As the crisp air rolls in and the trees start showing off their golden hues, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill with loved ones, sipping cider, and serving up something warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are exactly that kind of dish — full of fall comfort, bursting with savory ranch flavor, and kissed by the smoky char of the grill.
Perfect for a weekend family dinner or a casual backyard get-together, this recipe has quickly become a reader favorite. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and comes together with just a handful of pantry staples. Whether you’re hosting a game day crowd or simply want a quick protein-packed dinner, these skewers deliver every time.
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Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 22 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
As the crisp air rolls in and the trees start showing off their golden hues, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the grill with loved ones, sipping cider, and serving up something warm, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible. These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are exactly that kind of dish — full of fall comfort, bursting with savory ranch flavor, and kissed by the smoky char of the grill. Perfect for a weekend family dinner or a casual backyard get-together, this recipe is a reader favorite thanks to its big flavor and easy prep.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
- Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo)
- Grilled veggies or warm flatbread on the side
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim for 4–5 pieces per skewer.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice golden crust. Turn once halfway through for even charring.
- Remove from the grill, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite dip or sides.
Notes
Cut chicken into even cubes for consistent grilling. Let skewers rest 5 minutes before serving. Soak wooden skewers in water to prevent burning. No grill? Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
You probably already have most of these ingredients on hand, which makes this recipe a great go-to when you’re short on time but craving something special.
For the chicken skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
- Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For serving:
- Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo)
- Grilled veggies or warm flatbread on the side
🔥 Pro Tip: If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the grated Parmesan and stir until all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a small amount of space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Aim for 4–5 pieces per skewer.
3. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Skewers
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice golden crust. Turn once halfway through for even charring.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Remove from the grill, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite dip or sides.
Tips for Success
- Use even-sized chicken cubes to ensure everything cooks at the same pace.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers. A little breathing room helps the heat circulate and adds that lovely grilled texture.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling so the juices can redistribute.
- Double the batch if you’re feeding a crowd — these skewers disappear fast!
Possible Variations
Want to tweak the recipe to fit your needs? Here are a few fun and easy ways to switch things up:
🌾 Gluten-Free Version
Most ranch seasoning mixes are gluten-free, but double-check the label to be sure. Or make your own blend using dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
🧀 Parmesan Crust Upgrade
Add a crunchy parmesan crust by rolling each skewer in extra grated cheese just before grilling. It melts and crisps up for a flavor-packed bite!
🌶️ Spicy Kick
Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a bit of heat.
🍗 Oven-Friendly
No grill? No problem! Bake the skewers on a foil-lined sheet at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
- Wrap cooked, cooled skewers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating:
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes, or until warmed through.
- For a quick method, use the microwave in 30-second bursts, though the texture may be slightly softer.
❄️ These make great meal prep options — pack with roasted veggies or salad for an easy weekday lunch.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re savoring the last golden hours of a fall evening or planning a quick weeknight dinner, these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers offer unbeatable flavor with minimal fuss. The ranch-garlic-parmesan combo is a crowd-pleaser for all ages, and the smoky char from the grill brings out the cozy, rustic vibes of the season.
So grab those skewers, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a dish that feels like fall on a plate. Happy cooking!