Craving something delicious for your next cookout? These ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers deliver bold, savory flavors with minimal effort. Juicy chicken pieces marinated in creamy ranch, garlic, and parmesan, then grilled to smoky perfection—these skewers are about to become your go-to grilling recipe.
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Why This Chicken Skewers Recipe is a Winner
Ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers combine three crowd-pleasing flavors into one irresistible dish. The tangy ranch dressing keeps the chicken incredibly moist, while garlic and parmesan add depth and richness. Whether you’re grilling for a backyard BBQ or making a quick weeknight dinner, these skewers are ready in just 45 minutes with minimal prep work.
What makes these skewers special:
- Ready in 45 minutes (including marinating)
- Perfect for BBQs, parties, or family dinners
- Kid-friendly and crowd-approved
- Customizable marinade
- High-protein, low-carb option
- Great for meal prep
Ingredients for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. This creamy marinade is what makes these chicken skewers so flavorful and tender.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking. Place the cubed chicken in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing to coat every piece thoroughly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small spaces between each piece for even grilling. This spacing allows heat to circulate and creates that perfect char.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning every 3-4 minutes for even cooking. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and has nice grill marks. Let the skewers rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Chicken Skewers
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness – They stay more tender than breasts
- Don’t skip the marinade time – 30 minutes minimum for best flavor
- Keep pieces uniform – Cut chicken to the same size for even cooking
- Oil the grill grates – Prevents sticking and creates better grill marks
- Use a meat thermometer – Ensures perfectly cooked chicken every time
- Avoid overcrowding – Leave space between chicken pieces on the skewer
Serving Suggestions
These ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers are incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve them:
As a Main Dish:
- Serve over rice pilaf or cilantro lime rice
- Pair with grilled vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, onions)
- Serve alongside garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Add a fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
As an Appetizer:
- Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping
- Pair with BBQ sauce or spicy sriracha mayo
- Arrange on a platter with fresh herbs
- Offer alongside other finger foods at parties
Complete Meal Ideas:
- Greek-style with tzatziki sauce and pita bread
- With roasted potatoes and steamed broccoli
- Over Caesar salad for a protein-packed lunch
- With corn on the cob and coleslaw for a BBQ feast
Recipe Variations to Try
Spicy Ranch Skewers: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for heat
Lemon Herb Version: Include lemon zest, thyme, and oregano for brightness
BBQ Ranch Fusion: Brush with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling
Mediterranean Style: Add olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes to the marinade
Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap chicken pieces with turkey bacon before skewering
Extra Cheesy: Double the parmesan and sprinkle more on while grilling
Italian Ranch: Replace ranch with Italian dressing and add Italian seasoning
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked skewers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Remove from skewers before storing if desired.
Freezer Storage: Marinate chicken in freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Make-Ahead Tips: Marinate and assemble skewers up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to grill.
Reheating: Reheat on the grill for 3-5 minutes, or in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the skewers on a lined baking sheet for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing?
Make a quick substitute by mixing Greek yogurt with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving on the grill. They may need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcook it—use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. Also, marinating for the full time helps retain moisture.
Can I make these skewers ahead for a party?
Yes! Marinate and assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance. Grill just before serving for the freshest taste.
What vegetables can I add to the skewers?
Bell peppers, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini all work well. Add them between chicken pieces for colorful, complete skewers.
Do wooden skewers need to be soaked?
Yes, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill.
Why These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Will Be Your New Favorite
These grilled chicken skewers check all the boxes for the perfect summer recipe. The marinade is incredibly flavorful yet simple, the grilling process is quick and easy, and the results are consistently delicious. The combination of creamy ranch, aromatic garlic, and savory parmesan creates layers of flavor that keep everyone coming back for more.
Whether you’re an experienced griller or just starting out, these ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers are foolproof. They’re impressive enough for entertaining but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. Fire up that grill and get ready to make these skewers on repeat all season long!
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Place cubed chicken in a resealable bag or dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, tossing to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces for even cooking.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill the skewers for 10–15 minutes, turning every 3–4 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and has grill marks. Rest 3–5 minutes before serving.