tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian option!

Ranch Seasoning: Ranch seasoning gives a tasty kick. If you don’t have it, a mix of dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can work well too. You can also make your own blend at home for a fresher flavor!

Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely richness. Feel free to swap it for Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version, which will still give you that cheesy flavor!

Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for flavor, but you can substitute powdered garlic in a pinch. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove if you’re short on fresh.

How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Marinating?

Marinating the chicken is a crucial step! Letting the chicken soak in the marinade enhances the flavor and keeps it juicy. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have longer, a few hours or overnight works even better.

  • Combine the marinade ingredients in a bowl, ensuring everything is well mixed.
  • Add the chicken strips and turn them until they’re fully coated.
  • Cover and refrigerate. The longer you can allow the chicken to marinate, the more flavorful it will become.
  • Don’t forget to shake off excess marinade when skewering to avoid flare-ups on the grill.

Using this technique ensures each bite is packed with flavor and makes for a delicious, juicy skewer every time!

Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

How to Make Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Skewers:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating. Cooking on the grill will take about 10-12 minutes. So, in total, you should set aside at least 50 minutes, or up to a couple of hours if you can let the chicken marinate longer for enhanced flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preparing the Chicken:

Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into long strips that are about 1 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. This size is perfect for threading onto skewers and helps the chicken cook evenly.

2. Making the Marinade:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, optional red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well until it forms a nice marinade. It should smell delicious already!

3. Marinating the Chicken:

Add the chicken strips to the marinade, making sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can allow it to sit for 1-2 hours, the flavors will be even better!

4. Preheating the Grill:

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Aim for about 375-400°F (190-200°C) so that the chicken can sear nicely and get those wonderful grill marks.

5. Skewering the Chicken:

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to skewer! Take your marinated chicken strips and thread them onto the skewers. Leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.

6. Grilling the Skewers:

Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning carefully to avoid breaking the chicken. The skewers should be nicely charred on the outside, and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

7. Serving the Skewers:

Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them hot, and feel free to garnish with additional fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan to make them extra festive!

Enjoy these delicious and juicy ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers alongside your favorite side dishes like grilled veggies, rice, or a fresh salad!

Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

FAQ for Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Just cut them into strips the same way as the breasts, and follow the recipe as is.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you are ready to grill. This allows the flavors to intensify, making your skewers even tastier!

What Should I Serve with These Skewers?

These chicken skewers are perfect with a variety of sides! Pair them with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, rice, or even pasta. They also go well with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or a tangy barbecue sauce.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, let them cool down and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them on a grill or in a skillet to maintain their flavor and texture when serving again.

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