There’s nothing quite like juicy grilled chicken skewers loaded with bold flavor. These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering twist on classic kabobs tender marinated chicken coated in ranch seasoning, garlic, and parmesan, then grilled or baked to perfection. They’re quick to prepare, fun to serve, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, barbecues, or game day gatherings.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need: ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips, variations, serving ideas, and storage.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Flavor, Little Effort – Ranch seasoning, garlic, and parmesan pack in flavor with minimal ingredients.
- Family-Friendly – Mild, cheesy, herby flavors appeal to both kids and adults.
- Versatile Cooking – Grill outdoors, bake in the oven, or use a grill pan indoors.
- Meal-Prep Ready – Marinate ahead of time, then cook fresh when needed.
- Perfect for Entertaining – Skewers are easy to serve at parties or casual dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – cut into 1.5-inch chunks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – helps the seasoning stick
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder – optional, adds depth
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – optional, for color and smokiness
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust depending on ranch seasoning saltiness)
For the Coating:
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese – freshly grated for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons melted butter – for brushing at the end
- Fresh parsley – chopped, for garnish
Equipment:
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill, oven, or grill pan
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the Chicken
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken chunks and toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Step 2 – Assemble the Skewers
- Thread chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
Step 3 – Cook
Grill Method (best):
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Cook skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
Oven Method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place skewers on a lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Grill Pan Method:
- Heat lightly oiled grill pan over medium-high.
- Cook skewers 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally.
Step 4 – Add Parmesan & Finish
- Once cooked, brush skewers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle generously with grated parmesan.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Cut chicken evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t skip marinating it infuses flavor and keeps chicken juicy.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or onions to the skewers.
- Use fresh parmesan, not powdered, for best flavor.
Variations
- Spicy Ranch Skewers – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or red chili flakes.
- Ranch Garlic Parmesan Wings – Use the same marinade on chicken wings instead.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve with roasted veggies or cauliflower rice.
- Cheesy Ranch Bake – Skip skewers and bake chicken chunks in a casserole dish with cheese.
Serving Suggestions
- Over rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
- With garlic bread and a crisp green salad.
- As an appetizer with ranch dipping sauce.
- With roasted veggies for a balanced dinner.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze cooked skewers in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheat – Warm in oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
Nutrition (Per Serving – approx.)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
FAQs About Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier, especially when grilling.
2. Can I bake instead of grill?
Absolutely 400°F for 18–20 minutes works great.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, marinate and assemble skewers up to a day ahead. Cook fresh before serving.
4. What sides go best with these skewers?
Rice, grilled veggies, pasta salad, or garlic bread.
5. Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
Yes! Bell peppers, onions, and zucchini pair beautifully.
Conclusion
These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything you want in a weeknight dinner or party appetizer: juicy chicken, bold ranch and garlic flavor, and a parmesan finish that makes every bite irresistible. Quick to prep, easy to cook, and versatile to serve this recipe is bound to become a new favorite.