Welcome to the vibrant and flavourful world of skewers! This particular recipe introduces a delightful fusion of ranch dressing and garlic, paired perfectly with tender chicken pieces and colorful, crunchy vegetables. It's a dish that not only looks beautiful but will also satisfy your tastebuds with its well-seasoned, juicy bites.
Dry ranch dressing mix might not be a common ingredient in many households, but it is widely available in the salad dressing section of most supermarkets. It's a convenient way to add a burst of tangy, herbaceous flavor to any dish. Wooden skewers are also essential for this recipe and can be found in most kitchen supply or general goods stores. If you're planning to use a grill, also consider purchasing some non-stick foil to help prevent the skewers from sticking and tearing.
Ingredients for Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
Dry ranch dressing mix: A blend of dried spices that provide a tangy, herbaceous flavor.
Olive oil: Used for its health benefits and its ability to tenderize the chicken.
Apple cider vinegar: Its acidity helps to tenderize the chicken and balances the flavors.
Garlic: Provides a pungent, savory flavor.
Chicken: The main star of this dish, it's high in protein and absorbs the marinade well.
Red bell pepper: Adds a sweet, slightly smoky flavor.
Yellow bell pepper: Similar to red bell pepper but slightly milder.
Red onion: Provides sweetness and a sharp bite.
Zucchini: Adds a slight sweetness and a nice crunch.
Non-stick foil: Helps prevent the skewers from sticking and tearing.
Wooden skewers: Used to hold the chicken and vegetables together while cooking.
One reader, Julietta Baker says:
This garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the chicken turns out so juicy and tender. The combination of garlic and ranch is simply mouthwatering. Plus, it's so easy to make and perfect for a summer barbecue. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques for Perfect Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
How to marinate the chicken and vegetables: In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ranch mix, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic. Add the chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini, and toss to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
How to skewer the chicken and vegetables: Thread the marinated chicken and vegetables onto the wooden skewers, alternating between the different ingredients to create colorful and flavorful skewers.
How to grill the skewers: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place a sheet of Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil with the dull side up. Lay the skewers evenly across the foil. Fold up the edges and tightly close around the skewers to create a foil pack. Grill the foil pack on each side for about 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked throughout and no longer pink. Rotate the skewers as needed to ensure even cooking.
How To Make Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
Have a summer-worthy barbecue dish with these chicken skewers. This colorful barbecue has bell peppers, red onions, garlic, and zucchini.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1pkgdry ranch dressing mix
- ½cupolive oil
- ¼cupapple cider vinegar
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1lbchicken,cut into 1-inch squares
- 1red bell pepper,cut into 1-inch squares
- 1yellow bell pepper,cut into 1-inch squares
- 1red onion,cut into 1-inch squares
- 1zucchini,sliced
Instructions
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Preheat grill to medium high heat. In a large bowl whisk together the dry ranch mix, olive oil, apple cider vinegar and garlic.
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Add in the chicken, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red onion and zucchini and toss to coat.
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Lay down a sheet of non-stick foil with the dull side up. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the wooden skewers. Lay evenly across the foil. Fold up the edges and tightly close around the skewers.
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Place the foil pack on the fire or grill. Let grill on each side about 5 to 7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked throughout and no longer pink.
Nutrition
- Calories: 531.58kcal
- Fat: 44.46g
- Saturated Fat: 8.69g
- Trans Fat: 0.11g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 26.79g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.58g
- Carbohydrates: 10.06g
- Fiber: 2.11g
- Sugar: 3.88g
- Protein: 22.93g
- Cholesterol: 85.05mg
- Sodium: 88.34mg
- Calcium: 40.09mg
- Potassium: 569.39mg
- Iron: 1.83mg
- Vitamin A: 102.75µg
- Vitamin C: 136.92mg
Helpful Technique for Preparing Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
When threading your chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, try to alternate between different types of vegetables and chicken pieces. This not only makes the skewers visually appealing, but also ensures a variety of flavors in each bite. Additionally, remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning on the grill.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken and vegetables the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut vegetables: Opt for pre-cut vegetables to reduce prep time and make the recipe more convenient.
Invest in quality skewers: Quality skewers can make threading the ingredients easier and quicker, saving you time in the kitchen.
Grill in batches: If you're making a large batch, grill the skewers in batches to ensure even cooking and save time.
Organize ingredients: Organize all the ingredients and tools needed before starting to cook to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe
dry ranch dressing mix - Substitute with homemade ranch seasoning: You can make your own ranch seasoning mix by combining dried herbs such as dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This allows you to control the flavor and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
apple cider vinegar - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can provide a slightly milder flavor compared to apple cider vinegar, while still adding the necessary acidity to the marinade.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: If fresh garlic is not available, garlic powder can be used as a substitute. Use about 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of garlic.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a lean alternative to chicken in this recipe, offering a similar texture and flavor when grilled.
red bell pepper - Substitute with orange bell pepper: Orange bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers, providing a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color.
yellow bell pepper - Substitute with green bell pepper: Green bell peppers can be used as a substitute for yellow bell peppers, adding a slightly more tangy flavor to the skewers.
red onion - Substitute with sweet onion: Sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Walla Walla, can be used as a substitute for red onions, offering a mild and sweet flavor to the dish.
zucchini - Substitute with yellow squash: Yellow squash can be used as a substitute for zucchini, providing a similar texture and mild flavor when grilled.
