Description
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast pieces marinated in a zesty ranch dressing with garlic and Italian herbs. Skewered with optional vegetables, the chicken is cooked to perfection either on the grill or baked in the oven, then generously topped with melted Parmesan cheese for a cheesy, savory finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful weekend cookout.
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
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal; soak wooden skewers 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 the 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, coating them evenly. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes if time permits.
- Preheat Grill: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Preheat Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, alternating with optional bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion if using.
- Space the Pieces: Leave a little space between each skewer piece to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Cook on Grill: Place skewers on the preheated grill and cook for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Cook in Oven: Place skewers on the lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and lightly golden.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: In the last few minutes of cooking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the skewers.
- Melt the Cheese: For grilling, close the grill lid to melt the cheese. For baking, switch oven to broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese crust.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prior to grilling prevents them from burning.
- Marinating the chicken for longer enhances flavor but is optional if short on time.
- You can customize the vegetables to your preference or omit them entirely.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be safely cooked.
- Broiling or closing the lid to melt the Parmesan ensures a delicious cheesy crust.
