Looking for your new go-to crowd-pleaser? These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers have it all: juicy tender chicken, a crispy, savory coating, and loads of bold, irresistible flavor. They’re marinated in a dreamy ranch-parmesan-garlic combo that takes only minutes to put together, yet the results will have everyone hovering around the grill asking for seconds. Whether it’s family dinner, game day, or a backyard BBQ, this is one dish you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is how the simplest ingredients transform into pure magic. Each ingredient here has a job to do—creating tang, depth, or tenderness—so don’t skip anything! Gather these staples and let’s build layers of flavor together.
- Ranch Dressing: Brings a creamy, tangy tang to the marinade and helps everything stick beautifully to the chicken.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds bold, nutty, salty flavor and creates a golden crust during grilling.
- Olive Oil: Keeps the chicken moist and succulent, plus helps conduct heat evenly on the grill.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers that aromatic punch every good skewer needs.
- Dried or Fresh Parsley: Brightens things up with herby flecks throughout each bite.
- Black Pepper: Kicks up the flavor just enough—freshly cracked is best if you have it.
- Garlic Powder: Doubles-down on the garlicky goodness, making sure it shines through.
- Lemon Juice (optional): Adds a zingy, fresh touch if you want that little extra burst of brightness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Go for thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts if you prefer leaner meat—both work beautifully here.
- Wooden or Metal Skewers: If using wooden skewers, remember to soak them first to prevent burning.
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade
Let’s start with the flavor bomb! In a medium bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, grated parmesan, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice if you’re using it. You want everything mixed really well so each piece of chicken gets evenly coated in all those delicious flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Cut your chicken into even 1-inch cubes (this is the perfect size for skewers). Place the pieces in a big resealable bag or a shallow dish, pour over that creamy marinade, and toss to cover each chunk. Seal or cover and pop in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—but if you can plan ahead for up to two hours, the chicken gets even juicier and more flavorful.
Step 3: Prep the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, this is the time to soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent scorching on the grill. Once your chicken is finished marinating, thread the cubes onto your skewers, leaving a little breathing room between each for even cooking and a gorgeous sear.
Step 4: Fire Up the Grill
Heat your grill to medium-high—hot enough to sear but not burn. Once it’s ready, lay your prepared Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers on the grill grates. Let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes, giving them a turn every few minutes to ensure every side gets those beautiful grill marks. They’re done when the chicken is cooked through and hits an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Take the skewers off the heat and let them rest for a couple minutes to keep all that juiciness inside. Before serving, shower them with extra parsley or a dusting of parmesan for a pretty finish. Hand them out hot, with your favorite sides or a drizzle of ranch or yogurt dip.
How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes
Give your skewers a pop of color and flavor with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of parmesan. These little touches not only make your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers look irresistible, but they add a burst of freshness and a cheesy finish every time you take a bite.
Side Dishes
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are incredibly versatile—serve them with a big bowl of grilled veggies for a hearty, colorful plate, or go classic with a crisp green salad to lighten things up. Rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or even a scoop of couscous will round out the meal if you’re after something more filling.
Creative Ways to Present
These skewers aren’t just for dinner—they make the perfect finger food at parties and picnics, too. Try arranging them on a platter with different dipping sauces (think ranch, BBQ, or a spicy mayo). Or, tuck the grilled chicken off the skewer and into warm pitas, wraps, or grain bowls for a fun twist on leftovers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, just slide the chicken off the skewers and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen as they chill—just be sure to use within three days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze these for later! After cooling, place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—this helps keep the chicken tasting fresh and avoids any textural issues.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until piping hot. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick lunch, but reheating in the oven helps maintain the crisp edges and juicy interior that make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers so crave-worthy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought ranch dressing for the marinade?
Absolutely! Store-bought ranch works just fine, but if you have homemade ranch on hand, it adds an extra fresh touch. The key is that creamy-tangy base flavor.
What’s the best chicken cut for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?
Both chicken breasts and thighs are delicious. If you prefer extra juicy and tender meat, go for thighs. If you like leaner protein, chicken breast won’t disappoint—just be careful not to overcook!
Can I cook these in the oven instead of on a grill?
Yes, you can! Arrange your skewers on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to get even color and doneness. A quick broil at the end gives great caramelization.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor boost, aim for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better. Up to two hours in the fridge allows the flavors to really soak in. Avoid marinating overnight since the ranch can start to break the chicken down too much.
What other herbs can I use for more flavor?
Try adding a pinch of dried thyme, oregano, or even a little rosemary for extra earthiness. These herbs pair beautifully with the ranch and parmesan, making your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers even more unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dish that checks all the boxes—easy, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress—then you just have to try Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. They’re a true crowd-pleaser and so fun to prepare. Save this recipe for your next get-together; your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
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Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 45-135 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful bites of chicken marinated in creamy ranch dressing, savory parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then grilled to perfection. These skewers are ideal for summer BBQs, parties, or weeknight dinners, delivering tangy, herby flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional for extra tang)
For the Skewers:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch dressing, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice if using. Stir until all ingredients are fully combined and creamy.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the cubed chicken into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for a richer flavor.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 15 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should develop a nice char on the surface.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skewers from the grill and allow them to rest for a few minutes. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Notes
- If possible, marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Using chicken thighs will result in juicier and more succulent skewers.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
- For extra herb flavor, add fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the marinade.
- Avoid frequent turning on the grill for perfect char and grill marks.
- These skewers pair well with grilled veggies, salad, rice, or dipping sauces like ranch or BBQ.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30-120 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe (about 2-3 skewers)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg