Name: Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487082H8M42S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders (thighs or breast); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning; 1 teaspoon dried dill; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 stick butter; 8-10 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 cup parmesan (grated); 1 tbsp hot sauce (more if desired); 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes; 1/3 cup fresh parsley (minced)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, wildly satisfying, and just a little bit fun to eat, Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine juicy, tender morsels of chicken threaded on skewers, coated in a ranch-infused spice mix, then bathed in a buttery, garlicky parmesan sauce with just a wink of heat. The result is a savory, crowd-pleasing favorite that’s as perfect for family dinners as it is for game night snacks. This dish packs the zesty tang of ranch, the richness of parmesan, and garlicky goodness into every bite for an epic main you’ll want to make again and again!

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such straightforward ingredients can deliver so much complexity! Each component is carefully chosen to layer in real-deal flavor, add juicy texture to the chicken, and give those skewers serious dinner-table appeal.

Chicken tenders (thighs or breast): The foundation of every great skewer — super tender when cooked just right, and perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavor.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken extra moistness and acts as the base for the seasoning to cling to every bite.
Butter: Creates that decadent, melt-in-your-mouth flavor in the garlic parmesan sauce.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce and chicken with irresistible aromatics — the more, the better!
Parmesan (grated): Adds richness and a nutty, salty kick that pairs perfectly with the ranch seasoning.
Hot sauce: Just enough to add zing and subtle heat — adjust to your liking.
Red pepper flakes: A dash of heat and color that makes every bite pop.
Fresh parsley (minced): Brings a brightness and a fresh finish to balance all the richness.
Dry ranch seasoning: Delivers classic ranch tang and herbaceousness, a must-have for authentic flavor.
Dried dill: Enhances that signature ranch profile and rounds out the herbal notes.
Onion powder: Adds a sweet, savory backbone to the spice blend and sauce.
Paprika: For a gentle smokiness and the beautiful golden color you see when the skewers are done.
Garlic powder: Boosts the overall garlicky punch.
Salt & pepper: Simple, necessary seasonings to sharpen every flavor.
Wooden skewers: Don’t forget to soak them so they don’t scorch in the air fryer or on the grill!

How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep and Skewer the Chicken

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. This step keeps them from burning during cooking, ensuring your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers stay perfectly juicy without any crispy stick edges. While they soak, combine the chicken seasoning mix in a small bowl — this will help the chicken soak up every bit of flavor. Cut your chicken into bite-sized 3-inch pieces to ensure quick, even cooking. Toss the pieces with olive oil and your spice blend in a large bowl or zip-top bag, thoroughly coating every morsel.

Step 2: Thread Chicken and Get Ready

Pack the seasoned chicken tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving no space in between. This is the trick for keeping those skewers tender and juicy, not dry and tough! If you’re using an air fryer and the skewers are too long, give the tops a little snip — it’s worth it for a great fit and even cooking. The tightly packed pieces will caramelize beautifully, locking in moisture.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce

Microwave the butter and minced garlic together in a heat-safe bowl until the butter is just partially melted. Stir in the red pepper flakes, hot sauce, ranch seasoning, dried dill, remaining spices, and parmesan. Whisk until fully combined into a creamy, aromatic sauce. If the sauce looks separated, just add another tablespoon or two of softened butter and keep stirring to bring it back together. This butter sauce is what gives Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers their unforgettable flavor!

Step 4: Baste and Prepare for Cooking

Scoop out about a third of the sauce and set aside specifically for basting the chicken partway through cooking. The rest should be saved for a final, safe brush of sauce at the end to avoid any cross-contamination. Wash your basting brush in between uses for maximum food safety. This careful approach means you’ll have bold flavor throughout and a finishing drizzle that’s rich, buttery, and completely safe to eat.

Step 5: Cook the Skewers

Place 2 or 3 skewers at a time in your air fryer preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and baste generously with your reserved sauce. Return the skewers and cook another 2 minutes. Then, flip them back once more, baste again, and cook for a final 5 to 6 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temp of 165 degrees. Expect about 12 to 14 minutes total, adjusting as needed for the thickness of your pieces or the quirks of your air fryer.

Step 6: Finish and Serve with Style

After cooking, give the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers a final luxurious pass with the clean, reserved garlic butter sauce. Top with extra parmesan and sprinkle with more fresh parsley. These finishing touches not only boost the flavor, but make your skewers look absolutely irresistible when they hit the table!

How to Serve Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

A final flourish of grated parmesan and snipped fresh parsley really makes the Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers pop on the plate. For an extra burst of color, sprinkle more red pepper flakes or a touch of smoked paprika. Try adding thinly sliced green onion or even a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness.

Side Dishes

These skewers love company! Serve alongside classic ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking, a light and crisp green salad, or roasted potatoes for a heartier spread. Grilled corn, buttery rice pilaf, or a tangy slaw all play beautifully with the bold, creamy flavors in every bite of your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile the skewers high on a big wooden platter with extra sauce for dipping and plenty of napkins (trust me, you’ll want them!). For parties, slide the chicken off the sticks and pile onto sliders or flatbreads. Or serve mix-and-match style with an array of fun dips and fresh veggie sticks so everyone can build their own tasty plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers left at the end of your meal, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish retains its flavor and tender texture remarkably well — just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing

The cooked chicken skewers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Remove the chicken from the skewers for best results, place in a freezer-safe container or bag, and separate layers with parchment paper. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn and lock in all that delicious flavor.

Reheating

To bring your Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers back to their juicy, saucy glory, reheat in a 350 degree oven or air fryer for 7 to 10 minutes, until warmed through. For extra moisture, brush with a little fresh garlic butter or a splash of chicken broth before reheating. Microwave works in a pinch, though you might lose a touch of the crispy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers?

Absolutely! Both chicken breast and thighs work beautifully in this recipe. Breasts provide a leaner bite, while thighs deliver a bit more richness and moisture. Just be sure to cut whichever you choose into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.

Is it possible to make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers without an air fryer?

Definitely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can grill these skewers over medium-high heat for 10 to 12 minutes, turning and basting as you go. An oven broiler set to high also works well — simply place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning halfway, until cooked through.

Can I adjust the spice level in the sauce?

Yes! Feel free to add more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes depending on your taste. For a milder version, use less of both, or skip them altogether. Love lots of heat? Doubling the hot sauce will kick things up deliciously.

What’s the best way to keep skewers juicy?

Packing the chicken tightly on the skewers helps retain moisture during cooking. Also, be sure not to overcook — check for an internal temperature of 165 degrees, and always finish with a final brush of sauce to keep things extra tender.

Can I make the garlic parmesan sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers can be mixed up a day in advance. Just keep it in the refrigerator, and warm slightly before using so it’s smooth and easy to brush onto the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Making Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers is an experience that brings everyone to the table with big smiles and hungry appetites. Whether you serve them for a lively weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these skewers promise to become a new favorite. Don’t wait for a special occasion — give them a try, and enjoy the magic of simple ingredients coming together in the most delicious way!

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful twist on traditional chicken skewers. Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and a zesty garlic parmesan butter sauce, these skewers are perfect for grilling or air frying.

Instructions

Prep and Skewer Chicken: Soak skewers in water. Cut chicken into pieces, coat with olive oil and spices. Skewer tightly.
Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, red pepper flakes, hot sauce, seasonings, and parmesan. Whisk together.
Cook The Chicken: Air fry skewers at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, baste, cook 2 more minutes, flip, baste, cook 5-6 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F.