Prepare yourself for pure, crave-worthy flavor, because Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy pieces of chicken—marinated in ranch spices, skewered, and grilled or air-fried—drenched in a garlicky Parmesan butter sauce with flecks of fresh parsley. It’s a weeknight dinner that feels like a backyard party, packed with irresistible ranch-herb flavor and plenty of that cheesy, buttery goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing friends, Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers absolutely deliver on taste and fun.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how a few simple, familiar staples combine to make something so thrilling. Each ingredient shines here, from the herb-packed ranch seasoning to the garlicky Parmesan sauce—everything builds bold flavor and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.

Chicken tenders (or thighs/breasts): The perfect blank canvas—tender, juicy, and made for soaking up the marinade and sauce.
Olive oil: Gives moisture and helps the seasonings stick to the chicken.
Dry ranch seasoning: Delivers classic tang, zest, and savory notes; the hero of our marinade and sauce.
Dried dill: A fragrant herb that brightens and boosts the ranch vibes.
Paprika: Adds smokiness and a beautiful golden hue when cooked.
Garlic powder: Builds savory depth in every bite.
Onion powder: Subtle sweetness and extra savory background flavor.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning the chicken just right.
Unsalted butter: The star of our luscious garlic Parmesan sauce.
Fresh garlic cloves: Ten brings bold, punchy flavor—don’t skimp here!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and melts right into the buttery sauce.
Hot sauce: A kick of heat to balance richness; feel free to adjust the amount.
Red pepper flakes: Just a sprinkle to wake up your tastebuds.
Fresh parsley: For pops of green and fresh flavor right at the end.
Wooden skewers: Soak them first to prevent burning, then load them up with seasoned chicken.

How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into even, bite-sized pieces—about three inches each tends to work best for both cooking quickly and staying juicy. In a big mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil, ranch seasoning, dill, paprika, garlic and onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together well to ensure every chunk is fully coated. Thread the marinated chicken snugly onto your soaked skewers, leaving just a little space at the ends for handling.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Now for the star: the buttery sauce! Melt your butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant. Off the heat, whisk in the Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, more ranch seasoning, a little more dill, and onion powder. The sauce should be rich and pourable with garlicky, ranch-packed aroma. Set aside about two-thirds of the sauce for basting at the very end; the rest will go on during cooking for building layers of flavor.

Step 3: Cook Your Skewers (Choose Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill)

How you cook these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is up to you! For the air fryer, preheat to 400°F and arrange two or three skewers per batch in a single layer. Cook for five minutes, then flip and brush with some butter sauce. Cook another two minutes, flip, baste again, and finish with five or six more minutes until golden and 165°F inside. If baking, preheat your oven to 450°F, bake on a foil-lined sheet (flipping halfway and basting as you go), then broil for a couple of minutes at the end. If grilling, go for a medium-high grill and cook about five or six minutes per side, brushing on sauce each time you flip. Each method locks in all that ranch-parmesan juiciness.

Step 4: Finish With Extra Sauce and Cheese

Don’t forget the last flourish! As soon as your skewers are done, brush or drizzle them with the reserved garlic Parmesan butter and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan. This final hit makes the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers absolutely irresistible—bursting with flavor and impossible to resist.

How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Finish off your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and plenty of chopped fresh parsley. If you want a little color, add a touch of extra paprika or a dash of red pepper flakes. Lemon wedges are fantastic for a bright, fresh squeeze right before digging in!

Side Dishes

For a complete meal, pair these skewers with fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or crispy roasted potatoes—each soaks up the garlic butter sauce perfectly. Light and crunchy salads or a medley of grilled or roasted veggies balance the richness and add some color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the skewers family-style on a platter with a bowl of extra sauce or ranch dip for dunking. Try serving them as sliders—nestled into little buns with lettuce and tomato. Or make a party platter with the skewers arranged over greens and lemon wedges for dramatic impact. However you serve them, Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers left, remove the chicken from the wooden sticks and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld and get even richer overnight, making lunch the next day an exciting prospect.

Freezing

To freeze, let the chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or a container (off the skewers). The Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers stay flavorful for up to two months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat the chicken in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep things juicy. You can also microwave on medium power, covering to prevent drying out. Add a fresh drizzle of garlic Parmesan butter if you have extra to bring the skewers back to their original glory.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of dry seasoning?

It’s best to stick with dry ranch seasoning for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers—it allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken without adding moisture that could dilute the marinade. Save the liquid ranch for dipping on the side!

Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese in the sauce?

While Parmesan is classic, you can try Pecorino Romano for a similar salty, nutty flavor. For a milder taste, finely grated Asiago or even a sprinkle of nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free version) works too.

How do I keep chicken skewers from sticking to the grill or pan?

Make sure your grill grates or sheet pan are generously oiled before cooking. Let the chicken develop a slight crust before flipping, and use tongs to gently turn the skewers. Soaking wooden skewers also prevents burning.

Can I prep Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers ahead of time?

Absolutely! Marinate and skewer the chicken a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook. The sauce can also be made ahead and stored separately, then warmed just before serving.

Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

Yes! Adjust the hot sauce and red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference. For extra kick, add more of both; for a milder version, simply leave them out—the ranch and garlic Parmesan flavors will still wow you.

Final Thoughts

Go ahead—bring some excitement to your table with these Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers. The recipe couldn’t be easier, but the flavors are truly next-level. Give this dish a try soon, and watch it disappear at any gathering or weeknight dinner!

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and tasty meal. Tender chicken pieces are seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, then cooked to perfection and finished with a rich garlic Parmesan butter sauce.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: In a bowl, mix all chicken seasonings. Add chicken pieces, olive oil, and seasonings. Toss to coat thoroughly. Thread chicken tightly onto soaked skewers.
Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan or microwave with minced garlic. Add Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, herbs, and remaining seasonings. Whisk to combine. Reserve ⅔ of the sauce for final basting, and use ⅓ for cooking.
Cook (Air Fryer Method): Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook 2–3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip and baste with sauce. Cook for 2 more minutes, flip again, baste, and cook 5–6 more minutes or until internal temp reaches 165°F. Finish with reserved garlic butter and extra Parmesan.
Alternate Oven Method: Preheat oven to 450°F. Bake skewers on a foil-lined sheet for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting throughout. Broil for 2 minutes at the end. Finish with reserved sauce and Parmesan.
Alternate Grill Method: Grill skewers over medium-high heat, 5–6 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter as they cook. Finish with a final drizzle of sauce and Parmesan.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Air Fry, Oven, Grill
Cuisine: American