Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – A Simple & Flavorful Meal

If you’ve been on the hunt for a truly memorable dish that is wonderfully simple to prepare, bursting with flavour, and certain to delight your guests, then you’ve come to the right place. Be it for a sun-drenched garden barbecue, a relaxed family meal, or a new go-to for busy weeknights, we have the ideal answer. Allow us to introduce our sensational Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. This recipe expertly blends the zesty creaminess of ranch, the aromatic kick of fresh garlic, and the savoury depth of Parmesan cheese, all brought together on a skewer and cooked to succulent perfection. We think it’s a match made in culinary heaven, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

Here, we hold the firm belief that exceptional meals don’t need to be overly complex. Our recipe has been crafted for its simplicity, using a handful of accessible ingredients to produce something genuinely remarkable. The secret is all in the marinade, which not only tenderises the chicken but also imbues it with deep, delicious layers of flavour. It’s time to light the barbecue, as we’re quite sure these skewers will soon top your list of favourite dishes to prepare.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love These Chicken Skewers

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s explore exactly why this dish is such a resounding success. We have prepared it on numerous occasions, and it consistently earns glowing praise. Here are the reasons we are confident you will adore it as well:

• An Explosion of Flavour: The blend of ranch seasoning, pungent fresh garlic, and sharp Parmesan cheese results in a savoury, zesty, and completely irresistible taste.
• Wonderfully Simple to Prepare: Featuring straightforward instructions for the marinade and construction, this is an excellent recipe for chefs of any experience. It’s also a great way to get children helping in the kitchen!
• Succulent and Tender Every Time: Our method for marinating guarantees the chicken remains beautifully moist and tender throughout the cooking process, no matter if you use a grill, oven, or air fryer. Say goodbye to dry chicken for good!
• Incredibly Versatile: These skewers serve beautifully as a main dish for a family-friendly meal. We love pairing them with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a base of fluffy rice. They also make a superb appetiser for gatherings.
• Perfect for Meal Prepping: The chicken can be left to marinate well in advance, meaning that when it’s time to eat, you simply need to thread the skewers and start cooking. This is a brilliant time-saver for a hectic schedule.

The Magic Ingredients for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

The true charm of this recipe lies in its elegant simplicity. We rely on a small selection of potent ingredients to fashion a marinade that does all the flavourful work for you. This is what you will need to have on hand:

For the Chicken Skewers:

• Chicken Breasts: For the best results, we suggest using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which you’ll need to chop into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: A high-quality extra virgin olive oil serves as the foundation of the marinade, which helps to lock in moisture.
• Ranch Seasoning: Your preferred brand of dry ranch seasoning mix is perfect. It’s the hero ingredient for that distinctive tangy and herbaceous flavour.
• Garlic: We insist on freshly minced garlic for this! It delivers a powerful, aromatic taste that granulated garlic simply cannot replicate.
• Parmesan Cheese: Using freshly grated Parmesan will provide the superior flavour and texture. It becomes wonderfully nutty with a slightly crisp finish once cooked.
• Lemon Juice: Just a small amount of fresh lemon juice is needed to brighten all the other flavours and to help tenderise the meat.
• Fresh Parsley: Some finely chopped fresh parsley brings a lovely freshness and a pop of green to the dish.
• Black Pepper: Season with a generous pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
• Skewers: You may use either wooden or metal skewers for this. If you opt for wooden ones, don’t forget to soak them in water first!

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfection

Are you ready to craft the most delectable chicken skewers? Let’s begin! We have organised the entire process into clear, manageable steps to ensure your success.

1. Prepare the Chicken

   
   

   First and foremost, we must prepare our chicken. Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and use a paper towel to pat them completely dry, as this allows the marinade to adhere more effectively. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces a consistent size is vital for even cooking.

2. Mix the Ultimate Parmesan Chicken Marinade

   
   

   Now we move on to the most exciting step—building the flavour! In a suitably large bowl, we will create our Parmesan chicken marinade. Whisk together the olive oil, the packet of ranch seasoning, the freshly minced garlic, grated Parmesan, fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a good pinch of black pepper. Stir it all together thoroughly until it is well combined. Do take a moment to enjoy that incredible aroma!

3. Marinate for Maximum Flavour

   
   

   Transfer the chicken cubes into the bowl containing the marinade. With a spoon, or using your hands, gently toss the chicken until every piece is generously coated in the delicious mixture. Cover the bowl with cling film and pop it into the fridge to marinate. We suggest a minimum of 30 minutes, but for a truly deep and infused flavour, allow it to rest for 2 to 4 hours. Avoid marinating for longer than 8 hours, as the lemon juice may begin to alter the chicken’s texture.

