These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in ranch dressing, garlic, and topped with cheesy goodness. Yum!
These skewers make the perfect meal for a sunny day! I love serving them with some fresh veggies on the side—it’s like a little party on a stick! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: This is the main protein in our recipe. Feel free to substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier bite, or tofu for a vegetarian option. Both work well on skewers!
Ranch Dressing: I love using classic ranch for that creamy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter choice, try Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as an alternative. It adds creaminess with less fat!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a sharp kick. If you’re low on cheese, nutritional yeast is a great vegan substitute that offers a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch! You can swap it for garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is always best for that bold flavor.
Fresh Parsley: While parsley adds freshness, you can replace it with basil or cilantro for a different twist. Both bring unique flavors that complement the chicken beautifully.
How Do You Properly Marinade Chicken for Flavor?
Marinating your chicken is key to infusing it with flavor. Here’s how to ensure your chicken is well-seasoned:
- Mix the marinade in a bowl, ensuring the garlic, ranch, and spices are fully blended.
- Add the chicken pieces, making sure they are completely coated. Don’t rush this step!
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes; for even better results, aim for 2 hours. This allows the flavors to absorb.
Also, remember to not overcrowd your skewers. Leaving space between the pieces helps the chicken cook evenly, giving that great charred look and flavor you want!
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-12 minutes of grilling time. If you let the chicken marinate for a while, it will be even tastier—so plan for around 1 hour in total, depending on how long you choose to marinate the chicken!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Soaking Skewers (if using wooden ones):
If you’re using wooden skewers, start by soaking them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step will help prevent them from burning while grilling.
2. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to mix everything together and create a delicious marinade.
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and make sure each piece is well coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinate for up to 2 hours for a better flavor!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for perfectly grilled chicken!
5. Threading the Chicken onto Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, take it out of the fridge. Carefully thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for better cooking.
6. Grilling the Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is cooked through and has a lovely charred color on the outside.
7. Adding Parmesan:
In the last few moments of cooking, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken skewers. Let it melt a little and turn a touch golden for extra flavor.
8. Resting and Garnishing:
Once they’re cooked, carefully remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a nice pop of color and extra taste!
9. Serving:
Serve the skewers warm, and don’t forget to have some extra ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy your delicious grilled chicken skewers!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before marinating. To speed up the thawing process, place the sealed chicken in a bowl of cold water for about an hour. Pat dry before marinating to get rid of excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Dressing?
If you don’t have ranch dressing on hand, you can substitute it with a mix of plain yogurt or sour cream combined with herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Alternatively, you can use Caesar dressing for a different flavor twist.
How Should I Store Leftover Skewers?
Store any leftover chicken skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a few minutes for a nice char.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the marinade a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just make sure to keep it well-sealed. When you’re ready to cook, add the chicken pieces to the marinade and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
