If you’re craving a no-fuss dinner bursting with herby, garlicky flavor, these Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs will absolutely become your new weekday (or weekend!) staple. Juicy, tender chicken is marinated in creamy ranch and a double hit of garlic, then hit with tangy parmesan and grilled (or oven-baked, or air-fried!) until lightly crisped and golden. Each bite delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—ideal for busy home cooks or anyone feeding a hungry crowd. This dish proves that delicious can be downright simple, and I can’t wait for you to love it as much as I do.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs rely on everyday fridge and pantry essentials, each carefully chosen to deliver savory, tangy, and fresh notes while keeping prep super simple. Here’s how each ingredient adds to the magic, making this recipe both easy and unforgettable!
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean and quick-cooking, these soak up every bit of the flavorful marinade for juicy, tender results.
- Ranch dressing: Adds herby tang and creaminess; homemade is best, but any favorite store-bought works beautifully too.
- Dairy-free parmesan: Brings salty, nutty richness without dairy—toss some in the marinade and finish with an extra sprinkle for peak flavor.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens everything with a pop of color and a hint of springtime freshness.
- Fresh minced garlic: Gives these kabobs their big-time garlicky punch (don’t skip—fresh is best here!).
- Garlic powder: Doubles down for deep, savory garlic goodness that permeates the chicken.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the other flavors forward—taste and adjust, especially at the finish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthy contrast to the creamy, cheesy elements.
- Skewers (metal or wooden): The vessel for kabob magic! Just soak wood skewers in water to prevent scorching if grilling or baking.
How to Make Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat or bits from your boneless skinless chicken breasts. Then, chop them into bite-sized chunks—think about 1 to 1 ½-inch cubes. Keeping the pieces even means every kabob cooks at the same pace, ensuring perfectly juicy chicken in every bite.
Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor
In a big mixing bowl, toss your chicken chunks with ranch dressing, half of the parmesan, fresh minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until each bit of chicken is generously coated. Cover and let the magic happen for at least 30 minutes (but up to overnight in the fridge for even deeper flavor). This simple step makes Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs unbelievably tasty and tender.
Step 3: Thread onto Skewers
When you’re ready to cook, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto your skewers, packing them just snug enough so there’s a little space for even cooking. If you’re using wooden skewers, make sure they’ve soaked in water for about 30 minutes, so they don’t burn while cooking.
Step 4: Choose Your Cooking Method
You can prepare Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs three ways—on the grill, in the oven, or in the air fryer. For the grill, heat to medium (about 350 degrees), oil the grates, and grill kabobs for 5 minutes, then flip and cook 4–5 minutes more until golden and fully cooked (165 degrees inside). For oven broiling, line a baking sheet with parchment (or set a cooling rack inside), broil 5 minutes per side until golden, watching closely. Air-fryer fans can pop them in at 425°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning. Whichever you pick, you’ll end up with irresistible kabobs!
Step 5: Finish & Serve
Once cooked through, immediately sprinkle the kabobs with the remaining parmesan and a pinch more salt, if needed. The warmth from the chicken helps the cheese melt just a touch, locking in that savory, nutty boost. Now your Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs are ready to shine!
How to Serve Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs
Garnishes
Top your piping hot kabobs with a generous shower of chopped fresh parsley for bright color and a hint of herbiness. A final dusting of extra parmesan or even a crack of black pepper adds a deliciously savory finish. If you want to get extra fancy, squeeze a little fresh lemon over everything for a citrusy lift.
Side Dishes
While Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs are the star, they love a good supporting cast—think fluffy lemon rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp garden salad. Pita or flatbread on the side makes it easy to turn kabobs into portable wraps. Even a simple bowl of couscous or your favorite grain salad pairs beautifully for a fuss-free but complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Lay out your kabobs on a big serving platter, scattered with fresh herbs and extra parmesan for crowd-pleasing appeal. Slide cooked chicken off the skewers directly onto salads or grain bowls for a colorful, protein-packed main. Or, for a party, serve kabobs individually on small plates with a little ramekin of ranch for dipping—everyone loves food on a stick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep them on or off the skewers; either way, the flavors will get even richer as they sit, making for stellar leftovers in wraps, grain bowls, or salads.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some kabobs for a future busy night, go ahead and freeze the fully cooked and cooled chicken (off the skewers is easier). Lay pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze quickly, then move them to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. Just remember to label the date so you don’t lose track of your flavor-packed stash!
Reheating
For best results, reheat Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs gently—either in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or in the air fryer for a super quick, crispy finish. A splash of extra ranch or even a drizzle of olive oil can revive juiciness if needed. Microwaving works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the chicken, so cover them to keep moisture in.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and a bit richer than breasts. Simply trim and chop them just as you would the breasts and follow the same marinating and cooking instructions for fabulous results.
Do I have to marinate the chicken overnight?
You don’t need an overnight marinate for Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs to taste amazing—just 30 minutes gives loads of flavor. But if you have the time, a longer soak never hurts for more depth and tenderness!
Can I make these kabobs without a grill?
Yes! These kabobs are just as tasty broiled in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer. Just follow the alternative cooking directions above and enjoy all the robust flavors, no grill required.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken from sticking on the grill?
A well-oiled grill grate is the secret! Brush your grill grates with olive oil before you start, and try not to move the kabobs too early—let them form a golden crust before flipping for the ultimate Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs.
Are there store-bought dairy-free options for ranch and parmesan?
Definitely. There are plenty of great store-bought dairy-free ranch and parmesan options out there. I personally love the brand Follow Your Heart for parmesan and recommend any favorite dairy-free ranch that fits your dietary needs and taste.
Final Thoughts
I hope you dive right in and try these Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs soon—they’re truly a knockout, simple enough for weeknights but worthy of a backyard bash. With their big flavors and easy, flexible cooking methods, they’re destined to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give them a try, share with friends, and watch the rave reviews roll in!
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: Vegetarian
Description
Easy Garlic Ranch Parmesan Chicken Kabobs are a flavorful and simple chicken recipe that can be grilled, air-fried, or baked in the oven. These kabobs are marinated in a delicious blend of ranch dressing, garlic, and parmesan, resulting in juicy and flavorful chicken skewers.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 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
- Trim and chop the boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized chunks. Toss the chicken with ranch dressing, 1/4 cup parmesan, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Thread the seasoned chicken onto skewers.
- GRILL: Heat the grill to medium heat, brush grates with olive oil, then grill the kabobs for 5 minutes per side or until cooked through.
- OVEN: Preheat the broiler, place skewers on a baking sheet, broil for 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- AIR FRYER: Cook at 425°F for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Sprinkle with additional parmesan cheese and salt before serving.
Notes
- Favorite dairy-free parmesan is recommended for this recipe.
- Homemade or store-bought dairy-free ranch dressing is suitable.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- 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
