These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or summer cookout. The chicken is marinated in ranch spices, grilled (or air-fried or oven-baked) to golden perfection, then brushed with a warm, buttery garlic parmesan sauce that melts into every bite.
You know those recipes that look fancy but are secretly super easy? These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are that. Whether you’re throwing together a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a backyard BBQ, these garlic parmesan chicken kabobs are your new best friend.
We’re talking tender chunks of chicken marinated in ranch seasoning (hello flavor), cooked until golden and juicy, then brushed with a buttery garlic parmesan sauce that melts into every crevice. The kind of sauce that makes you want to lick the plate. Or the skewers. No judgment.
And the best part? You can make them in the air fryer, on the grill, or in the oven—whatever suits your vibe today.
Why This Recipe Is a Total Win
- Triple cooking options—air fryer, grill, or oven—whichever fits your mood or season.
- The marinade and sauce combo is pure magic: ranch seasoning + garlic butter + parmesan = flavor heaven.
- Great for everything: weeknight dinners, meal prep, summer cookouts, Game Day—everyone wins.
- Big flavor, effortless prep: 30-min marinade, then cook and saucy brush. Done.
What You’ll Need (Let’s Talk Ingredients)
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here. Cut them into 1½-inch pieces for even cooking and juicy results.
- Ranch Seasoning: You can use store-bought ranch seasoning mix or make your own. Either way, it’s the secret to that signature ranch flavor.
- Paprika & Garlic Powder: These two ingredients add a little extra depth to the ranch seasoning, bringing more warmth and flavor to the marinade.
- Butter, Garlic, and Parmesan Sauce: This is the showstopper! The butter melts into the chicken, the garlic adds fragrance, and the parmesan brings richness and that cheesy goodness.
- Fresh Herbs (Parsley or Dill): Fresh parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Chili Flakes: Totally optional, but they add a nice little kick to the sauce, giving it just the right amount of heat.
- Lemon Juice: Another optional addition—adds a burst of citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce.
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I do this right in a mixing bowl. Cover and let it sit for 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re planning ahead).
It’s amazing what a little ranch seasoning can do. That flavor soaks into the chicken and makes it ridiculously tasty.
Step 2: Thread the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, give them a quick soak in water (about 20–30 minutes) so they don’t burn. Then thread the marinated chicken on—5 or 6 pieces per skewer works well. I like to leave a little space between pieces so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Ranch Sauce
Melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for a minute or two, just until it smells amazing (don’t let it brown). Take it off the heat and stir in the ranch seasoning and Parmesan. That’s it—simple, rich, and full of flavor.
How to Cook the Skewers
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer and cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. The chicken should be golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp). I like to check early—it cooks fast!
Grilled Ranch Chicken Skewers
Fire up the grill to medium-high. Lightly oil the grates, then grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side until they’re nicely charred and juicy inside.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. For that gorgeous golden finish, broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Step 4: Finish With Sauce
Here’s where the magic happens. Brush the hot chicken skewers generously with the garlic parmesan sauce. Sprinkle over some fresh parsley and a little squeeze of lemon if you like—it lifts the whole dish.
How Many Skewers Does This Make?
With 1½ pounds of chicken, you’ll get about 6 to 8 full-size skewers. Perfect for feeding 4 to 6 people, or fewer if everyone’s extra hungry (which they will be once they smell these cooking).
More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
- Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
- Bruschetta Chicken Recipe
- Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders
- Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers (Air Fryer, Grill, or Oven)
Description
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1½ teaspoons dry ranch seasoning
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice optional
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken . In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- Prepare the Skewers. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece so they cook evenly.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Ranch Sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently so it doesn’t brown. Remove from heat and stir in the ranch seasoning and grated Parmesan. Set aside. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Cook the Skewers
- Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the skewers in a single layer without overlapping. Cook for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Grill: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill the skewers for 4–5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway. For extra browning, broil the last 1–2 minutes.
- Finish with the Garlic Parmesan Sauce. Once the skewers are done cooking, brush them generously with the garlic parmesan ranch sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice if using. Serve warm.
Notes
- If using standard 10-inch skewers and adding 5–6 chunks per skewer, you’ll get about 6–8 skewers.
- These skewers pair perfectly with roasted vegetables, air fryer zucchini, cauliflower mash, or a fresh side salad.
- For a low-carb option, serve them over cauliflower rice or inside lettuce wraps.
- Add extra ranch dip or a drizzle of the garlic butter sauce on the side for even more flavor.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes or warm in the oven until heated through.
How do we calculate the nutrition info?
These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.