These Easy Grilled Garlic Parmesan Ranch Chicken Skewers are a tasty treat! Juicy chicken pieces are coated in a rich mix of garlic, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning. Yum!
These skewers are super fun to make, and they disappear fast at gatherings. I love serving them with a side of veggies or dipping sauce. They’re always a hit! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the best choice. However, you can easily swap them for chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They’re often juicier and full of flavor!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is used here for cooking and flavor. If you need a substitute, try avocado oil or canola oil. Both work well for grilling and won’t overpower the garlic.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a beautiful punch to the skewers. If you’re out of fresh garlic, use garlic powder—about 1 teaspoon, but remember that fresh is always best for flavor!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a tasty cheesy crust. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. You can also use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning gives the skewers that beloved flavor. You can make your own mixture with dried dill, parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder if you prefer to skip store-bought versions.
How Do You Grill Chicken Skewers Properly?
Grilling skewers can be a bit tricky if you’re not used to it, but with a few tips, you’ll have perfect chicken every time!
- **Soak wooden skewers**: If you’re using wooden skewers, soaking them in water prevents burning on the grill.
- **Preheat the grill**: Make sure your grill is hot enough before adding the skewers; this helps achieve a nice sear and keeps the chicken juicy.
- **Don’t overcrowd the skewers**: Leave a little space between chicken pieces. This ensures even cooking and a nice char on all sides.
- **Use a meat thermometer**: Check the internal temperature of chicken skewers, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. This step keeps your chicken juicy and perfectly cooked!
- **Rest before serving**: Let them sit for a few minutes after grilling. This helps seal in juices for a more flavorful bite.
Happy grilling! Enjoy those delicious Garlic Parmesan Ranch chicken skewers!
Easy Grilled Garlic Parmesan Ranch Chicken Skewers
Ingredients:
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), cut into long strips suitable for skewering
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of half a lemon (optional)
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soaked in water 30 minutes before use)
Time Estimate:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 30 minutes (ideally 1-2 hours) for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take approximately 10-12 minutes. So, expect about 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your marinating time.
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice if you’re using it. Stir well to make sure everything is combined nicely.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Now, take your chicken strips and add them to the bowl with the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, aim for 1-2 hours.
3. Preheat the Grill:
When you’re ready to cook, heat up your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F (200°C). If you’re using a charcoal grill, be sure to get those coals nice and hot!
4. Thread the Chicken:
Take the chicken strips out of the marinade. Carefully thread each strip onto the skewers, leaving some space between each piece to ensure they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side. You want to turn them once, making sure they are beautifully charred and cooked through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in! Serve the skewers hot, maybe with some extra lemon wedges or a ranch dip on the side for dipping.
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful Garlic Parmesan Ranch chicken skewers straight off the grill! They make for a fantastic meal or snack for gatherings!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and moisture to your skewers. Just ensure they’re boneless and skinless for easy grilling. Adjust the cooking time slightly if the pieces are thicker.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can create your own mix using garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley. A pinch of salt and pepper can enhance the flavor as well! Alternatively, using Italian seasoning can also give a nice flavor twist.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, you can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. Adding a splash of oil or a little broth can help keep them moist during reheating.
Can I Cook These Skewers in the Oven?
Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out deliciously baked!
