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.
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)
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