Ranch Garlic Parmesan Skewers

This tender, juicy ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewer recipe has completely transformed my family's backyard barbecues. The savory combination of creamy ranch and sharp parmesan creates chicken that's bursting with flavor in every bite while remaining incredibly moist.

I first created these skewers when looking for something new to serve at my daughter's graduation party. They disappeared faster than any other dish, and now they've become our most requested meal when friends come over for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

• Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into 1 inch cubes ensures quick cooking and maximum flavor absorption
• Ranch dressing: Provides a creamy tangy base that tenderizes the meat beautifully
• Fresh minced garlic: Adds essential aromatic flavor that bottled versions simply cannot match
• Grated parmesan cheese: Creates a savory crust when grilled look for Parmigiano Reggiano for the best flavor
• Olive oil: Helps the marinade adhere to the chicken and promotes browning
• Dried parsley: Adds color and a subtle herbaceous note
• Black pepper and garlic powder: Amplify the flavor profile without overwhelming
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors use only fresh squeezed for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Marinade:

Combine ranch dressing parmesan cheese olive oil minced garlic dried parsley black pepper garlic powder and lemon juice in a medium bowl. Whisk thoroughly until you have a smooth consistency with no cheese clumps. The marinade should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon this ensures it will adhere properly to the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken:

Place cubed chicken in a zip top bag or shallow glass dish and pour the marinade over top. Gently massage the bag or turn the pieces to ensure each cube is completely coated. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes though I find 2 hours gives the absolute best flavor penetration. The enzymes in the ranch dressing will tenderize the meat while it marinates.

Prepare for Grilling:

If using wooden skewers soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread 5 to 6 chicken pieces onto each skewer leaving a small space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Allow the excess marinade to cling to the meat this will create a delicious crust when grilled.

Grill to Perfection:

Preheat your grill to medium high heat around 375°F to 400°F. Place skewers on the grill and cook for 12 to 15 minutes turning every 3 to 4 minutes to create even char marks on all sides. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the outside has developed a beautiful golden brown crust with slight charring at the edges.

Rest and Serve:

Remove skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for 3 to 5 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat ensuring maximum juiciness. Sprinkle with additional parmesan and fresh parsley before serving for an extra flavor boost and appealing presentation.

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The real secret to these skewers is in the quality of your parmesan cheese. I discovered this by accident when I splurged on imported Parmigiano Reggiano for a dinner party version. The depth of flavor was noticeably better, creating a more complex umami taste that my family immediately noticed and commented on.

Make Ahead Options

This recipe is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts. You can prepare the marinade up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chicken can be cubed and stored separately for up to 2 days before marinating. For maximum convenience, you can even thread the marinated chicken onto skewers several hours before grilling just cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Perfect Pairings

These chicken skewers are incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. My family particularly enjoys them with a simple Greek salad and grilled vegetables. For a heartier meal, serve alongside garlic butter rice or roasted potatoes. The ranch parmesan flavor profile also pairs beautifully with corn on the cob or a fresh cucumber tomato salad during summer months.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your chicken is sticking to the grill, your grates likely arent hot enough or need better cleaning. Always preheat thoroughly and oil your grates before cooking. For even more insurance against sticking, lightly brush the marinated skewers with oil just before placing them on the grill. If youre cooking indoors, these work beautifully on a cast iron grill pan set to medium high heat, though cooking time may need to be adjusted by 1 to 2 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I use if I don't have ranch dressing?

If you don't have ranch dressing, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream with garlic powder, parsley, and dill as a substitute.

→ Can I use store-bought parmesan cheese for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought grated parmesan cheese works perfectly for the marinade, although freshly grated parmesan enhances the flavor even more.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 15-30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning on the grill.

→ Can I cook these skewers in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

→ What side dishes pair well with these chicken skewers?

These skewers pair wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or rice pilaf for a complete meal.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but for more intense flavor, marinate up to 2 hours in the fridge.