Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect mix of juicy chicken pieces coated in a flavorful ranch seasoning, garlicky goodness, and topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. The skewers grill up beautifully with a little char, locking in all those tasty juices and creating a fun, handheld meal that everyone loves.
I love making these skewers for weekend cookouts or quick dinners when I want something easy but packed with flavor. The garlic and ranch combo is always a hit, giving the chicken a fresh and zesty taste that Parmesan cheese makes even better. Plus, grilling the skewers gives a nice smoky touch that I find irresistible.
My favorite way to enjoy these chicken skewers is with a side of crunchy veggies or a simple salad. They’re great for serving at parties because they’re easy to eat and perfect for sharing. Whenever I bring these to a gathering, they disappear in no time, which tells me they’re a total crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts keeps the skewers lean and juicy. You can swap in chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra tenderness.
Ranch dressing: This adds creamy, herby flavor. If you want a lighter option, try Greek yogurt mixed with ranch seasoning or your favorite herbs.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives the best punch of flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch but won’t be as vibrant.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish. Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives if you want a slightly different taste.
Wooden skewers: Soaking them prevents burning on the grill. Metal skewers are reusable and work well too.
How Do I Keep the Chicken Juicy and Flavorful on the Skewers?
Marinating and grilling are key! Here’s what I do:
- Cut chicken into even-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.
- Marinate the chicken in ranch, garlic, Parmesan, and oil for at least 30 minutes. This keeps it moist and flavorful inside.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high so the outside chars nicely without overcooking.
- Turn the skewers every few minutes for even cooking and to avoid drying out one side.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want to be exact—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temp for chicken.
These steps help lock in juiciness and build that tasty grilled crust we all love!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I like it because it gives a nice smoky flavor and char to the chicken.
- Wooden skewers – soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing the chicken with the marinade.
- Measuring spoons and cups – for accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Tongs – handy for turning the skewers on the grill and serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use shrimp or cubes of firm fish for a different seafood twist.
- Cheese options: Swap Parmesan for shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta for unique flavors.
- Veggie add-ins: Thread bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini along with the chicken.
- Spice boost: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or lemon pepper to spice things up.
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating. Cooking on the grill takes about 10-12 minutes. Overall, plan for around 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, mostly hands-off during marinating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade and Marinate the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, mix ranch dressing, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, dried parsley, and olive oil until well combined. Add the chicken cubes and toss them in this mixture until fully coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers and Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, soak your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes to keep them from burning. When the chicken is ready, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the soaked skewers.
3. Grill the Chicken Skewers:
Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally so they cook evenly and get a golden-brown crust with grill marks. Check to make sure the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
4. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers warm with your favorite dipping sauce like more ranch dressing or garlic aioli.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for These Skewers?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating. Thaw it safely in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. Fully dry the chicken cubes before marinating to help the flavors stick well.
Can I Make These Skewers Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and thread the skewers a few hours ahead or even the night before. Keep them covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. Just bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the grill or in the oven to keep the chicken juicy.
Can I Use Other Cheeses Instead of Parmesan?
Yes, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great substitutes for Parmesan. If you want a softer texture, shredded mozzarella or crumbled feta can add a nice twist to the flavor profile.