These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a viral-worthy, flavor-packed appetizer or main dish that brings juicy, tender chicken together with a rich garlic-parmesan butter sauce. Whether cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, these skewers are loaded with herby, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for parties, game days, or weeknight dinners, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers will become your go-to dish:

Bold and Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, Parmesan, and hot sauce gives these skewers a rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavor profile.
Juicy Chicken: The chicken remains tender and juicy, thanks to the marinating process and basting with the garlic Parmesan butter sauce.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether using an air fryer, oven, or grill, this recipe can be adapted to any cooking method, giving you crispy, delicious chicken every time.
Crowd-Pleasing: These skewers are perfect for parties, game nights, or family dinners. They’re fun to eat and sure to be a hit with guests.
Customizable: Add extra heat with more hot sauce or red pepper flakes, or even use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Seasoning:

2 lbs chicken tenders (or thighs/breasts), cut into 3-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tbsp dry ranch seasoning
1 tsp dried dill
2 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce:

1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
8–10 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
2 tsp red pepper flakes
⅓ cup fresh parsley, minced
1 tbsp dry ranch seasoning
1 tsp dried dill
½ tsp onion powder

Other:

Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a bowl, mix all chicken seasonings (ranch seasoning, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper) together.
Add chicken pieces, olive oil, and the seasoning mix. Toss to coat thoroughly.
Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto the soaked skewers.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
Add Parmesan, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and remaining seasonings (ranch seasoning, dill, onion powder). Whisk until everything is well combined.
Reserve ⅔ of the sauce for basting during cooking, and set aside the remaining ⅓ for final drizzling.

Step 3: Cook (Air Fryer Method)

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip, baste with the sauce, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Flip again, baste, and cook for 5–6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Finish with the reserved garlic butter and extra Parmesan.

Alternate Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Arrange skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting throughout.
Broil for 2 minutes at the end to get a crispy finish.
Finish with the reserved sauce and Parmesan.

Alternate Grill Method:

Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter as they cook.
Finish with a final drizzle of sauce and Parmesan.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Sausage Selection: Swap Italian hot sausage with chorizo, spicy turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage for a different take.
Cheese Alternatives: Goat cheese or ricotta can be used instead of Parmesan for a creamier texture and different flavor.
Honey Garlic: For a sweet twist, replace the hot sauce with honey and add a touch of garlic for a sweet garlic glaze.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken thoroughly before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make these skewers ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and marinate it in the seasoning for up to 24 hours before cooking. The sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.

3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Baste the chicken with the garlic Parmesan butter sauce while cooking to keep it moist. Additionally, be careful not to overcook it—use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.

4. Can I make these skewers vegetarian?

Yes, swap out the chicken for plant-based sausage or use vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a vegetarian version.

5. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the skewers in the oven or grill them for a similar result. Both methods will deliver delicious, flavorful skewers.

Conclusion

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavor-packed dish that will quickly become a favorite. Whether cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, the juicy chicken, rich garlic Parmesan butter sauce, and bold seasoning make for an unforgettable meal. These skewers are perfect for parties, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, and they’re sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Get ready for a viral-worthy recipe that’s sure to be a hit in your kitchen!

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

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Author: Alice
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are packed with juicy, tender chicken, drenched in a rich garlic-Parmesan butter sauce, and seasoned with ranch seasoning. Whether cooked in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, they offer the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and slightly spicy flavors. Ideal for parties, weeknight dinners, or a fun family treat, these skewers are sure to impress with minimal effort.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

In a bowl, mix all the chicken seasonings. Add the chicken pieces, olive oil, and the seasoning mixture. Toss to coat thoroughly. Thread the chicken tightly onto soaked skewers.

Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:

In a saucepan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, and the remaining seasoning ingredients. Whisk to combine. Set aside ⅔ of the sauce for basting and use ⅓ of the sauce for cooking.

Cook the Skewers:

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cook 2–3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers and baste with sauce. Cook for another 2 minutes, flip again, baste, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Finish with the reserved garlic butter sauce and extra Parmesan.

Oven Method:

Preheat the oven to 450°F. Bake skewers on a foil-lined sheet for 14 minutes, flipping halfway and basting with sauce throughout. Broil for 2 minutes at the end. Finish with reserved sauce and Parmesan.

Grill Method:

Grill skewers over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter as they cook. Finish with a final drizzle of sauce and Parmesan.

Garnish and Serve:

Once cooked, remove the skewers from the heat. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve hot.

Notes

Sausage Selection: Classic Italian hot sausage works well, but chorizo or spicy turkey sausage are great alternatives.

Cheese Alternatives: If you prefer, you can swap feta, goat cheese, or ricotta instead of Parmesan for a different texture and flavor.

Honey Drizzle: Add hot honey for an extra sweet and spicy kick or use regular honey after baking for a balance of sweetness.

Vegetarian Option: Swap the sausage with spicy roasted chickpeas, mushrooms, or plant-based sausage for a meat-free version.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Category: Main course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe