Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering twist on classic flavors that capture the creamy tang of ranch, the savory richness of Parmesan, and the bold punch of garlic—all on perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken skewers. In just 100 words, this introduction sets the tone for an irresistible, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining friends. The blend of familiar seasonings and convenient cooking methods (air fryer, oven, or grill) makes this recipe versatile and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice chef, these skewers deliver big flavor with little fuss, promising a dish that will become a fast favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- These skewers feature juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce—think garlic bread flavor dialed up with ranch and Parmesan.
- The seasoning mix is bold yet easy, combining ranch, dill, paprika, garlic, and onion powder for big flavor without complexity.
- Skewering the chicken ensures it stays moist and cooks evenly, whether you’re using an air fryer, oven, or grill.
Ingredients
Here’s your ingredient list, lovingly rewritten for clarity and flow:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lb chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3″ pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
- 1 stick (½ cup) butter
- 8–10 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (or more, to taste)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Step‑by‑Step: How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Prep the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl or zip‑top bag, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and the chicken seasoning blend—ranch, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—until well coated.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto the soaked skewers, packing the pieces tightly to lock in moisture. Trim the ends of the skewers if needed so they fit comfortably inside your air fryer or other cooking appliance.
- Make the sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic. Stir in Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, ranch seasoning, dried dill, and onion powder until smooth. If the sauce separates, whisk in a little softened butter to re-emulsify.
- Baste as you cook: Save one third of the sauce for the first basting, and reserve the rest (in a clean bowl) for final basting, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook in air fryer: Cook 2–3 skewers at a time at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with one-third of the sauce, and cook 2 more minutes. Flip again, baste once more, and cook an additional 5–6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Total cooking time: 12–14 minutes (may vary by air fryer).
- Finish & serve: After cooking, brush the clean sauce over the skewers, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
Alternate Cooking Methods:
- Oven: Preheat to 450°F (230°C). Place skewers on foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Bake 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with sauce. Broil 2 minutes until golden. Remove, baste with reserved sauce, and sprinkle with Parmesan.
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill skewers 5–6 minutes per side over direct heat, basting frequently. Remove, baste with reserved sauce, and finish with a Parmesan sprinkle.
Helpful Tips
- Even pieces: Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Sauce safety: Always reserve part of the butter sauce for post-cooking basting to avoid raw chicken contamination.
- Watch times: Air fryer models vary—always use a meat thermometer to confirm your chicken reaches 165°F for safety and juiciness.
- Cheese texture: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded; it gives a creamier sauce.
- Heat level: Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your spiciness preference.
Substitutions And Variations
- Chicken options: Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or breast for leaner skewers.
- Herb swap: Swap dried dill for Italian seasoning or fresh chopped rosemary.
- Cheese twist: Use Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a sharper flavor.
- Sauce flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.
- Low‑fat version: Use light butter or half butter, half Greek yogurt—just note the texture changes.
- Veggie add‑in: Thread bell peppers, zucchini, or red onion into the skewers for added color and nutrition.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerating: Store cooked skewers and any leftover sauce (sealed tightly) in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep reserved butter sauce separate.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked skewers in a zip‑top bag (flat) for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm the skewers in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes, or microwave on medium heat until thoroughly heated.
Nutritional Information
(Approximate per serving, assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: ~350–400 kcal
- Protein: ~30–35 g
- Fat: ~25 g (butter and Parmesan are primary contributors)
- Carbohydrates: ~2–3 g
- Sodium: Varies based on brand of ranch and Parmesan—approx. 500–600 mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use.
Serving Suggestions
- On the plate: Serve skewers over a bed of fluffy rice, garlic bread, or alongside mashed potatoes.
- As an appetizer: Cut off the chicken and serve on toothpicks with a small bowl of extra sauce for dipping.
- With sides: Pair with crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or grilled corn for a full, balanced meal.
- Sauce dip: Warm the reserved sauce for guests to dip or drizzle over the skewers at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
1. Can I use bamboo skewers instead of wooden ones?
Yes, bamboo skewers work—just soak them in water for at least 30 minutes, just like wooden ones, to prevent burning.
2. Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Seasoning the chicken in advance and letting it marinate in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight) helps the flavors deepen and makes the chicken even more tender.
3. Is there a dairy‑free version of the sauce?
Absolutely. You can swap the butter with a dairy-free alternative and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese option. The taste will differ slightly, but it will still be creamy, flavorful, and delicious.
4. Can I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes—this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates. Simply ensure your ranch seasoning and hot sauce have no added sugars. Serve with keto sides (like cauliflower rice or salad).
5. What if I don’t have an air fryer, oven, or grill?
In a pinch, you can cook the skewers in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook about 4–5 minutes per side, basting as you go, until chicken reaches 165 °F.
Conclusion
Thank you so much for trying my Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—your kitchen just got a whole lot more flavorful! I hope you find this recipe as fun and satisfying to make as it is to eat. With its rich, buttery garlic sauce, tangy ranch flavor, and juicy chicken, this dish is sure to become a go-to for weeknight dinners or weekend get-togethers. I love how easy it is to customize with different cooking methods and substitutions, and I know you’ll enjoy experimenting. Thanks for being part of our food-loving community—I can’t wait to hear how your skewers turn out! Enjoy every last savory bite, and happy cooking!
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Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavor-packed, and easy to cook in the air fryer, oven, or grill. Coated in a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce with ranch seasoning, they’re a crowd-pleasing meal that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
2 lb chicken tenders, thighs, or breast, cut into 3” 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 pepper
Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:
1 stick (½ cup) butter
8–10 garlic cloves, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan
1 tbsp hot sauce (or more to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
1 tsp dried dill
½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep the skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- Season the chicken: In a bowl or zip‑top bag, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil and the chicken seasoning blend—ranch, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper—until well coated.
- Skewer the chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto the soaked skewers, packing the pieces tightly to lock in moisture. Trim the ends of the skewers if needed so they fit comfortably inside your air fryer or other cooking appliance.
- Make the sauce: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter with minced garlic. Stir in Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, ranch seasoning, dried dill, and onion powder until smooth. If the sauce separates, whisk in a little softened butter to re-emulsify.
- Baste as you cook: Save one third of the sauce for the first basting, and reserve the rest (in a clean bowl) for final basting, to avoid cross-contamination.
- Cook in air fryer: Cook 2–3 skewers at a time at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with one-third of the sauce, and cook 2 more minutes. Flip again, baste once more, and cook an additional 5–6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Total cooking time: 12–14 minutes (may vary by air fryer).
- Finish & serve: After cooking, brush the clean sauce over the skewers, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
Use fresh Parmesan for the creamiest sauce.
Sauce may separate—whisk in softened butter to re-emulsify.
For oven: Bake at 450°F for 14 mins, then broil 2 mins.
For grill: Cook over medium-high heat 5–6 mins per side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer (approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.8 g
- Protein: 32 g