These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are tasty and super simple to make. Just marinate the chicken in ranch, garlic, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Yum!
Perfect for a sunny day, I love serving these skewers with fresh veggies. They’re great for a picnic or a backyard bash, and you might just find yourself eating the leftovers for breakfast! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for skewers due to their tenderness. If you want a richer flavor, try boneless thighs instead; they stay juicier when grilled.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: A classic flavor booster! If you can’t find the packet, mix your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s a fun way to customize the taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan gives a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re looking for a lactose-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist. Avocado oil could be a great substitute, or you could use melted butter if you want a richer flavor.
Lemon Juice: Adds bright flavor. If you’re out of lemons, a bit of vinegar works well too. Lime juice is also a tasty twist!
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy When Grilling?
The key to juicy chicken is marinating it properly and grilling it right. Here’s what you need to do:
- Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let flavors soak in.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skewers; give the chicken space for even cooking.
- Preheat the grill so the chicken gets a nice sear at the start, locking in moisture.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking without drying them out.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have tender, flavorful chicken skewers every time!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time to marinate the chicken and about 15 minutes for grilling. If you can let the chicken marinate for 1-2 hours, that’s even better! Overall, plan for about 30 minutes plus marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon juice (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine and create a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your cubed chicken and add it to the bowl with the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces around until they’re fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but longer is better—about 1-2 hours works great!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. You want it to be around 400°F (200°C) so you can get some nice grill marks on the chicken.
4. Skewer the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, grab those skewers and start threading the marinated chicken cubes onto them. Don’t crowd the chicken too much; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them every 3-4 minutes to make sure they cook evenly and get a lovely golden color. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked through, remove the skewers from the grill. If you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for a delicious finishing touch. Serve hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces!
Enjoy these flavorful and juicy chicken skewers that are sure to be a hit with your family and friends!
FAQ for Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use a Different Type of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for skewers, you can use boneless thighs for a juicier bite. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly due to the difference in thickness.
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
No worries! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can create your own mix with dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give you a similar flavor profile and is a fun way to customize the recipe!
Can I Make These Skewers in the Oven Instead of on the Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. Enjoy!
