Name: Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade); ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh parsley, chopped; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang); 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; Wooden or metal skewers

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Introduction

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for grilling season. Marinated in a creamy ranch dressing with garlic and parmesan, these skewers deliver juicy, tender chicken with a delicious savory twist. They are great for casual gatherings or a weeknight dinner.

Three grilled chicken skewers are placed side by side on a long white plate. Each skewer has about six pieces of golden-brown chicken with grill marks, sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and a dusting of white grated cheese on top. The chicken looks juicy with slightly crispy edges. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

½ cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Wooden or metal skewers

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice (if using). Stir well to create a smooth marinade.
Step 2: Place the cubed chicken into a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure all pieces are coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Step 3: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 4: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has a slight char.
Step 5: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with additional parsley or parmesan if desired, and serve with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
Swap parmesan for pecorino cheese for a sharper taste.
Use fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
Add vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes to the skewers for color and variety.
Oven-bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes if you don’t have a grill.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. The chicken can also be frozen after cooking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The image shows five grilled chicken skewers on a white rectangular plate placed on a white marbled surface. Each skewer has golden-brown grilled chicken pieces with visible char marks and a slightly crispy texture. The chicken is topped lightly with finely chopped green herbs and sprinkled with grated cheese or crumbs. The skewers are arranged side by side in a neat row, with the wooden sticks extending out from the plate. The overall look is inviting and well-cooked, with a combination of warm browns and fresh green accents. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great choice for these skewers as they tend to stay juicier and more flavorful during grilling. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes helps prevent them from burning or catching fire on the grill, making it an important step for safety and ease of cooking.