Cooking is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories. I still remember the first time I made Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. It was a warm summer evening, and I wanted to impress my friends with something simple yet delicious. The aroma of garlic and herbs filled the air while we gathered around the grill, laughter mingling with the sizzling sounds of the skewers cooking. Those moments in the kitchen remind me of why I love to cook – to share joy and laughter through food. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal or a gathering with friends, these skewers bring everyone together. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make these mouthwatering Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.
The Story & Intro
The first time I truly fell in love with cooking was during a family barbecue, surrounded by my loved ones, sharing stories over delicious meals. It’s funny how a dish can evoke such cherished memories. Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, in particular, hold a special place in my heart. The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. It’s one of those recipes that brings comfort while also being easy to prepare, allowing even novice cooks to shine.
As I prepared these skewers on that sunny day, I learned that the kitchen isn’t just a place to cook; it’s a space where creativity flourishes. I discovered my love for combining bold flavors with everyday ingredients. That’s what you’ll find with this recipe for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – a delightful dish that’s approachable yet impressive. With every bite, it’s not just about the chicken; it’s about the delightful experience of sharing and enjoying food with those you love.
Now, let’s dive into the recipe itself, starting with the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs/breasts), cut into 3-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tbsp dry ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), for sauce
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning (for sauce)
- 1 tsp dried dill (for sauce)
- ½ tsp onion powder (for sauce)
Part 1: Ingredients and Preparation for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
The first stage in creating these delightful Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers involves gathering all your ingredients. Freshness is key in this dish, so ensure you use quality chicken and fresh herbs whenever possible.
First, cut your chicken into manageable three-inch pieces. This size allows them to cook evenly while being easy to handle on the skewers. In a bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the chicken pieces. This not only helps in flavoring but also keeps the chicken juicy during cooking.
Now it’s time for the star of the show: the seasonings. Sprinkle in 1½ tablespoons of dry ranch seasoning, along with dried dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is completely coated with the delightful mix of spices. Not only does this preparation infuse the chicken with flavor, but it also ensures that every bite is delicious.
While you let the seasoned chicken sit for a few minutes to absorb the spices, prepare your skewers. Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes, which prevents them from burning while cooking. Once the sauce is prepared and the chicken is ready, the magic truly begins as you thread the chicken onto the skewers.
This part is particularly fun since you can get creative by alternating chicken pieces with colorful veggies if you wish.
Part 2: Making the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
The next step is to whip up the delicious Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce. This sauce is what takes your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers from good to unforgettable. In a saucepan, melt your stick of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic, letting it sauté until fragrant—about 2-3 minutes will do.
After the garlic has softened, it’s time to incorporate the flavor boosters. Whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting the amount to your liking for a richer cheese flavor. Next, add your hot sauce for a hint of heat, followed by the red pepper flakes and minced parsley for freshness. Finally, include the remaining dry ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder. This step ensures that each bite of the skewer reflects the deliciousness of the sauce.
Set aside about two-thirds of the sauce for basting during cooking; this will keep your skewers moist and packed with flavor. The remaining portion will be saved for drizzling over the finished product before serving.
Part 3: Cooking the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Now that your skewers are prepared and the sauce is ready, it’s time to cook them. There are several methods you can use, depending on your preference and equipment available.
If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F. Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for about 5 minutes. After that, flip the skewers, baste them with the sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes. Then flip again and baste before cooking for an additional 5–6 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Alternatively, if you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 450°F. Bake the skewers on a foil-lined sheet for 14 minutes, flipping them halfway through and basting with sauce throughout the cooking process. For an extra touch, broil them for 2 minutes at the end to crisp up the chicken and melt the cheese.
Grilling is also a fantastic option. Place the skewers over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with the garlic butter sauce as they cook. When finished, the skewers should be golden brown and glistening, ready to be enjoyed with an extra drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
Part 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to relish in the delightful experience they bring. Serving these skewers creates an inviting feast that will impress your family and friends. Present the skewers on a vibrant platter, garnished with additional minced parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
For a complete meal, pair the skewers with a light salad, some grilled vegetables, or your favorite sides. The versatility of these skewers allows you to enjoy them in numerous ways. They can be the star of a barbecue gathering, a comforting weeknight dinner, or even served as appetizers at a party.
The beauty of Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers lies in their ability to unite loved ones around the table. Encourage everyone to dig in, share stories, and make memories. No matter where you serve these skewers, remember that the key ingredient is always love.
FAQs
- Can I use different proteins?
Yes! These skewers work beautifully with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving. - Can I prep these skewers ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken and prepare the skewers a few hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge until ready to cook. - What should I serve with these skewers?
They pair excellently with salads, rice, grilled vegetables, or even dips like ranch or buffalo sauce for added flavor.
Conclusion
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are not just a meal; they’re an experience. The combination of rich flavors and the joyful process of cooking and sharing them with loved ones is what makes this dish special. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So the next time you’re looking to create a memorable meal, give these skewers a try—they might just become your new family favorite!
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs/breasts), cut into 3-inch pieces Fresh chicken is recommended.
- 2 tbsp olive oil Drizzled over chicken for flavor and moisture.
- 1.5 tbsp dry ranch seasoning Main seasoning for chicken.
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 stick unsalted butter (½ cup), for sauce Used for the garlic Parmesan sauce.
- 8-10 cloves garlic, minced For the sauce.
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adjust according to taste.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce Adjust to taste for spiciness.
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced For garnishing and flavor.
- 1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning (for sauce)
- 1 tsp dried dill (for sauce)
- 0.5 tsp onion powder (for sauce)
- Wooden skewers N/A soaked in water for 30 minutes To prevent burning during cooking.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut chicken into manageable three-inch pieces.
- Drizzle olive oil over chicken pieces and mix thoroughly.
- Add dry ranch seasoning, dried dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Toss until the chicken is fully coated.
- Soak wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes.
Making the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
- Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and minced parsley.
- Include remaining dry ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder.
- Set aside two-thirds of the sauce for basting; reserve the rest for drizzling.
Cooking the Skewers
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and cook 2-3 skewers for about 5 minutes.
- Flip the skewers, baste with sauce, and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Flip again, baste, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Alternatively, preheat oven to 450°F and bake skewers for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For grilling, cook skewers over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with sauce as they cook.
Serving
- Serve the skewers on a vibrant platter, garnished with minced parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Pair with a light salad, grilled vegetables, or your favorite sides.