Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: #1 Best

I cannot even tell you how many summers I have spent standing over a hot grill with a cold glass of lemonade in one hand and a pair of tongs in the other. These skewers actually started as a total accident one Fourth of July when I realized I was completely out of bottled barbecue sauce. I scrambled through my pantry and grabbed the ranch seasoning and some parmesan cheese and honestly it was the best mistake I ever made. Over the last few years I have refined this recipe to get the absolute perfect balance of that zesty ranch tang and the salty crunch of the parmesan. You are going to love how these turn out because they are consistently the first thing to disappear from the serving platter at every single cookout I host.

Why You Will Love These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

You are going to obsess over the flavor profile of these skewers because they hit every single taste bud. The ranch gives it a little zing while the garlic and parmesan create this savory crust that is just incredible. The best part is how easy they are to prep ahead of time. Because we use olive oil in the marinade the chicken stays incredibly juicy even over the high heat of the grill. It is a high protein meal that feels fancy enough for a party but is simple enough for a busy weeknight when you just want to eat something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

You really only need a few basic pantry staples to make this magic happen. I usually prefer chicken breasts for this but you can totally use thighs if you want a bit more fat. Make sure your garlic is fresh because it makes a huge difference in the final taste. You will also need some skewers so grab those wooden ones or your favorite metal set.

• 2 lbs chicken breast cut into 1 inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 packet dry ranch seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

The whole process is super straightforward and should only take you about fifteen minutes of actual work. The grilling part is fast too usually taking about ten to twelve minutes total. The biggest thing to watch out for is overcooking the meat. People get nervous about chicken and leave it on too long which leads to dry rubbery pieces. We want to avoid that at all costs so stay close to the grill.

Preparing the Marinade and Chicken

First you want to grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your olive oil and minced garlic along with the ranch seasoning and that parmesan cheese. It will look like a thick paste and that is exactly what you want. Throw your chicken cubes into the bowl and get in there with a spoon or your hands to toss them around. You want every single nook and cranny of that chicken coated in the mixture. If you can let it sit in the fridge for at least thirty minutes the flavor will be so much deeper but if you are in a rush you can cook them right away.

Grilling the Skewers to Perfection

Now you just thread that seasoned chicken onto your skewers. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. Preheat your grill to medium high heat and make sure the grates are clean. Lay the skewers down and let them cook for about five or six minutes on the first side. Flip them over and go for another five or six minutes. If you have a meat thermometer you are looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees. That is the sweet spot where they are safe to eat but still bursting with juice.

Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

If you are using wooden skewers please remember to soak them in water for at least thirty minutes before you start threading the meat. If you skip this they will catch fire on the grill and your dinner will look like a campfire gone wrong. Also try not to crowd the meat too tightly on the sticks. You want a little bit of space so the heat can circulate and cook everything evenly. If you notice the cheese starting to brown or char too quickly just move the skewers to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.

Frequently Asked Questions about Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling? Yes you definitely can. Just put them on a parchment lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for about fifteen to twenty minutes. They won’t have that smoky grill flavor but they will still be delicious.

How do I store the leftovers? You can keep any extra chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. I love pulling the chicken off the sticks and putting it on top of a big salad the next day for lunch.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely. Chicken thighs are actually a bit more forgiving on the grill because they have a higher fat content so they stay moist even if you cook them a minute or two too long.

Nutrition for Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Here is a quick look at the estimated nutrition per serving so you know what you are fueling your body with.

• Calories: 285 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg

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