Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lbs Boneless chicken breasts or thighs – Cut into chunks
- 1 packet Ranch dressing mix – Dry seasoning packet
- 3 cloves Garlic – Fresh, minced
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Grated
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice – Fresh squeezed
- 2 tablespoons Apple juice – Secret family trick
Coating
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs – Or regular breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese – Grated
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning – Or mixed herbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper – Ground
For Serving and Garnish
- Fresh parsley – Chopped
- Lemon wedges
- Ranch dressing – For dipping
- 1 pinch Nutmeg – For dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Cut and Prepare Chicken: Start by cutting the boneless chicken breasts or thighs into chunks suitable for skewering. Mince fresh garlic cloves finely to ensure maximum flavor infusion.
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, minced garlic, grated parmesan cheese, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and apple juice. Mix well to create a creamy ranch garlic parmesan sauce.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken chunks to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 1 hour to absorb all the flavors.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with grated parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and ground black pepper.
- Thread the Chicken onto Skewers: Using metal skewers, thread the marinated chicken chunks, leaving a bit of space between pieces for even cooking.
- Coat the Chicken Skewers: Roll or sprinkle the chicken skewers generously with the parmesan breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill or grill pan for medium-high heat. Use a grill brush to clean the grates before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Grill the Chicken Skewers: Place the coated skewers on the grill. Cook for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken skewers from the grill. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lemon wedges. Serve with ranch dressing and a pinch of nutmeg for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Chicken can be marinated up to 4 hours for deeper flavor absorption.
- Use metal skewers as they conduct heat better and prevent burning compared to wooden skewers.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can bake the skewers in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety and juiciness.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crispiness but regular breadcrumbs can be substituted.
- Apple juice in the marinade adds a subtle sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
