Smoky, juicy, and packed with bold flavor, these Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are everything I want in a summer dinner—or any time I’m craving something easy and crowd-pleasing. Marinated in a creamy blend of ranch dressing, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, every bite is savory, tender, and perfect for grilling season.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how simple this recipe is to pull together with ingredients I usually already have in my fridge and pantry. The ranch dressing creates a rich, tangy base that clings beautifully to the chicken, while garlic and Parmesan layer in bold, crave-worthy flavor. Whether I’m grilling outdoors or using a grill pan inside, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, it’s easy to prep ahead and customize with different herbs or cuts of chicken.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

½ cup ranch dressing
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh, chopped)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
1 ½ lb boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into 1‑inch cubes
Wooden or metal skewers

Directions

I start by mixing the ranch dressing, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, minced garlic, parsley, black pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a bowl until well combined.
Then I add the cubed chicken into a resealable bag or shallow dish, pouring the marinade over the top and mixing to ensure each piece is coated. I refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
If I’m using wooden skewers, I soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning. After marinating, I thread the chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a bit of space between them.
I preheat my grill to medium-high heat and place the skewers on it.
Grilling takes about 10–15 minutes, and I turn the skewers occasionally to cook all sides evenly. I check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before pulling them off.
I let the skewers rest a couple of minutes before serving, garnishing with extra parsley or Parmesan if I want to dress them up a bit.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

I often use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
For extra punch, I double the garlic or add herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary.
If I want a spicier twist, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
When I don’t have a grill, I cook the skewers on a grill pan or under a broiler for a similar charred finish.
Sometimes I serve these over a fresh salad or with grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the skewers in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill until heated through. I also like freezing the marinated chicken before cooking—just thaw overnight and grill when ready. It makes prep even easier on busy days.

FAQs

How long can I marinate the chicken?

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 2 hours for deeper flavor. If I want to prep ahead, I marinate overnight in the fridge.

Can I bake these instead of grilling?

Yes, I sometimes bake the skewers at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they reach an internal temp of 165°F.

What dipping sauces go well with these skewers?

I love serving these with extra ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a simple lemon-yogurt dip. BBQ sauce also works if I’m going for a smoky-sweet contrast.

Can I make this dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I use a dairy-free ranch dressing and skip or replace the Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast.

Do I have to soak metal skewers too?

No, I don’t soak metal skewers. Only wooden skewers need soaking to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Conclusion

These Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are one of my favorite go-to meals when I want something satisfying and low-effort. With a creamy, garlicky marinade and quick grilling time, they’re perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or weekend cookouts. I love how adaptable and flavorful they are—and I know they’ll be a hit every time I make them.