If you’re craving something bursting with flavor, juicy, and perfect for any backyard gathering, the Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is your new best friend. This dish combines tender chunks of chicken marinated in a creamy garlic-packed sauce, char-grilled to smoky perfection. The skewer format adds a fun, hands-on element that makes every bite a delightful punch of garlicky savoriness. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or a weekend party, this recipe balances simplicity with bold taste, turning ordinary chicken into an irresistible meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with the Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe means having just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that come together to create something truly delicious. Each ingredient plays its part in adding flavor, texture, or color, turning this straightforward recipe into an absolute crowd-pleaser.
- 2 Chicken Breasts (cut into 1-inch pieces): The star protein for juicy, tender bites that soak up the marinade beautifully.
- 1 Bell Pepper (optional, cut into 1-inch pieces): Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant color to your skewers.
- 1 Medium Onion (optional, cut into 1-inch pieces): Brings a hint of sweetness that caramelizes nicely on the grill.
- 1 Zucchini (optional, cut into 1-inch rings): Offers a fresh, slightly crisp texture and earthy flavor.
- 8 Bamboo Skewers: Essential for holding everything together and for easy grilling; soak in water to avoid burning.
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess which helps keep the chicken succulent during grilling.
- 4 Tbsp Ranch: Injects herby, tangy goodness into the marinade for deeper flavor.
- 4 Garlic Cloves (finely chopped): The garlic star of this recipe, lending a punchy, aromatic kick.
- Dash of Johny’s Seasoning (or paprika optional): Provides a smoky warmth and a pop of spice to round out the marinade.
How to Make Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ranch, finely chopped garlic cloves, and a dash of Johny’s seasoning. This creamy and flavorful marinade is the heart of our Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe, designed to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with layers of garlicky goodness.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the cut chicken breast pieces to the marinade and stir until each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors soak in deeply, making sure each bite will be juicy and packed with flavor.
Step 3: Soak Your Skewers
Fill a casserole dish with water and submerge your bamboo skewers. Soaking them is crucial to prevent the skewers from burning or catching fire on the grill, ensuring a safe and clean cooking process.
Step 4: Preheat the Grill
When the chicken has marinated properly, preheat your grill to medium heat. This temperature allows the chicken to cook through evenly without drying out, while developing that perfect grilled char.
Step 5: Assemble the Skewers
Alternate threading marinated chicken pieces and the optional vegetables like bell pepper, onion, and zucchini onto the soaked skewers. This creates a delightful mix of textures and colors, making the skewers both tasty and visually appealing.
Step 6: Grill to Perfection
Place the loaded skewers on the grill and cook for about 15 minutes, turning them three times to make sure all sides get that ideal char and the chicken cooks evenly. You’ll know they’re ready when the chicken is cooked through and has a beautiful golden color.
How to Serve Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the skewers right after grilling to add a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A wedge of lemon on the side also brightens the flavors with a citrusy zing, balancing the garlicky richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a tangy cucumber yogurt sauce. These sides complement the richness of the chicken while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the skewers on a rustic wooden board layered with leafy greens for a gorgeous presentation. You can also thread smaller skewers for cocktail-style appetizers or pile them high on a platter for family-style sharing at your next get-together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover skewers in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days to maintain juiciness and flavor. Make sure to remove the vegetables if they become soggy for the best reheating experience.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skewers by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. For best results, consume within one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken from drying out and to maintain that freshly grilled texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chicken breasts with thighs in the Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and have a bit more flavor, making them a fantastic alternative. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Do I have to soak the bamboo skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking bamboo skewers in water for at least 30 minutes prevents them from burning on the grill, ensuring your skewers stay intact and safe to handle.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
You can prepare the marinade a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate. The flavors tend to deepen with time, so it’s a time-saver and flavor booster!
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook these skewers indoors?
Definitely! You can cook the skewers on a grill pan or under the broiler in your oven. Just watch closely to avoid burning and turn them often for even cooking.
How can I make the skewers spicier?
To add heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeño into the marinade. This will amplify the flavor without overpowering the garlic goodness.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the joy of pulling flavorful, tender skewers off the grill and sharing them with loved ones, and this Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe is sure to become a hit in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, fire up that grill, and get ready for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers Recipe
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (6-8 skewers)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Grilled Garlic Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and easy-to-make grilled dish perfect for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. Marinated in a garlic-infused ranch and mayonnaise mixture, the chicken pieces become juicy, tender, and packed with savory flavor. Optional vegetables like bell pepper, onion, and zucchini add color and freshness, making this a wholesome grilled meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 Chicken Breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Bell Pepper (optional), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Medium Onion (optional), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 Zucchini (optional), cut into 1-inch rings
- 8 Bamboo Skewers
Marinade
- 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise
- 4 Tbsp Ranch Dressing
- 4 Garlic Cloves, finely chopped
- Dash of Johny’s Seasoning or Paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing, finely chopped garlic, and Johny’s Seasoning or paprika. Mix well until the marinade is smooth and uniform.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breast pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably longer, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Soak Wooden Skewers: Fill a casserole dish with water and soak the bamboo skewers until ready to use. This step helps prevent the skewers from burning during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: When the chicken has finished marinating, preheat your grill to medium heat to allow for perfect cooking temperature.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the marinated chicken pieces and optional vegetables (bell pepper, onion, zucchini) onto the soaked skewers, distributing ingredients evenly for balanced cooking.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Turn the skewers three times during cooking to ensure all sides are evenly cooked and the chicken is fully done.
Notes
- Soaking the bamboo skewers before grilling is essential to avoid charring and potential fire hazards.
- Optional vegetables add flavor and nutrition but can be omitted for a pure chicken skewer experience.
- Make sure to turn skewers multiple times to cook chicken evenly and prevent burning.
- Marinating the chicken longer than 1 hour will enhance the garlic and ranch flavors.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
