Ranch garlic parmesan chicken has become my absolute go-to for a quick and incredibly flavorful dinner. I remember the first time I tried making it – the aroma of garlic and herbs filled my kitchen, and my family was instantly hooked. This simple ranch garlic parmesan chicken recipe is so easy to whip up, even on the busiest weeknights. The combination of tangy ranch, savory garlic, and salty Parmesan cheese creates a taste sensation that’s simply irresistible. You’ll love how tender and juicy the chicken turns out, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- The flavor is out of this world! It’s a delicious balance of tangy ranch, robust garlic, and savory Parmesan that coats every bite.
- It’s incredibly quick to prepare. You can have this easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken ready in under 30 minutes, from start to finish.
- It’s a fantastic weeknight meal solution that the whole family will adore. Even picky eaters rave about this garlic parmesan ranch chicken bake.
- It’s surprisingly budget-friendly, using common pantry staples to create a restaurant-quality dish.
- The chicken comes out so juicy and tender thanks to the marinade and basting.
- This garlic parmesan ranch chicken skewers recipe is perfect for grilling season, cookouts, or even just a quick backyard dinner.
- It’s a healthy ranch garlic parmesan chicken option if you trim any visible fat from the chicken.
Ingredients for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delicious ranch garlic parmesan chicken dinner. The magic happens with just a few key components that create an unforgettable flavor profile. This easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken recipe relies on a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with incredible taste.
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts – cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing – this is the creamy base that adds tang and moisture
- 3 tbsp olive oil – helps the marinade coat the chicken and adds richness
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – for that essential punch of garlic flavor
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a salty, nutty depth that pairs perfectly with ranch and garlic
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix – boosts the ranch flavor and provides a savory blend of herbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – for a hint of smokiness and beautiful color
- 1 tsp salt – enhances all the other flavors
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – adds a touch of warmth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – for basting the chicken as it cooks, ensuring ultimate juiciness
- Fresh parsley, chopped – for a bright, fresh garnish
- Wooden or metal skewers – soak wooden ones in water for 30 minutes before use
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Get ready for the easiest and most delicious chicken you’ve ever made! This recipe for ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers is a lifesaver for busy nights. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fantastic meal on the table in no time.
- Step 1: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent them from burning. While that’s heating up, let’s get the marinade ready.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the 1/3 cup ranch dressing, 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is well combined and smells amazing. This is where the magic of chicken with ranch garlic parmesan seasoning really starts!
- Step 3: Add the 2 lbs of chicken cubes to the marinade. Toss them gently with your hands or a spoon, making sure every single piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This marinating time is crucial for infusing that fantastic garlic parmesan ranch flavor deep into the chicken.
- Step 4: Once the chicken has marinated, thread the coated cubes onto your prepared skewers. Don’t pack them too tightly; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Step 5: Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or grill pan. Grill for about 10–12 minutes total. You’ll want to turn them every few minutes to get a nice golden-brown color on all sides. During the last few minutes of cooking, generously baste the skewers with the 2 tbsp of melted butter. This step guarantees that extra juicy and tender texture we’re looking for in this simple ranch garlic parmesan chicken.
- Step 6: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden, remove the skewers from the grill. Sprinkle them with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese and some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy your incredible ranch garlic parmesan chicken dinner!
Pro Tips for the Best Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Want to elevate your ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference. For more cooking tips, you can check out our about me page.
- For the most intense flavor, let your chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, or even overnight. This allows the garlic, Parmesan, and ranch to really penetrate the meat.
- Don’t overcrowd the skewers! Leaving a little space between the chicken pieces ensures they cook evenly and get that perfect char.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken while grilling. It cooks quickly, and you want to avoid overcooking, which can make it dry.
- Basting with butter during the final few minutes adds an extra layer of richness and ensures super juicy chicken.
What’s the secret to perfect Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
The real secret to perfect ranch garlic parmesan chicken is the combination of a good quality ranch dressing and not overcooking the chicken. A little butter basting at the end also adds that extra touch of moistness. For more information on cooking techniques, you might find this guide helpful.
