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Irresistible Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

I can’t think of anything better than juicy, smoky chicken skewers sizzling on the grill and coated with creamy ranch and rich parmesan flavors.

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These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the kind of dish that instantly makes any day feel like summer.

I love making them for backyard gatherings, family dinners, or even quick weeknight meals when I’m craving something flavorful yet simple.

They’re tender, cheesy, garlicky, and have that perfect smoky char that only grilling can bring. What I enjoy most is how easy they are to prepare—just marinate, skewer, and grill.

Here’s a quick look at what makes these skewers so special:

FeatureInformation
CaloriesApproximately 290 per serving
ProteinAround 32g
CarbohydratesAbout 4g
Fat15g
Gluten-FreeYes
VeganNo
Main IngredientsChicken breast, ranch seasoning, garlic, parmesan cheese
Cooking MethodGrilled
Taste ProfileSavory, cheesy, garlicky, and smoky

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s full of bold, savory ranch and garlic flavors that make every bite irresistible.
  • The grilled parmesan crust adds a delicious golden finish that’s hard to resist.
  • It’s an easy, fuss-free recipe perfect for busy weeknights or weekend cookouts.
  • You only need a handful of simple ingredients, and the prep time is minimal.
  • The chicken stays juicy and tender, even after grilling.
  • It’s gluten-free and packed with protein, making it a balanced, hearty meal.
  • You can easily customize it with your favorite spices or dipping sauces.

Ingredients to Make Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

To make these flavorful skewers, you don’t need many ingredients—just a few pantry staples that come together to create something truly special. Each ingredient adds its own touch of flavor, making the chicken juicy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

Chicken Breasts (1.5 pounds, cut into cubes)
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they’re lean and cook evenly on the grill. Cutting them into bite-sized cubes helps them absorb all the flavors from the marinade.

Ranch Seasoning Mix (2 tablespoons)
This seasoning gives the skewers that classic ranch taste—creamy, herby, and slightly tangy. It also blends perfectly with garlic and parmesan for a rich, savory coating.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Fresh garlic brings bold flavor and enhances the aroma of the grilled chicken. It’s what makes these skewers taste irresistible from the very first bite.

Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, finely grated)
Parmesan adds a nutty and salty flavor that melts beautifully on the grilled chicken. It creates a light crust that makes every skewer extra delicious.

Olive Oil (3 tablespoons)
Olive oil helps coat the chicken and prevents it from sticking to the grill. It also adds a hint of richness that balances the flavors.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon)
A splash of lemon juice brightens up the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it juicy and flavorful.

Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
A little seasoning enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the ranch and parmesan.

Fresh Parsley (for garnish, optional)
Chopped parsley adds a touch of freshness and color to the final dish, making it look even more appetizing.

Wooden or Metal Skewers
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling so they don’t burn. Metal skewers can go straight on the grill.

Steps to Make Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

These skewers are simple to prepare, and the key is letting the chicken soak up all the amazing flavors before grilling. Follow these steps for perfectly juicy and flavorful results.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into equal-sized cubes so they cook evenly. Pat them dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better and give them a beautiful golden sear on the grill.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine ranch seasoning mix, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and fragrant. This mixture will become the flavorful base that coats every piece of chicken.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken cubes to the bowl and toss well to coat them completely with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours if you want deeper flavor. The longer it sits, the more flavorful it becomes.

Step 4: Skewer the Chicken

Once marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly. Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese over the chicken, pressing gently so it sticks.

Step 5: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Make sure the grill is hot before placing the skewers to get those perfect grill marks and smoky flavor.

Step 6: Grill the Skewers

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure all sides are evenly cooked. The chicken should be golden brown and slightly crispy on the edges when done.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan if desired. Serve them warm with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.

Serving Suggestions

These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways.

You can enjoy them fresh off the grill as a main course with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp garden salad.

They’re also perfect for BBQ parties—serve them with corn on the cob, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables for a colorful spread.

If you’re going for something lighter, wrap the skewers in pita bread with lettuce and ranch dressing for a quick handheld meal.

You can even slice the grilled chicken off the skewers and toss it into pasta, rice bowls, or salads.