4. Assemble Your Skewers

   
   

   After the chicken has had sufficient time to marinate, it’s time for assembly. If you are using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least half an hour to stop them from burning. Gently thread the pieces of marinated chicken onto the skewers, leaving a little gap between each piece to promote even cooking. Be careful not to overcrowd them!

Cooking Your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

When it’s time to cook, you have several excellent choices. Each of these methods will produce a slightly different, yet equally tasty, outcome.

On the Grill (The Classic Method)

For that quintessential smoky taste and those lovely char lines, using the grill is our number one recommendation. These are guaranteed to be the perfect grilled chicken skewers for any barbecue.

1. To begin, preheat your grill until it reaches a medium-high temperature.
2. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
3. Arrange the skewers on the grill and cook for approximately 10-15 minutes, turning them every few minutes.
4. The chicken is ready when it is golden-brown, has a slight char, and is cooked all the way through (a meat thermometer should read 74°C or 165°F).

In the Oven (Easy & Convenient)

If you don’t own a grill or the British weather is not on your side, baking your skewers in the oven is a superb alternative.

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. For an easy clean-up later, line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
3. Place the skewers onto the prepared tray in a single layer.
4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning them over at the halfway point, until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked.

In the Air Fryer (Quick & Crispy)

The air fryer is your greatest ally for achieving a speedy and delightfully crispy finish. You might need to use shorter skewers or simply cook the chicken pieces without them.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F).
2. Lay the skewers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer (this may require cooking in batches).
3. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them midway, until the chicken is cooked through with crispy edges.

What to Serve with Your Chicken Skewers

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are wonderfully adaptable and go beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. Here are some of our top suggestions for creating a full and satisfying meal:

• Fresh Salads: A light green salad, a rich and creamy coleslaw, or even a traditional Caesar salad would be perfect.
• Roasted Vegetables: We love them with Mediterranean-style roasted peppers, courgettes, and red onions.
• Carbohydrates: Consider serving them with fluffy white rice, a nutritious quinoa salad, or warm pitta bread for making wraps.
• Dipping Sauces: Although they are delicious as they are, serving them with an extra pot of ranch dressing or a garlic aioli for dipping elevates them to another level.

If you enjoy the combination of garlic and parmesan, we are sure you will also love our Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf. For another brilliant meal featuring that classic ranch taste, be sure to have a look at our Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We’ve put together a few of the most common queries you may have about preparing this recipe. Should you have any more questions, please don’t hesitate to pop them in the comments section!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Of course! Chicken thighs are an excellent substitute as they are naturally juicier and have more flavour. Just chop them into 1-inch pieces and proceed with the recipe as written. You might find they need an extra minute or two of cooking time.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

To achieve the richest flavour, we suggest marinating the chicken for at least 2-4 hours. If you are pressed for time, 30 minutes will still make a noticeable difference. We would advise against marinating for over 8 hours, as the acidity in the lemon juice can begin to compromise the chicken’s texture.

Can I make these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Yes, this is an ideal recipe for advance preparation. The chicken can be left to marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours. You could even assemble the skewers a couple of hours before you intend to cook them, keeping them covered in the refrigerator.

What if I don’t have skewers?

No skewers? Not a problem at all! You can simply cook the marinated chicken pieces in a frying pan on the hob over a medium-high heat until they are cooked through. Alternatively, spread them out on a baking tray to roast in the oven. They will taste just as wonderful.

How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

The trick is to submerge them in water for a minimum of 30 minutes before you thread the chicken on. This simple step helps to stop them from catching fire or becoming too charred on the barbecue or in the oven.

Is it safe to eat?

Yes, it is perfectly safe, provided the chicken is cooked to the correct temperature. It is vital to make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). We always recommend using a meat thermometer to be certain. The UK’s Food Standards Agency offers fantastic guidance on cooking food safely and minimising any risks.

Get Ready to Wow Your Guests!

And there we have it—a straightforward, dependable, and incredibly delicious recipe for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. This is so much more than just an easy chicken recipe; it’s a dish designed to bring people together, whether it’s for a summer barbecue or a weeknight family dinner. The delightful mix of creamy, tangy, and savoury notes is a true crowd-pleaser that we are certain will become a regular feature in your kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to gather your ingredients, let that chicken marinate, and get ready for a flavour journey you are unlikely to forget. We are eager to hear how much you enjoy them! Please do leave a comment below to tell us how your skewers turned out, or to share any of your own creative variations!