If you’re searching for a main course that’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe. Juicy chicken breast is marinated in creamy ranch, fresh garlic, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan, then grilled (or easily baked or air fried) until beautifully golden. Every bite bursts with bold flavors and herby goodness, making it a go-to favorite for busy weeknights, summer cookouts, or even meal prepping ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its handful of simple yet bold ingredients. Each adds its own special touch, enhancing the flavor, texture, or appearance of these irresistible kabobs—so don’t skip a thing!
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: The lean, tender star that soaks up every drop of that savory marinade.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, this acts as both a flavor booster and tenderizer—homemade or your favorite dairy-free store-bought.
- Dairy-Free Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, cheesy depth with a hint of saltiness; divide for marinating and finishing.
- Fresh Parsley: Vibrant and herby, a burst of color and freshness in every bite.
- Fresh Minced Garlic: Amplifies the savory garlic flavor, crucial for building that ranchy, herby punch.
- Garlic Powder: Gives an extra layer of garlic flavor that works into every nook and cranny of the chicken.
- Salt: Brings out all the flavors of the marinade (adjust to taste as needed).
- Black Pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a subtle warmth—you’ll notice if it’s missing!
How to Make Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken breasts. Chop them into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces. Keeping each chunk a similar size ensures they’ll cook at the same rate, so every skewer is perfectly juicy.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, half the parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss in the chicken pieces and stir thoroughly so every cube is luxuriously coated. This marinade is where the Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe gets its signature garlicky, herby kick.
Step 3: Marinate
Let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If you have extra time, marinating overnight takes these kabobs to another level, making them even more tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Skewer the Chicken
Once marinated, carefully thread the chicken pieces onto your skewers. If using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes, so they won’t burn during cooking. Leave a little space between pieces for even heat circulation.
Step 5: Grill, Bake, or Air Fry
Choose your favorite cooking method—this recipe is flexible! For grilling, heat your grill to medium and brush the grates with olive oil to prevent sticking. Cook skewers for about 5 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. For the oven, broil on a lined baking sheet for around 5 minutes per side. Air frying? Pop them in at 425°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway. All three techniques bring out that rich ranch and parmesan flavor!
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Once cooked through, sprinkle remaining parmesan cheese over the hot kabobs. Serve immediately with an extra pinch of salt to taste, and enjoy the irresistible aroma!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe
Garnishes
For a burst of color and a touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a little extra parmesan over your kabobs just before serving. A squeeze of lemon can add a lively zing to every bite, especially if you want to cut through the richness of the ranch and cheese.
Side Dishes
These kabobs are positively delightful with just about anything. Serve over fluffy rice or herbed quinoa, alongside grilled vegetables, or with a crisp, vibrant salad for a lighter meal. Warm pita bread and a creamy tzatziki or hummus dip round out this Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe beautifully!
Creative Ways to Present
Show off your kabobs by plating them on a rustic wooden board, garnished with colorful veggie skewers in between. For parties, try sliding the chicken off the skewers onto a platter for easy sharing, or serve “kabob bowls” with all your favorite toppings and sides for a build-your-own kabob dinner experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe keep beautifully. Store the cooled chicken (remove from skewers for easier packing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making for even tastier leftovers the next day!
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for another busy night, these kabobs freeze well. Transfer cooked, cooled chicken (off the skewers) to a freezer-safe bag or container. Separate layers with parchment if you like, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat chicken in a 350°F oven or air fryer until warmed through—just a few minutes will bring them back to their original juicy, flavorful glory. A quick microwave zap works too, though you might sacrifice a bit of crispiness. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top after reheating for that freshly-cooked vibe.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, so they’ll stay extra juicy and flavorful—just chop and marinate them the same way as the breast meat.
Is it okay to marinate the chicken overnight?
Yes, marinating overnight is perfectly fine and actually deepens the flavor. If you’re planning ahead, let the chicken soak in the marinade for up to 24 hours for the best taste and tenderness.
How do I make my own dairy-free ranch dressing?
You can quickly blend a mix of unsweetened dairy-free milk, vegan mayo, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs like dill and chives. There are plenty of easy homemade recipes, but your favorite store-bought brand works too.
What kind of parmesan works best here?
If you’re keeping things dairy-free, the Follow Your Heart brand is a winning choice for this Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe. If you don’t need dairy-free, try freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano for a rich, savory finish.
Can these kabobs be made without a grill?
Definitely! Both broiling in the oven and using the air fryer result in perfectly cooked, golden kabobs. Just follow the specific cooking times above, and you’ll get great results even without firing up the grill.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving a dinner that’s both irresistible and fuss-free, this Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe is absolutely worth making. It’s flavorful, versatile, and guaranteed to become a staple in your home—so grab those ingredients and enjoy every garlicky, cheesy, herby bite!
Print
Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Air Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be grilled, air fried, or baked in the oven. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of ranch dressing, garlic, and Parmesan, resulting in juicy and tender kabobs with a perfect balance of savory flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 4 ounces ranch dressing (1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup dairy-free parmesan, divided
- 1/4 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Trim and chop the chicken breast into bite-sized chunks.
- Marinate the Chicken: Toss chicken with ranch dressing, 1/4 cup parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers.
- Grill: Heat the grill to medium heat and grill the kabobs for 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.
- Oven: Broil the skewers for 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 425°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Finish: Sprinkle with additional parmesan and salt to taste before serving.
Notes
- Our top pick for dairy-free parmesan is Follow Your Heart brand.
- Store-bought dairy-free ranch dressing can be used as an alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 kabob
- Calories: 258 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1223mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