The cheesy, garlicky flavor adds an instant boost to any dish. For a fun appetizer, serve mini skewers with a small bowl of ranch or spicy mayo dip.

Can We Make these Skewers in Advance?

Yes, you can absolutely make these skewers in advance. In fact, prepping them ahead of time makes cooking even easier when you’re ready to grill.

  • Marinate the Chicken Early: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. The longer it marinates, the richer the flavor becomes. Just keep it covered in the fridge.
  • Assemble the Skewers Ahead: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and refrigerate them on a tray covered with plastic wrap until you’re ready to cook.
  • Store Before Grilling: If you’re not grilling right away, store the prepared skewers in an airtight container and keep them chilled for up to a day.
  • Freeze for Later: You can freeze the marinated chicken (before skewering) for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before grilling.
  • Grill and Reheat: If you’ve already grilled them, reheat gently in a skillet or oven to maintain the juicy texture.

Tips and Tricks

  • Always pat the chicken dry before marinating to help the flavors stick better.
  • Cut the chicken into uniform pieces so they cook evenly and avoid overcooking.
  • Use medium-high heat on the grill to get a golden crust without drying out the chicken.
  • Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
  • Sprinkle parmesan cheese just before grilling for a crispy, cheesy coating.
  • Let the skewers rest for a few minutes after grilling to keep the chicken juicy.

Variations

  • Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a kick.
  • Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano for extra aroma.
  • Cheese Swap: Try pecorino or mozzarella instead of parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
  • Veggie Skewers: Alternate chicken with bell peppers, onions, or zucchini on the skewers.
  • Citrus Twist: Add orange or lime zest to the marinade for a refreshing zing.
  • Dipping Sauces: Serve with honey mustard, garlic aioli, or ranch dip for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

  • Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Keep the skewers separate from any sauces to prevent them from getting soggy.
  • For longer storage, you can freeze cooked chicken skewers for up to 2 months.
  • Wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
  • Thaw frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving.

Can We Reheat them?

  • Yes, reheating is simple and keeps the chicken juicy if done carefully.
  • Use an oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes or a skillet over medium heat.
  • Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can dry out the chicken.
  • Cover with foil while reheating to retain moisture and flavor.
  • Add a fresh sprinkle of parmesan or parsley after reheating for a fresh taste.

Irresistible Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Recipe by JenniferCourse: Main CourseCuisine: American
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

12

minutes
Calories

290

kcal
Total time

32

minutes

Juicy chicken cubes marinated in ranch, garlic, and parmesan, then grilled to perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners, BBQs, or party appetizers.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes

  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

  • Wooden or metal skewers (soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before use)

Directions

  • Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into equal cubes and pat dry.
  • Make the Marinade: Mix ranch seasoning, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
  • Skewer the Chicken: Thread chicken onto skewers, leaving space between pieces, and sprinkle with parmesan.
  • Preheat the Grill: Heat grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates.
  • Grill the Skewers: Cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Garnish and Serve: Let rest for a few minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and extra parmesan if desired.

Notes

  • Soaking wooden skewers prevents burning.

  • Marinating longer enhances flavor.

  • Can be paired with salads, veggies, or garlic bread.

Recipe FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
  • Do I need to soak wooden skewers? Yes, soak them for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
  • Can I bake these instead of grilling? Absolutely, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes until cooked through.
  • Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
  • Can I make it vegan? No, this recipe contains chicken and parmesan, but a plant-based alternative could be used.
  • How long can leftovers be stored? Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Can I marinate the chicken overnight? Yes, marinating up to 24 hours enhances the flavor.

Conclusion

Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. The combination of juicy chicken, garlic, ranch, and parmesan creates a crowd-pleasing meal every time.

They’re easy to prepare, quick to cook, and can be enjoyed fresh, stored for later, or even customized with variations. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, a weekend BBQ, or a party appetizer, these skewers are always a hit.

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Jennifer
Jennifer

I’m Jennifer, the cook and foodie behind I Breathe to Eat. Here I share easy and quick recipes for busy people—like moms, students, or anyone short on time. From breakfast and lunch to dinner, desserts, and drinks, you’ll find simple, delicious meal ideas that makes everyday cooking easier and more enjoyable.

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