Sunny days mean it’s time to fire up the grill! I’m always looking for simple, flavorful ways to make weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts special without a lot of fuss. Grilled chicken skewers are perfect for this.
Today, I’m sharing two fantastic grilled chicken skewer recipes that I know you’ll love. They are both packed with flavor and super easy to prepare, making them perfect for your next barbecue or a quick meal.
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Easy Grilled Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers for Your Cookout
These chicken skewers bring together classic flavors that everyone enjoys. The ranch seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan cheese create a wonderfully rich coating that cooks up perfectly on the grill.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Ranch Chicken Skewers
- Chicken Thighs: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender on the grill. You can use chicken breast if you like, but watch it closely so it doesn’t dry out.
- Ranch Seasoning: A good quality dry ranch seasoning mix is key here. It provides a wonderful blend of herbs and spices that make this recipe so simple and delicious.
- Skewers: If you use wooden skewers, remember to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This stops them from burning on the grill.
What You Need for Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Ranch Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinade
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water. In a large bowl, combine the cut chicken pieces with olive oil, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
Step 2: Skewer the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the prepared skewers. Don’t pack the chicken too tightly; leave a little space between each piece so they cook evenly on all sides.
Step 3: Grill the Skewers
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Place the chicken skewers on the hot grill and cook for 8-12 minutes, turning them every 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve Warm
Remove the grilled chicken skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. They are wonderful with a side salad or some grilled vegetables.
📝 Final Note on Ranch Chicken
You can make these ahead by marinating the chicken the night before. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Simple Grilled Thai Chicken Skewers Recipe for an Easy Meal
These Thai chicken skewers are sweet, tangy, and a little bit spicy, perfect for adding an exciting flavor to your meal. The marinade gives the chicken a beautiful glaze and keeps it very tender.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Thai Chicken Skewers
- Soy Sauce: I use a regular soy sauce, but if you prefer, a low-sodium version works just as well. It’s the salty base of our marinade.
- Honey: This adds a lovely sweetness and helps the chicken get a nice caramelized char on the grill. Don’t skip it!
- Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice really brightens up the flavors. A little acidity balances the sweetness and saltiness perfectly.
What You Need for Thai Chicken Skewers
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Wooden or metal skewers
⏱️ Time: 35 minutes (plus marinating)🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Thai Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Mix the Marinade
If using wooden skewers, start soaking them in water. In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, honey, lime juice, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is your flavorful Thai marinade.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cut chicken pieces to the marinade bowl. Toss to coat all the chicken well. Cover and place in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it will have.
Step 3: Thread and Grill
Thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked wooden or metal skewers. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Cook the skewers for 10-14 minutes, turning often, until the chicken is fully cooked with nice char marks and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve
Take the skewers off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh cilantro or a squeeze of extra lime juice if you like. These are wonderful with rice or a fresh green salad.
📝 Final Note on Thai Chicken
For an extra layer of flavor, brush the chicken with a little extra marinade during the last few minutes of grilling, but make sure to boil any leftover marinade first to make it safe to eat.
