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This hearty Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe has been my summer grilling go-to for years, perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and entertaining friends on warm evenings. The combination of creamy ranch, savory garlic, and rich parmesan creates a flavor profile that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
I first created these skewers when searching for a crowd pleaser for a neighborhood block party. The platter was empty within minutes, and now I keep the ingredients stocked during grilling season because my family requests them weekly.
Ingredients
- Ranch dressing: provides the creamy tangy base that tenderizes the chicken beautifully
- Parmesan cheese: adds nutty salty notes that caramelize slightly on the grill
- Olive oil: helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly and prevents sticking
- Fresh garlic: delivers bold aromatic flavor that really stands out
- Dried parsley: brings a subtle herbaceous note to balance the richness
- Black pepper: provides gentle heat that enhances the other flavors
- Garlic powder: reinforces the garlic flavor throughout the marinade
- Lemon juice: brightens the entire dish and cuts through the richness
- Boneless chicken: works best when cut into uniform cubes for even cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the marinade:
- Combine ranch dressing, grated parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, dried parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a bowl. Whisk thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform mixture. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Marinate the chicken:
- Place chicken cubes in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them. Use your hands to gently massage the marinade into the chicken, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will yield more flavorful results.
- Prepare for grilling:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece to ensure heat circulates properly. Be sure not to pack the chicken too tightly.
- Grill to perfection:
- Preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375 to 400 degrees. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, rotating a quarter turn every few minutes to create beautiful grill marks on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has lovely caramelized edges.
- Rest and serve:
- Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Sprinkle with additional fresh parmesan and parsley before serving for an extra flavor boost and appealing presentation.
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The minced garlic is truly the star ingredient in this recipe. I once tried to shortcut by using only garlic powder, and while still good, it lacked that punchy aromatic quality that fresh garlic provides. My son could immediately tell the difference and politely requested I never skip the fresh garlic again.
Make Ahead Options
These skewers are perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the marinade and chicken up to two days before cooking. Simply keep the marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually intensify over time, making the chicken even more delicious. If using wooden skewers, wait to thread the chicken until just before grilling. For a quick dinner solution, you can even freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to one month. Just thaw completely in the refrigerator before threading and grilling.
Serving Suggestions
Turn these skewers into a complete meal by serving them alongside complementary sides. They pair wonderfully with a Greek salad, lemon rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For a more substantial meal, serve them over orzo pasta tossed with olive oil and fresh herbs. These skewers also make excellent appetizers when made with smaller pieces of chicken on cocktail skewers. Provide a small bowl of extra ranch dressing for dipping to really enhance the ranch flavor profile.
Indoor Cooking Alternative
No grill? No problem. These skewers adapt beautifully to indoor cooking methods. You can cook them under a broiler set to high for about 5 minutes per side, watching carefully to prevent burning. Alternatively, use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium high heat, cooking for about 4 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through. For an even easier option, you can skip the skewers entirely and cook the marinated chicken pieces in a hot cast iron skillet for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat while keeping it tender. If you're short on time, even 15 minutes will add flavor, but the longer marinating time delivers more pronounced ranch, garlic and parmesan notes.
- → Can I cook these skewers in the oven instead of on the grill?
Absolutely! To cook in the oven, preheat to 425°F (220°C) and place the skewers on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can also finish them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to get some charring.
- → What side dishes pair well with these chicken skewers?
These versatile skewers pair beautifully with many sides. Try them with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or rice pilaf. For a complete summer meal, serve alongside grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a Mediterranean orzo salad. They also work well with potato salad or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative to chicken breasts for these skewers. Thigh meat tends to be juicier and more forgiving during grilling, making it less likely to dry out. The cooking time remains similar, but always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- → How can I make homemade ranch dressing for the marinade?
For homemade ranch dressing, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and use in place of store-bought ranch in the marinade for fresher flavor.
- → Can these skewers be prepared ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance (stored in the refrigerator). You can also thread the marinated chicken onto skewers a few hours before cooking and keep them covered in the refrigerator. This makes them perfect for entertaining, as most of the prep work can be done ahead of time.