These Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are super tasty and fun to make! Tender chicken pieces are marinated in ranch seasoning and paired with yummy garlic and parmesan.
Grilling them adds a nice char that makes the flavors pop! I love serving these on game night, and trust me, they disappear quickly. So grab your friends and dive into this tasty goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using thighs for a juicier bite, but boneless breasts work well too. If you want a vegetarian option, try tofu or mushrooms cut into similar sizes.
Ranch seasoning: The star of the show! If you can’t find this, mix equal parts of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt for a homemade version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, use garlic powder instead; about 1/2 teaspoon should do it!
Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a rich touch. You could swap it for Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese if needed.
Fresh parsley: This brightens up the dish. You can use other herbs like cilantro or basil based on what you have at home.
How Do I Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is key to making it tasty and juicy. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix all your marinade ingredients in a bowl. This includes ranch seasoning, garlic, Parmesan, herbs, oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add your chicken strips and toss until they’re well coated.
- Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but a few hours is best!
This allows the flavors to soak into the chicken, resulting in a delicious meal you’ll love. Just remember, don’t marinate too long with acidic ingredients like lemon juice, as it can make the meat tough. Happy grilling!
Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch strips
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (dry)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. Don’t forget to allow at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken—longer for even more flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This will be your flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken strips to the marinade and toss them until they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate for 1-2 hours to enhance the flavor!
3. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken marinates, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is perfect for grilling the skewers and getting that nice char.
4. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to prepare the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken strips onto your soaked wooden skewers or metal skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
5. Grill the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, turning them carefully, until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful char. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Let Rest and Serve:
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for 3-5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the chicken for extra tenderness.
7. Enjoy!
Serve the skewers hot, and if you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley on top to make them look even more delicious!
Enjoy your juicy and flavorful Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers!
FAQ About Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Can I Use Thighs Instead of Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay juicier during grilling. Just make sure to cut them into similar 1-inch strips for even cooking.
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No problem! If you can’t find ranch seasoning, you can mix equal parts of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and salt for a homemade alternative that works beautifully in this recipe!
How Long Can I Marinate the Chicken?
You can marinate the chicken for anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours. Just keep an eye on it; marinating too long with acidic ingredients like lemon juice can make the meat tough, so 1-2 hours is ideal!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them on the grill, oven, or microwave, but be careful not to overcook and dry them out!
