There’s something magical about the simplicity of grilled food, and these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect example. They bring together savory, cheesy, and garlicky flavors in a wonderfully simple meal. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for a sunny afternoon or a quick weeknight dinner.
What Makes These Skewers So Special?
- Flavorful Marinade: The ranch, garlic, and paprika create a savory coating that infuses the chicken with incredible flavor.
- Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and a fast grilling time, this is an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The familiar and beloved taste of ranch and Parmesan makes this a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main course, an appetizer, or even sliced up for salads.
Gathering Our Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers
Let’s Get Cooking, Step by Gentle Step
First Things First: Getting Our Skewers Ready
If you’re using wooden skewers, be sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This is a simple step Dad taught me that makes all the difference, as it keeps them from burning on the hot grill.
Letting Those Flavors Mingle (The Marinade!)
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Add the chicken cubes and toss them gently until they are completely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, letting it sit for up to 2 hours really lets those flavors sink in.
Time to Thread Our Delicious Bites
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers. Try to leave a tiny bit of space between each piece to help them cook evenly all the way through.
Bringing on the Grill Magic
Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning them every few minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown color and for the chicken to be cooked through. The safest way to check is with a meat thermometer, it should read 165°F (74°C).
The Sprinkle of Happiness (Finishing Touches!)
Once cooked, transfer the hot skewers to a serving plate. This is my favorite part: sprinkle them generously with the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. The cheese will melt just slightly onto the warm chicken.
Time to Dish Up and Enjoy!
Serve these skewers right away while they’re hot. They are wonderful on their own, but a little side of ranch or a garlic dipping sauce makes them even more of a treat.
A Little Note on Nutrition (Just So You Know!)
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. The values are calculated per serving for your general guidance.
Making It Your Own: Healthier Swaps
- Yogurt-Based Marinade: For a lighter option, you can substitute the olive oil with plain Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang and helps to tenderize the chicken beautifully.
- Load Up on Veggies: Thread cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and red onion onto the skewers between the chicken pieces. It adds color, nutrients, and extra flavor.
- Use a Low-Sodium Ranch: Look for a low-sodium version of the ranch seasoning packet to better control the salt content without sacrificing flavor.
How I Love to Serve These Up
- With a Crisp Salad: These skewers are absolutely perfect alongside a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the greens is a wonderful contrast to the savory chicken.
- Alongside Grilled Corn: For that classic barbecue feel, serve these with grilled corn on the cob, brushed with a little butter and a sprinkle of salt.
- In a Warm Pita: Slide the chicken off the skewer and into a warm pita pocket with some shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra ranch dressing for a delicious and easy sandwich.
A Few Little Tips to Keep Things Smooth
- Forgetting to Soak Wooden Skewers: If you skip this step, the ends of your skewers are likely to char and burn completely on the grill, which can make them difficult to handle.
- Overcrowding the Skewers: Pushing the chicken pieces too tightly together will cause them to steam rather than grill. Leave a small amount of space between each cube to allow the heat to circulate and cook them evenly.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can go from juicy to dry in an instant. Use a meat thermometer to pull the skewers off the grill the moment they reach 165°F to ensure they stay perfectly tender.
Keeping Those Leftovers Just Right
If you have any leftovers, allow the skewers to cool completely before storing them. You can slide the chicken off the skewers and place it in an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat to prevent them from drying out.
From My Kitchen to Yours
Food is so much more than just what we eat; it’s the love and the memories baked right in. I hope this simple recipe brings as much warmth and joy to your table as it does to mine. May it help you create your own beautiful moments with the ones you love, one delicious bite at a time.
Just in Case You Were Wondering…
Baking Instead of Grilling?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through.
No Ranch Packet? No Worries!
No problem at all. You can make a simple substitute by mixing together 1 teaspoon each of dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Marinating for a Long While?
I would recommend marinating for no more than a few hours. Because the ranch seasoning contains salt and acidic elements, leaving it on the chicken for too long (like overnight) can sometimes affect the texture, making it a bit tough. Thirty minutes to two hours is the sweet spot.
Print
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers bring together savory, cheesy, and garlicky flavors in a simple, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for summer evenings or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
- Add chicken cubes and toss until fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
- Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature).
- Transfer to a plate, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with ranch or garlic dipping sauce if desired.
Notes
For best results, avoid overcrowding the skewers, use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking, and soak wooden skewers before grilling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, ranch chicken skewers, garlic parmesan chicken, bbq skewers