Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

Bring together juicy grilled chicken with ranch, garlic, and parmesan for a crowd-pleasing main or appetizer. The chicken is marinated for extra tenderness, then threaded onto skewers and grilled. Each bite delivers a smoky flavor balanced with creamy ranch, savory garlic, and rich parmesan. These skewers are easy to prepare, customizable with additional herbs or spices, and ideal for summer gatherings, quick dinners, or family BBQs. Enjoy them straight from the grill, on salads, or as part of a larger spread—no matter how you serve them, they’re sure to please!

A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:40:33 GMT
Chicken skewers with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pin
Chicken skewers with garlic and Parmesan cheese. | mellierecipes.com

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers promise a combination of creamy ranch flavor, savory garlic, nutty parmesan, and perfectly grilled chicken. This recipe is all about bold taste with minimal effort. You get that classic charred grill flavor with a rich marinade everyone will remember. Sometimes I make these on a whim for a weeknight yet every time I serve them, they bring back memories of relaxed family BBQs and laughter around the table.

I tried these skewers on a summer afternoon with my kids helping thread the chicken. Now we make them every grilling season and it is always the meal of choice for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

  • Ranch dressing: brings creamy tang and coats the chicken beautifully choose a high quality brand for richer flavor
  • Parmesan cheese: layers in nutty savory notes fresh grated melts best
  • Olive oil: helps brown chicken evenly and keeps it moist extra virgin works especially well
  • Garlic: adds depth so use fresh garlic for true flavor
  • Parsley: brightens the taste and gives a classic ranch color use fresh if you have it
  • Black pepper: provides gentle heat and balances creamy elements grind fresh for best flavor
  • Garlic powder: boosts the garlicky aroma without overwhelming
  • Lemon juice: gives a lift to the rich marinade optional but worth including for a touch of zing
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: make perfect bite sized pieces choose fresh meat and trim any excess fat
  • Wooden or metal skewers: ready for threading and grilling soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine ranch dressing parmesan olive oil garlic parsley black pepper garlic powder and lemon juice in a large bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the chicken cubes tossing until every piece is thickly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least thirty minutes up to two hours for deeper flavor
Thread the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers soak them in water for fifteen minutes. Carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer leaving a little space between for even cooking
Preheat and Prep the Grill:
Heat your grill to medium high. Clean and oil the grates to keep chicken from sticking. Let the grill reach a consistent temperature before adding skewers
Grill the Skewers:
Place skewers on the grill. Cook for about five to seven minutes per side until chicken is golden with grill marks and cooked through juices should run clear and internal temperature reaches one hundred sixty five degrees F. Turn occasionally for even charring
Finish and Serve:
Remove from grill and let rest a few minutes to keep chicken juicy. Sprinkle with extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides or over a salad
Chicken skewers with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pin
Chicken skewers with garlic and Parmesan cheese. | mellierecipes.com

Garlic is my favorite part since just a little fresh garlic goes a long way. My youngest always sneaks parmesan directly from the bowl while we thread the skewers together—that sprinkle on top is a family tradition now

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken skewers keep best in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat use the oven or a hot skillet so the chicken stays juicy. If freezing wrap the cooked skewers tightly and thaw before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute Greek yogurt for part of the ranch for a lighter twist. Thighs stay juicier than breasts if grilling over high heat. Add a little smoked paprika or dried oregano for a flavor change

Serving Suggestions

Serve these alongside roasted potatoes or a big green salad. Try tucking the chicken into pita with crunchy lettuce and more ranch for a quick wrap. For appetizers slide the pieces off the skewers and serve with toothpicks and extra ranch for dipping

Skewers of chicken with garlic and Parmesan cheese. Pin
Skewers of chicken with garlic and Parmesan cheese. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural Context

Chicken skewers have roots in grilling traditions across the world from Middle Eastern kebabs to Mediterranean souvlaki. This ranch garlic parmesan version is a true taste of American cookout style with familiar flavors everyone recognizes

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should I marinate the chicken before grilling?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse, but up to 2 hours enhances tenderness and taste.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Cut to even sizes for consistent grilling.

→ Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes to help prevent burning when placed on the grill.

→ Can these skewers be cooked indoors?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan or broil the skewers in the oven for similar results if grilling outdoors isn’t an option.

→ What sides pair well with these chicken skewers?

Serve with grilled vegetables, fresh salads, or rice pilaf to complete the meal and complement the flavors.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to retain moisture.

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Tender chicken skewers marinated in ranch, garlic, and parmesan—perfect for grilling or easy weeknight dinners.

Prep Time
10 minutes
Cooking Duration
15 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
25 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 4 Portions

Diet Preferences: Low-Carb Friendly, Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Marinade

01 120 ml ranch dressing
02 30 g grated parmesan cheese
03 30 ml olive oil
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
06 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
08 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

→ Skewers

09 680 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2.5 cm cubes
10 Wooden or metal skewers

How to Prepare

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine ranch dressing, parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice if using. Whisk until thoroughly combined.

Step 02

Place the chicken cubes in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover or seal and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 03

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (200°C to 220°C). If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning.

Step 04

Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, spacing pieces slightly apart for even cooking.

Step 05

Place skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes, rotating regularly, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C.

Step 06

Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 2 minutes. Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional parmesan or fresh herbs.

Extra Tips

  1. For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Freshly chopped herbs can be used for an aromatic finish.

Tools Required

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Grill
  • Skewers
  • Tongs

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (parmesan cheese, ranch dressing); check ranch dressing for egg or gluten.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 325
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 2 grams
  • Protein Content: 30 grams