Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a mouthwatering blend of smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors all wrapped into one easy dish. Juicy chicken pieces are marinated in ranch seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan before being threaded onto skewers and grilled to perfection. The result is a tender, flavorful chicken with a charred exterior and a savory, garlicky kick. These skewers are versatile enough for casual weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or as a fun party appetizer. They pair beautifully with salads, grilled vegetables, or simple sides like rice and potatoes. Not only are they quick to prepare, but grilling also enhances the flavor with a subtle smokiness. If you’re looking for a recipe that is both family-friendly and crowd-pleasing, these skewers will become a staple on your menu.
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Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Flavor-Packed and Perfect for Any Occasion
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A flavorful and spicy stir fry made with crispy tofu and tender green beans tossed in a sticky chili sauce. A quick, protein-packed, and vegan-friendly dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 14 oz firm tofu, drained and cubed
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp chili paste (such as sambal oelek)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Sesame seeds and green onions, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat tofu dry and toss with cornstarch until coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add tofu and cook until golden and crispy on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add green beans and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add garlic and ginger, and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chili paste, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, water, and sesame oil.
- Return tofu to skillet, pour in sauce, and stir until everything is evenly coated and sauce becomes sticky.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir fry.
- Press tofu for 20 minutes before cooking for a firmer texture.
- This dish can be made gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Provide juicy, tender bites that hold up well to marinating and grilling.
Ranch seasoning mix – Adds tangy, herby flavors that infuse the chicken with bold taste.
Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives a strong, aromatic punch that pairs perfectly with Parmesan.
Grated Parmesan cheese – Melts into the marinade and creates a cheesy, savory coating.
Olive oil – Helps keep the chicken moist while preventing sticking on the grill.
Lemon juice – Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Fresh parsley – Provides freshness and a pop of color to finish the skewers.
Salt and pepper – Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
Wooden or metal skewers – The foundation for threading and grilling the chicken pieces.
Directions
Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized cubes. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat, then cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for maximum flavor). Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces for even cooking. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly charred. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan before serving.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
- Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
- large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
- Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
- Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
- Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
- 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
- knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
- Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings. Preparation requires 15 minutes, marinating takes at least 30 minutes, and grilling takes 10–12 minutes. Total time is about 1 hour.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the chicken. These skewers can also be frozen before grilling—just thaw overnight before cooking.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for heat.
Vegetable skewers – Alternate chicken with bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added flavor and color.
Herb upgrade – Add fresh rosemary or thyme to the marinade for a fragrant twist.
Cheesy crust – Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the skewers just before serving for more richness.
Air fryer version – Cook skewers in an air fryer at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.
Mediterranean style – Swap ranch seasoning for oregano, lemon zest, and feta cheese.
Creamier marinade – Mix in a tablespoon of ranch dressing for extra moisture.
Low-sodium option – Use a reduced-sodium ranch seasoning mix.
Citrus twist – Replace lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly sharper tang.
Honey-garlic version – Add a drizzle of honey to the marinade for sweet and savory balance.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs stay juicier and add more flavor.
Do I need to soak wooden skewers?
Yes, soaking prevents them from burning on the grill.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Can I prepare the skewers ahead of time?
Yes, assemble them a day in advance and refrigerate until grilling.
Is bottled ranch dressing the same as seasoning mix?
No, the mix is dry and concentrated; ranch dressing will make the marinade too wet.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, simple, and versatile dish that’s perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to backyard barbecues. With their juicy interior, smoky char, and zesty marinade, these skewers bring bold flavors to the table without requiring complicated steps. Easy to customize, crowd-pleasing, and delicious alongside a wide variety of sides, they are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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