Name: Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 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

Jump to Recipe

There is nothing quite like the irresistible flavors packed into these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. Every juicy, tender bite bursts with a perfect balance of creamy ranch, savory garlic, and nutty parmesan cheese that will have you reaching for seconds — maybe even thirds. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a weekend barbecue or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bring together simple ingredients to create a gourmet experience that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Let me take you through every step to enjoy this crowd-pleasing recipe that’s destined to become a fast favorite.

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together in harmony to deliver big flavor and wonderful texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy ranch dressing creating the marinade’s base to the parmesan adding that delightful cheesy kick.

Ranch Dressing: Provides a creamy, tangy foundation that infuses the chicken with classic ranch flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the marinade for extra savoriness.
Olive Oil: Helps tenderize the chicken, ensuring juicy and moist bites every time.
Garlic (minced): Delivers a pungent, aromatic boost that complements the creamy ranch perfectly.
Dried or Fresh Parsley: Brings a fresh herbal note and a pop of color to brighten the dish.
Black Pepper: Provides a mild bite to balance the flavors just right.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the garlic flavor for a deeper, roasted garlic essence.
Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a zesty tang that lifts the richness of the marinade beautifully.
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: The star ingredient, cut into cubes for quick, even cooking on skewers.
Wooden or Metal Skewers: Essential for threading the chicken pieces and grilling them to perfection.

How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by mixing together the ranch dressing, grated parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and optional lemon juice in a bowl until smooth and well combined. This marinade is the heart of the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, infusing every piece of chicken with layers of flavor.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Next, place the chicken cubes into a resealable bag or a shallow dish, and pour the marinade over them. Make sure each chunk is thoroughly coated for the most flavor-packed bite. Seal or cover, then pop it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes — if you have more time, two hours will deepen the taste even more.

Step 3: Prepare the Skewers

While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes if you’re using them; this step prevents burning on the grill. Once ready, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving small gaps between each piece to allow for even cooking and a wonderful char.

Step 4: Grill the Skewers

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, then place the skewers on the grill grates. Cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, turning every few minutes to get an even golden-brown char and to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This grilling process seals in the juicy flavors while delivering that irresistible smoky finish.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Once cooked, let the skewers rest a few minutes off the heat to lock in the juices. Then, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or an extra sprinkle of parmesan for that beautiful finishing touch. Your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are now ready to delight your taste buds!

How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The simplest garnishes can make a big difference. Finely chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh, vibrant color and a mild herbal flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich parmesan and garlic. A small dusting of additional parmesan cheese right before serving amps up the savory goodness even more.

Side Dishes

These skewers are wonderfully versatile, pairing well with a variety of sides. Think light and crisp salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting combo. For a fresh vibe, grilled corn on the cob or a quinoa salad studded with colorful veggies makes a perfect, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers family-style on a big platter, arranging them alongside bowls of ranch dressing or BBQ sauce for dipping. For a fun twist, try sliding the chicken off the skewers onto warm pita bread with a dollop of tzatziki, transforming this dish into a quick, flavorful sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours after cooking. They will stay fresh and safe to eat for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or easy dinner reheats.

Freezing

If you want to freeze these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, remove the chicken from the skewers first and place the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months frozen. Freeze the marinade separately to save time next time you want to enjoy this dish.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the chicken pieces in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture may become rubbery. If you prefer, reheating on a grill pan also restores some of the fresh-from-the-grill charm.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually an excellent choice for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers because they stay juicy and tender even if grilled a bit longer. Just cut them into 1-inch cubes like the breasts.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill and keeps your chicken safe and intact while cooking.

Can I make the marinade from scratch?

Definitely! While store-bought ranch dressing works great, making your own ranch dressing at home can elevate the flavor even more and let you customize the seasoning to your liking.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for two hours?

Not necessarily. While 30 minutes is enough to get good flavor, letting the chicken marinate for up to two hours allows the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers to absorb more of that delicious marinade, making the taste deeper and more vibrant.

Can I bake these skewers instead of grilling?

Yes, if grilling is not an option, baking at 400°F (205°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 20-25 minutes works well. Just be sure to turn the skewers halfway through for even cooking and browning.

Final Thoughts

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have become one of my absolute go-to recipes for when I want something flavorful, fuss-free, and downright delicious. They strike the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and fresh, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try them and fall in love with this delightful combination as much as I have!