Can I make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Threading the skewers and storing them in the fridge is also an option, just be sure to bring them closer to room temperature before grilling for even cooking. If you have questions about our recipes, feel free to contact us.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
The biggest mistake is overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry. Also, make sure to soak your wooden skewers to prevent burning. Don’t skip the marinating time; it’s key for flavor! For more on food safety, consult FoodSafety.gov.
Best Ways to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
These flavorful ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete and satisfying meal, I love serving them alongside some grilled corn on the cob or a simple quinoa salad. The tangy, cheesy flavor of the chicken with ranch garlic parmesan seasoning also complements roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus perfectly. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, consider serving these skewers over a bed of fluffy rice or with some creamy mashed potatoes. They make for a fantastic, easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken dinner any night of the week!
Nutrition Facts for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
When you’re enjoying these delicious ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers, it’s helpful to know what you’re eating. This recipe offers a flavorful way to enjoy chicken, and here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional content per serving.
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. For more details on nutritional information, you can refer to MyFitnessPal.
How to Store and Reheat Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
Once your delicious ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers are off the grill, you’ll want to store any leftovers properly. Let the chicken cool completely before packing it away. This is key to preventing condensation, which can make the chicken soggy. I like to store them in airtight containers, either removing the chicken from the skewers or placing the skewers carefully into a container. You can keep this garlic parmesan ranch chicken casserole in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it into the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your chicken with ranch garlic parmesan seasoning again, reheating is simple. For the best results, I recommend gently warming them in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, just until heated through. This helps maintain their juicy texture, making it an easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken meal even days later.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
What’s the best way to marinate Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
For the most flavorful ranch garlic parmesan chicken, I like to marinate the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours is even better. This gives the ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan plenty of time to really soak into the meat, creating that signature taste. Don’t marinate for too long, though, as the acidity in the ranch dressing can start to break down the chicken texture if left for many hours.
Can I make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken skewers indoors?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a grill, you can easily make this easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken indoors. Use a grill pan on your stovetop over medium-high heat, or even bake them in the oven. For baking, arrange the skewers on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through. You’ll still get that delicious garlic parmesan ranch flavor! You can find more tips from our author on various cooking methods.
What sides pair well with Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken?
These garlic parmesan ranch chicken skewers are incredibly versatile! They go wonderfully with classic barbecue sides like potato salad or coleslaw. For a lighter meal, try serving them with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Rice pilaf or couscous also make excellent bases to soak up any extra marinade and butter from the chicken.
How do I know when the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken is cooked?
The best way to ensure your chicken with ranch garlic parmesan seasoning is perfectly cooked is to use an instant-read thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Visually, it should be opaque throughout with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear when pierced.
Variations of Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers, don’t be afraid to get creative! There are so many fun ways to switch up this versatile recipe.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade for a bit of heat. This spicy ranch garlic parmesan chicken is a game-changer!
- Veggie Skewers: Alternate the chicken cubes with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes on the skewers. This makes for a beautiful and well-rounded meal.
- Bake it! If grilling isn’t an option, this recipe works wonderfully as a garlic parmesan ranch chicken bake. Simply arrange the marinated chicken (and veggies, if using) on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the skewers and serve the marinated chicken pieces over a bed of cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad for a healthy ranch garlic parmesan chicken meal that’s low in carbs.
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken: 1 Easy Flavor
Juicy Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful grilled chicken dish marinated in ranch, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, then basted with butter for a tender and delicious result. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cookouts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers 1x
- Category: Main Dishes
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: No specific diet listed
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for basting)
- fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- wooden or metal skewers
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning.
- Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the prepared skewers.
- Grill the chicken skewers for 10–12 minutes. Turn them occasionally and baste with the melted butter during cooking. Continue grilling until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve these ranch garlic parmesan chicken skewers with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
- Remember to soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- These chicken with ranch garlic parmesan seasoning skewers are great for parties.
- This recipe is an easy ranch garlic parmesan chicken option for busy weeknights.
- Enjoy this garlic parmesan ranch chicken bake for a delicious meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A
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