Description
Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers feature tender chicken pieces marinated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic, and herbs, then cooked to juicy perfection and basted in a rich garlic Parmesan butter sauce. Perfectly suited for air frying, baking, or grilling, these skewers offer a crowd-pleasing, versatile dish with bold flavors and an irresistible cheesy, garlicky finish. Ideal for quick dinners, meal prep, or party appetizers, they deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
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
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, combine all the chicken seasonings with olive oil. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat thoroughly. Thread the seasoned chicken tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers to ensure even cooking.
- Make Garlic Parmesan Sauce: Melt the butter in a saucepan or microwave, then add the minced garlic and gently sauté to release flavor. Stir in Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and the remaining dry seasonings. Whisk everything together until smooth. Reserve two-thirds of this sauce for basting after cooking, and keep one-third for cooking the chicken.
- Cook (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place 2-3 skewers in the basket and cook for 5 minutes. Flip the skewers and baste with the sauce reserved for basting. Cook 2 more minutes, flip, baste again, then continue cooking for 5 to 6 more minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Finish by brushing with the reserved garlic butter sauce and sprinkling extra Parmesan cheese.
- Alternate Oven Method: Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Lay skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet, bake for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through and basting regularly. Broil for 2 minutes at the end for a golden, slightly charred finish. Finish with remaining sauce and Parmesan.
- Alternate Grill Method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 5-6 minutes per side, basting with garlic butter sauce throughout cooking. Finish with a final drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Notes
- Wooden skewers must be soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- You can use chicken thighs or breasts instead of tenders if preferred.
- Adjust hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your heat preference, or omit for milder flavor.
- Made-ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance; prepare sauce ahead and reheat before use.
- Skewers keep well refrigerated up to 4 days and reheat nicely in the air fryer or oven.
- Serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or a fresh vegetable salad, or in wraps for variety.
- For a lighter version, use a reduced-fat Parmesan and limit butter to reduce saturated fat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (air fryer method)
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Ranch chicken skewers, garlic parmesan chicken, air fryer chicken, grilled chicken skewers, party appetizers, easy chicken recipe, ranch seasoning chicken
