Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

$- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes - ½ cup ranch dressing - 3 cloves garlic, minced - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - ½ teaspoon black pepper - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Skewers (wooden or metal) The key to these skewers is the marinated chicken. I use fresh chicken breast, cut into cubes. This helps the chicken cook evenly. The ranch dressing adds a creamy taste. I love adding minced garlic for a punch of flavor. For the extra zest, I sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts and creates a savory crust. Olive oil keeps the chicken moist while grilling. Garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika bring out all the great flavors. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste. Finally, I use skewers to hold everything together. You can choose wooden or metal ones, just remember to soak wooden skewers before grilling. This mix of ingredients makes for a fun and tasty dish. Each bite is juicy and packed with flavor. You will love how they turn out every time! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. - Whisk the ingredients until they mix well and become smooth. This marinade packs in flavor! - Add the cubed chicken to the marinade. Make sure each piece is coated fully. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to 2 hours. A longer marination gives better flavor. - Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you use wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes. This prevents burning. - Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers. Leave a bit of space between each piece for even cooking. - Remove the skewers from the marinade, then sprinkle grated Parmesan over the chicken. - Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes. Turn them occasionally. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - After grilling, let the skewers rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. - Always preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best flavor. - Space the chicken pieces on the skewers to cook evenly. - Let the chicken marinate longer for more flavor. Aim for up to 2 hours. - Use a bowl made of glass or plastic. This keeps the flavors pure. - Serve with extra ranch dressing for a tasty dip. - Add lemon wedges to brighten up the dish. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time. Perfectly Soaked Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soaking them in water for at least 20 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill. Check Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s freshness and flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or firm tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a sweet taste. Tofu absorbs the flavors well, making it a great choice for vegetarians. Both options make this dish fun and unique. Try different dressings like blue cheese or Caesar for a twist. They add richness that pairs well with the chicken. You can also throw in veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. These add color and crunch. Grilled vegetables taste great and boost nutrition. If you can't grill, the oven broiler works too. It cooks the skewers quickly and gives a nice char. Air frying is another option for a quick meal. It cooks the skewers evenly and keeps them juicy. Both methods yield delicious results, so you can enjoy this recipe anytime. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. Make sure to let the skewers cool down before sealing them. Freeze skewers before grilling for up to 2 months. This helps save time later. Marinate the skewers when you are ready to grill them. Just remember to let them thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the chicken dry. For best results, use a low heat setting to warm them gently, keeping their juicy flavor intact. Yes, but thaw completely before marinating. Frozen chicken can work, but it needs to be safe. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight or in cold water for faster results. This will help it absorb the flavors of the marinade better. You can substitute with your favorite creamy dressing or make a homemade version. Some options include blue cheese, Caesar, or even a yogurt-based dressing. Feel free to get creative! Making your own dressing can add a personal touch and adjust the taste to your liking. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. This step is key to avoid undercooked chicken that can be unsafe to eat. Once it hits that temp, you can enjoy your tasty skewers! This blog post shared a simple and tasty way to make chicken skewers. We went over the main and extra ingredients, preparation steps, tips for grilling, serving ideas, and how to store leftovers. I invite you to try this recipe. You can switch flavors or proteins to make it your own. Enjoy the joy of cooking and the delicious flavors these skewers bring to your table. Happy grilling!$

Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Delicious chicken skewers marinated in ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, grilled to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
0.5 cup ranch dressing
3 cloves garlic, minced
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon black pepper
0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
as needed Skewers (wooden or metal)

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cubed chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
Remove the skewers from the marinade and sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the chicken pieces.
Grill the chicken skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once done, remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Notes

Serve with extra ranch dressing for dipping and lemon wedges for garnish.

Keyword chicken, grilled, Parmesan, ranch, skewers