If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and surprisingly simple to make, the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken pieces, marinated in a zesty ranch blend, kissed by roasted garlic, and finished with a generous shower of parmesan cheese. This dish combines comforting creaminess with a subtle kick of spice, making it ideal for any occasion — from a casual family dinner to a weekend barbecue with friends. Trust me, once you try it, these skewers will be on repeat in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making this crowd-pleaser come alive. Each component, while straightforward, plays a critical role in delivering the harmonious balance of flavors and vibrant textures that Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe is loved for.
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (thighs or breast): Choose tender cuts for juicy, quick-cooking skewers.
- 1 stick butter: This enriches the garlic parmesan sauce with a luscious creaminess.
- 8-10 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic packs an aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that perfectly complements the ranch seasoning.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and ensures the chicken stays moist.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired): For a subtle heat kick that doesn’t overpower.
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes: Adds just the right amount of spice and color.
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (minced): Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning: The star seasoning that imparts that beloved tangy, herb-filled ranch flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: A delicate herb that lends a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Complements garlic with mild sweetness and depth.
- 1.5 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning: Additional ranch to generously flavor the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: Adds smoky warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlicky profile without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: For garnishing and finishing with a pop of green freshness.
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Soak the Skewers
Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This simple step is crucial because it prevents the skewers from burning during cooking and ensures your chicken cooks safely without any unwanted charred flavors.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Spices
In a bowl, blend 2 tablespoons of olive oil with 1.5 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture until each piece is generously coated. This dry rub infuses the meat with layers of savory, herby goodness that are the foundation of this recipe’s addictive flavor.
Step 3: Thread the Chicken onto Skewers
Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers tightly but without squishing them, so they cook evenly and remain juicy. It helps keep each bite tender, tender, and full of flavor once cooked.
Step 4: Prepare the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the stick of butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning, hot sauce, and 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until you have a creamy, fragrant sauce that will be your skewers’ luscious finishing touch.
Step 5: Cook the Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the chicken skewers in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 7-8 minutes, then flip and baste with the garlic parmesan sauce. Continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden crust. The air fryer seals in the juiciness while giving a slight crisp to the outside — pure perfection!
How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe truly Instagram-worthy and refreshingly bright, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top right before serving. It adds a lovely color contrast and a fresh herbal aroma that balances the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
These skewers pair wonderfully with simple yet flavorful sides like a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For something lighter, a tangy coleslaw or a bed of fluffy rice pilaf also complements the garlicky richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or fun family dinner, serve the skewers laid out on a rustic wooden board alongside small bowls of extra garlic parmesan sauce for dipping. You can also place the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or grilled flatbread to create a stunning, shareable platter that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic parmesan sauce separate if possible to prevent the chicken from getting soggy.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these skewers freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the skewers in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, brushing with additional sauce to keep them moist and flavorful. Avoid microwaving, as that can dry out the chicken and dull the parmesan crust.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, just cut them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly and remain tender on the skewers.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before cooking?
Yes, soaking them in water prevents the skewers from burning during cooking and helps your chicken cook safely without any unpleasant burnt bits.
Can I make these skewers on a grill instead of an air fryer?
Definitely! Grilling imparts a smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the ranch garlic parmesan coating. Just cook over medium heat and baste as directed.
How spicy is this Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe?
The spiciness is moderate thanks to the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
Can I prepare the chicken skewers ahead of time before cooking?
Yes, you can marinate and assemble the skewers a few hours in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook. This helps deepen the flavors but avoid marinating longer than overnight.
Final Thoughts
Trying out the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe will surprise you with just how fast and easy it is to make a mouthwatering dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Whether for weeknight meals or your next gathering, this recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home. So gather your ingredients, fire up the air fryer, and get ready for a flavor-packed journey you won’t forget!
Print
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 skewers (serves 6)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy appetizer or main dish, featuring tender chicken marinated in a blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, and parmesan cheese, then air fried to perfection. The combination of creamy garlic parmesan sauce with a hint of heat from red pepper flakes makes these skewers an irresistible crowd-pleaser, ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (thighs or breast)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup)
- 8–10 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Garnish
- 1/3 cup fresh parsley (minced)
Additional
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
Instructions
- Soak Skewers: Begin by soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil with dry ranch seasoning, dried dill, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Chicken: Toss the chicken tenders in the marinade ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Thread Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers, making sure they are secure and evenly spaced.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, dry ranch seasoning, dried dill, onion powder, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, and parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce is well combined and fragrant.
- Cook Skewers: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Place the chicken skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, flipping the skewers halfway through and basting with the garlic parmesan sauce to enhance flavor and keep them moist. Continue until chicken is cooked through and the exterior is golden and slightly crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the air fryer, brush with any remaining garlic parmesan sauce, sprinkle with fresh minced parsley, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Soaking the skewers prevents them from catching fire or burning in the air fryer.
- Chicken tenders or thighs can be used based on preference; thighs yield juicier results.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes to regulate the spiciness level.
- For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- These skewers can be paired with a side salad, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
