Ranch Chicken Skewers

If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing meal, these Ranch Chicken Skewers are just the thing! Juicy pieces of chicken are marinated in a zesty ranch seasoning blend, threaded onto skewers, and grilled or baked to perfection. They’re perfect for backyard barbecues, weeknight dinners, or party appetizers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Big Flavor, Simple Prep – Ranch seasoning makes the chicken irresistible with minimal effort.
Tender and Juicy – Marinating locks in moisture and flavor.
Versatile Cooking – Grill, bake, or air fry depending on your preference.
Kid-Friendly – Mild, savory flavors that everyone loves.
Perfect for Parties – Easy to prep ahead and great for sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Skewers:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust based on your ranch seasoning’s saltiness)

Optional for Serving:

• Ranch dressing for dipping
• Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
• Lemon wedges

Tools You’ll Need

• Wooden or metal skewers
• Mixing bowl
• Grill or oven
• Tongs
• Meat thermometer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
2. Add the cubed chicken pieces and toss until all pieces are well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Skewers

1. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
2. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Skewers
Grill Method:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Oven Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange the skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Cook the skewers in a single layer for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Step 4: Serve and Garnish

1. Let the chicken skewers rest for 5 minutes after cooking.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with ranch dressing or lemon wedges on the side.

Tips for Perfect Ranch Chicken Skewers
Marinate Long Enough – A minimum of 30 minutes really boosts flavor.
Cut Evenly – Uniform chicken pieces ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers – Give the chicken room to cook thoroughly.
Check the Temp – Always cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Use High Heat – Quick, hot cooking keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Serving Suggestions

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve over fluffy grains with a drizzle of ranch.
• With Veggie Skewers: Grill some zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms alongside the chicken.
• In a Salad: Slice the chicken off the skewers and toss with greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado.
• With Flatbread: Stuff into pita pockets with fresh veggies and a ranch drizzle.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Remove chicken from skewers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Warm in 30-second bursts until heated through.
• Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes for a crispy finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes! Breasts are leaner but still work beautifully. Just be careful not to overcook.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and assemble the skewers ahead, then grill or bake when ready.
3. Can I make my own ranch seasoning?
   Definitely! Mix dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a homemade version.
4. How do I prevent the skewers from burning on the grill?
   Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling.
5. Can I add vegetables to the skewers?
   Yes! Add bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for a colorful and tasty variation.

Final Thoughts
These Ranch Chicken Skewers are a delicious, easy meal that brings big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual parties, or just a fun twist on your regular dinner routine, they’ll quickly become a family favorite. Marinated, juicy, and packed with ranch goodness, they’re impossible to resist!

Fire up the grill or preheat the oven and get ready to savor every juicy bite!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes marinating)
Cooking Time: 12–25 minutes depending on method
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 280 | Protein: 27g | Carbohydrates: 2g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 0g | Sodium: 520mg

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