Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers: A Family Favorite Worth Making
As the sun sets behind the trees, casting a golden hue over the backyard, the enticing aroma of Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers wafts through the air, stirring memories of summer nights spent with loved ones. Imagine the sizzle of marinated chicken grilling away, mingling with the fragrant notes of garlic and parmesan. There’s something profoundly comforting about skewers, don’t you think? It’s not just food; it’s the essence of gathering, laughter, and sharing stories. These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple dinner that can easily become a family favorite, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Why do I adore these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers? Let me share with you the reasons that keep me returning to this recipe time and again:
- Quick Prep: With prep taking just 15 minutes, you’ll have more time for fun conversations with your guests.
- Cozy Flavors: The blend of ranch, garlic, and parmesan creates that irresistible comfort food flavor that we all crave.
- Crowd-Pleaser: These skewers are perfect for barbecues, family gatherings, or any festive cooking occasion. They’re incredibly popular with both kids and adults!
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or upcycle leftover chicken from last night’s dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up these delicious Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs): Tender, juicy, and perfect for grilling. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Ranch Dressing (½ cup): This acts as the primary marinade. Try homemade ranch for a personal touch!
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and depth. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work, but fresh is truly best.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): The true star! It adds a wonderful nuttiness. Pecorino Romano can be a delightful alternative if you fancy something stronger.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): A little drizzle keeps everything moist during cooking. Vegetable oil works too if that’s what you have on hand.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, elevating all those beautiful flavors.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 25–27 minutes
This recipe is quick, making it ideal for those busy weeknights when you need an easy meal but don’t want to sacrifice flavor!
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Let’s dive into the delightful process of making these skewers:
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Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and are easy to eat.
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Marinate: In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken cubes, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge) for maximum flavor.
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Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent burning on the grill.
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Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. The excitement in the air builds as you imagine the sizzling skewers to come.
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Grill Time: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. As the garlic sizzles, the aroma will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent.
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Add Parmesan: In the last minute of cooking, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on the skewers for that melty, cheesy goodness.
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Serve and Savor: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, serve warm and enjoy this homemade dish with a side of your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips and Creative Variations
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Veggies Galore: Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to your skewers. These colorful veggies not only add variety but also make your dish more vibrant and healthy.
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Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
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Herb Swap: Enhance the flavors by adding fresh herbs such as parsley or basil right before serving.
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Make it a Meal: Serve alongside a fresh salad, seasoned rice, or grilled corn for a fulfilling meal.
Serving Ideas
Picture this: you’re serving these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers as the centerpiece of a lively outdoor dinner party. Pair them with a refreshing cucumber salad and a chilled glass of lemonade for a delightful summer evening feast. Or, for a cozy family night, enjoy them with creamy mashed potatoes or a homemade dipping sauce, inviting everyone to dive in and indulge in carefree conversation around the table.
Storing and Reheating
To maximize the joy of these skewers, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them, wrapped tightly, for up to a month. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10–15 minutes or until warmed through, ensuring they stay juicy and tender.
Pro Tips for Success
- Marination is Key: For the juiciest skewers, marinate longer and plan your prep ahead!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Allow space for even cooking by not overcrowding the chicken or veggies.
- Check Temperatures: Invest in a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked chicken, every time.
- Experiment: Feel free to switch up the flavors by trying different marinades with similar ingredients.
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe? Yes! They freeze well, just make sure they’re wrapped tightly.
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What’s the best substitute for ranch dressing? Greek yogurt mixed with spices can be a healthy alternative.
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Can I use other meats? Absolutely! This recipe works well with shrimp or beef as well.
Conclusion
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not just a recipe; they’re an opportunity to connect with family and friends, to gather around the table, and to savor every bite. This cozy, comforting dish brings warmth and joy into our homes. I invite you to savor these flavors, make them your own, and share them with loved ones. So fire up the grill and let the good times roll!
Contents
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken Breast Tender, juicy, and perfect for grilling; chicken thighs can be substituted.
- 0.5 cup Ranch Dressing Acts as the primary marinade; homemade ranch is ideal.
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced Use fresh for best flavor; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated Adds nuttiness; Pecorino Romano is a delightful alternative.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Keeps skewers moist; vegetable oil is an acceptable substitute.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Enhances overall flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss in the chicken cubes, covering them fully. Cover and marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Skewer the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to prevent burning.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Cooking
- Grill the skewers for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- In the last minute of grilling, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top of the skewers.
- Remove skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the flavors with family and friends.
Notes
Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest