Description
These Garlic Parmesan Ranch Chicken Skewers are tender, juicy, and bursting with bold flavors. Made with a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce, a touch of spice, and a hint of ranch seasoning, they’re perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or party appetizer. Air-fried, baked, or grilled, they’re a foolproof way to elevate your chicken game!
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breast/thighs, cut into 3-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ 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 Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 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: Cut the chicken into 3-inch pieces and place them in a large bowl. Add olive oil, ranch seasoning, dill, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is well coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Assemble the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces tightly onto wooden or metal skewers. Avoid leaving gaps between pieces to retain juiciness during cooking. If using an air fryer, trim skewers as needed to fit.
- Make the Garlic Parmesan Butter Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in Parmesan cheese, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, parsley, ranch seasoning, dill, and onion powder. Set aside one-third of the sauce for basting after cooking to prevent cross-contamination.
- Cook the Skewers in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place 2-3 skewers in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 5 minutes, flip, and baste with the sauce. Continue cooking for another 7-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: To bake, preheat the oven to 450°F and place skewers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway, and broil for the final 2 minutes for a golden finish. To grill, preheat to medium-high and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, basting throughout.
- Final Baste & Serve: Once cooked, brush the skewers with the reserved garlic Parmesan butter sauce. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- For crispier skewers, broil them for 2 minutes after air frying or baking.
- To reduce spice, omit red pepper flakes and use mild hot sauce.
- Leftover sauce? Drizzle it over rice, veggies, or even pasta for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Air Fryer, Oven, or Grill
- Method: American
- Cuisine: High Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 skewer
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg