GRILLED RANCH GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN SKEWERS EASY

Gather Your Goodies: Ingredients for the Best Chicken Skewers

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes

For the Ranch Marinade:

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Goodness:

• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Equipment You’ll Need:

• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning)
• Grill
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Let’s Get Skewering: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Magic

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender your Keto Chicken Skewers will be!

Step 2: Skewer Time!

1. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking. About 5-6 pieces of chicken per skewer is perfect.

Step 3: Grill to Perfection

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!

Step 4: Garlic Parmesan Shower

1. While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill. Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
3. Return the skewers to the grill for another 1-2 minutes, just until the Parmesan is melted and slightly golden brown. Watch them closely so they don’t burn.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips and Tricks for Skewer Success

Soaking Those Skewers

Don’t skip soaking your wooden skewers! This is a crucial step to prevent them from catching fire on the grill. I like to soak mine in a baking dish filled with water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken. You can even do it for a couple of hours if you have the time.

Marinade Magic

The ranch marinade is the key to juicy, flavorful chicken. But don’t marinate for too long! Over-marinating can actually make the chicken tough. I find that 30 minutes to 4 hours is the sweet spot. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade will add a noticeable boost of flavor. You can also use this marinade technique for Lemon Pepper Chicken Skewers to change things up!

Temperature is Key

Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken skewer. When it reaches 165°F (74°C), you’re good to go!

Grill Prep Matters

A clean and well-oiled grill is essential for preventing sticking. Before preheating, scrub your grill grates with a wire brush to remove any debris. Then, lightly oil the grates with a high-heat cooking oil, such as canola or vegetable oil. You can use a grill brush with an oil dispenser or simply dip a paper towel in oil and rub it over the grates with tongs.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Spice It Up!

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ranch marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken skewers before grilling. A dash of hot sauce in the garlic butter mixture would also be delicious!

Veggie Power

Add some colorful vegetables to your skewers! Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes all grill beautifully and complement the flavors of the chicken and ranch. Just be sure to cut the vegetables into similar sizes so they cook evenly.

Lemon Zest Boost

Add some lemon zest to the garlic Parmesan mixture for a bright, citrusy twist. The lemon will cut through the richness of the cheese and add a refreshing element to the dish. This works wonderfully with any Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers recipe.

Keto-Friendly Option

For a Keto-friendly version, ensure your ranch dressing mix is sugar-free and consider using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs (if you were to add any). Serve with a side of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. And don’t forget about Keto Desserts for a guilt-free treat!

Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal

These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Grilled vegetables: Asparagus, corn on the cob, and bell peppers are all great choices.
• Salads: A simple green salad or a more elaborate pasta salad would be delicious.
• Rice or quinoa: These grains provide a hearty and satisfying base for the skewers.
• Roasted potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Dipping sauces: Serve with extra ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.

Why This Chicken Skewer Recipe is a Must-Try

This Chicken Skewer Recipe combines the comforting flavors of ranch and garlic Parmesan in a way that’s both familiar and exciting. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues. Think of it as a more flavorful cousin to Garlic Parmesan Chicken Perfection or even a healthier take on some Parmesan Chicken With Garlic Sauce dishes. The ease of grilling makes it a healthy and delicious option for a Grilled Dinner.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly customizable. You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste or add your favorite vegetables to the skewers. If you’re a fan of Pollo Loco, you’ll love the bold flavors of this dish.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave them, but they’ll be best if reheated in the oven or on the grill. Preheat your oven or grill to medium heat, then place the skewers on a baking sheet or grill grate and cook for a few minutes, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll dry out.

So, fire up that grill and get ready to enjoy the most delicious and flavorful Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers you’ve ever tasted. Happy grilling!

Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a tangy ranch dressing and then brushed with a flavorful garlic parmesan mixture. They’re quick, easy to make, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a summer barbecue. The combination of ranch and garlic parmesan creates a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 57 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden or metal skewers
• Grill
• Meat thermometer
• Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
• Whisk
• Baking dish (for soaking skewers)
• Grill brush

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ cup melted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
• Cooking oil for grill grates

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, ranch dressing mix, olive oil, garlic powder, and pepper.
• Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, making sure they’re fully coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes.
• Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
• Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
• Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• While the chicken is grilling, melt the butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
• Remove the chicken skewers from the grill.
• Brush generously with the garlic butter mixture, then sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese.
• Return the skewers to the grill for another 1-2 minutes, just until the Parmesan is melted and slightly golden brown.
• Remove the chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, don’t marinate the chicken for longer than 4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or on the grill. Spice it up by adding red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a keto-friendly version, use sugar-free ranch dressing mix.