It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone is hungry. These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are the perfect solution for your busy family. They are juicy, cheesy, and require very little effort to prepare. You can have a fresh, hot dinner on the table in under 40 minutes tonight.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a massive hit because it uses familiar flavors kids love. The combination of ranch and parmesan creates a savory, golden crust on the grill. It is ideal for warm summer evenings when you want to keep the kitchen cool. These skewers are also a high-protein option that feels light yet satisfying.
You will love how fast the cleanup is with this meal. Since everything is cooked on sticks, there are fewer pots to scrub later. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a group at your next backyard BBQ. Your friends will definitely ask you for this flavorful recipe.
Simple Cooking Steps
Making these skewers is incredibly straightforward and beginner-friendly. You just mix a quick marinade and coat the chicken cubes well. The ranch seasoning does all the heavy lifting for flavor. Even if you are new to grilling, these steps are easy to follow. Preheating your grill is the secret to getting those beautiful sear marks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or fridge.
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Directions
- Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to saturate the wood fibers and prevent combustion during the grilling process.
- In a non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dry ranch seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper to form a thick marinade paste.
- Incorporate the chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring a uniform coating on all surface areas; allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high heat, targeting a surface temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving approximately 0.25 inches of space between each piece to ensure adequate airflow and even heat distribution.
- Place skewers on the grill grates and sear for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating 90 degrees every 3 to 4 minutes to achieve consistent browning and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove skewers from the heat source and allow to rest for 3 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers warm right off the grill. They pair beautifully with a fresh garden salad or grilled corn. You can also serve them over a bed of fluffy white rice. For a fun party vibe, offer extra ranch dressing for dipping. Pack any leftovers into containers for a delicious and easy weekday lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Keep your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To keep the chicken juicy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F. This usually takes about 10 minutes to warm through completely. You can also slide the chicken off the sticks for easy storage. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispy parmesan texture. These do not freeze well once cooked, so enjoy them fresh!
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip soaking the wooden skewers or they will catch fire.
- Avoid crowding the chicken pieces too tightly to ensure even cooking.
- Swap the chicken breasts for chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Prepare the marinade an hour ahead to save time during dinner prep.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright finish.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Use finely grated parmesan for the best coverage on each piece.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Use gluten-free ranch seasoning to make this meal gluten-friendly.
- Add red bell peppers between the chicken for a fresh summer crunch.
- Swap the black pepper for red pepper flakes if you like heat.
- Try air frying these at 375°F for 12 minutes if it’s raining outside.
Common Questions
Can I make these in the oven?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Turn them halfway through to get even browning on the cheese. Using a wire rack over a baking sheet helps with airflow.
Do I have to use wooden skewers?
Metal skewers work great and don’t require any soaking time. Just be careful as they get very hot on the grill. Always use tongs or heat-resistant gloves to move them.
Will my kids actually like this?
Most kids love the mild and savory flavor of ranch and cheese. It is a very picky-eater friendly meal that feels familiar. Serving food on a stick also makes dinner more fun!
I hope these easy skewers make your summer evenings feel a little more relaxed. They are such a simple way to bring everyone together around the table. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 ounce dry ranch seasoning mix
- 0.5 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Submerge wooden skewers in cold water for 30 minutes to saturate the wood fibers and prevent combustion during the grilling process.
- In a non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, dry ranch seasoning, grated parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and black pepper to form a thick marinade paste.
- Incorporate the chicken cubes into the marinade, ensuring a uniform coating on all surface areas; allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the outdoor grill to medium-high heat, targeting a surface temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers, leaving approximately 0.25 inches of space between each piece to ensure adequate airflow and even heat distribution.
- Place skewers on the grill grates and sear for 12 to 15 minutes, rotating 90 degrees every 3 to 4 minutes to achieve consistent browning and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove skewers from the heat source and allow to rest for 3 minutes before garnishing with chopped parsley and serving.
