Description
Delicious and healthy chicken skewers marinated in ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic, and Italian herbs, then grilled or baked to perfection and topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Optional vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add color and extra flavor to this easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Skewers (wooden or metal; if wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Optional Vegetables:
- Bell peppers, cut into chunks
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine ranch dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. For best results, refrigerate and let marinate for 30 minutes to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking.
- Preheat the Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with optional vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion to add color and flavor.
- Space the Pieces: Leave small gaps between the pieces on the skewers to promote even cooking.
- Cook on the Grill: Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Cook in the Oven: Place skewers on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and slightly golden.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers for a cheesy finish.
- Melt the Cheese: If grilling, close the grill lid to melt the cheese; if baking, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden crust on the cheese.
Notes
- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prior to use to prevent burning on the grill.
- Marinating overnight will deepen the flavors even more.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Vegetables can be customized to your preference or omitted entirely for a protein-focused dish.
- To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