Presentation Ideas for Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
Elevate the skewers: Arrange the grilled chicken skewers on a large platter, ensuring they are neatly aligned and visually appealing.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley and chives over the skewers to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Create a vibrant vegetable nest: Arrange thinly sliced zucchini and bell peppers in a circular pattern around the skewers, creating a visually stunning vegetable nest.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Using a squeeze bottle, delicately drizzle a balsamic reduction in an artistic pattern over the skewers, adding a touch of elegance and depth of flavor.
Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika: Dust a pinch of smoked paprika over the skewers to infuse a subtle smoky flavor and enhance the visual appeal.
Serve on a bed of wild rice: Present the skewers on a bed of fluffy wild rice, adding a sophisticated touch and creating a complete culinary experience.
Accompany with a side of garlic aioli: Serve a small ramekin of creamy garlic aioli on the platter for dipping, adding a luxurious and flavorful element to the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Garnish the platter with delicate, edible flowers such as nasturtiums or pansies to add a touch of elegance and a hint of floral flavor.
Essential Tools for Making Chicken Skewers
- Grill: A cooking appliance used for applying heat to the food from below. It is essential for grilling the chicken skewers.
- Wooden skewers: These are used for threading the chicken and vegetables for grilling.
- Large bowl: Used for mixing the ranch dressing and marinating the chicken and vegetables.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing the ranch dressing ingredients together.
- Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil: This non-stick foil is used for wrapping the skewers and ingredients for grilling.
- Tongs: Used for flipping the skewers on the grill.
- Knife: For cutting the chicken, vegetables, and garlic.
- Cutting board: Used for cutting and preparing the chicken and vegetables.
- Measuring cups: For accurately measuring the olive oil and apple cider vinegar.
- Measuring spoons: For measuring the dry ranch dressing mix and garlic.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
- If you have any leftover chicken skewers, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, you can either microwave the skewers for a minute or two or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the garlic ranch chicken skewers. Place the cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen skewers in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the microwave or oven as mentioned above until they are heated through and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- If you want to freeze the marinated chicken and vegetables before cooking, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. Thaw the marinated ingredients in the refrigerator overnight before threading them onto skewers and grilling as directed in the recipe.
How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
Here are the best methods for reheating leftover garlic ranch chicken skewers:
Oven method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover skewers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Brush the skewers with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent them from drying out. Cover the skewers loosely with another piece of foil to retain moisture. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove the foil cover for the last 2-3 minutes of reheating to allow the skewers to crisp up slightly.
Microwave method: While not ideal, you can reheat the skewers in the microwave if you're short on time. Place the skewers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through. Be careful not to overcook the skewers, as the microwave can quickly dry out the chicken and make the vegetables soggy.
Grill method: If you have access to a grill, you can reheat the skewers over medium-high heat. Brush the skewers with a little olive oil or melted butter to prevent sticking and drying out. Grill the skewers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are lightly charred. This method will give the skewers a nice smoky flavor and crispy texture.
Stovetop method: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil or butter to the pan. Place the skewers in the hot pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the chicken is heated through and the vegetables are lightly charred. This method is similar to the grill method and will give the skewers a nice crispy exterior.
Interesting Fact About Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers
The garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the zesty flavors of ranch dressing mix, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic with tender chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables. This recipe is perfect for grilling and can be enjoyed as a tasty and healthy meal. The combination of the ranch dressing mix and garlic adds a unique and savory twist to the traditional chicken skewers. Plus, the addition of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini provides a burst of color and nutrients to the dish. Enjoy this garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe at your next barbecue or gathering!
Is Making Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers at Home Cost-Effective?
This garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as chicken, bell peppers, onion, and zucchini, are commonly found and reasonably priced. The use of dry ranch dressing mix adds flavor without breaking the bank. With an approximate cost of $15, this recipe offers a satisfying meal for a family of four. The overall verdict for this recipe would be an 8 out of 10, considering its affordability and delicious outcome.
Is This Chicken Skewers Recipe Healthy?
The garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is a relatively healthy option, as it incorporates lean protein from the chicken and a variety of colorful vegetables. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, and the apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor while potentially offering some health benefits. However, the recipe does rely on a packaged ranch dressing mix, which may contain added sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.
To further enhance the healthiness of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:
- Make your own ranch seasoning blend using dried herbs and spices, such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, to control the sodium content and avoid artificial additives
- Marinate the chicken and vegetables in the homemade ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the ingredients
- Experiment with additional vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant, to increase the fiber and nutrient content of the skewers
- Serve the skewers with a side of quinoa, brown rice, or a fresh green salad to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal
Editor's Opinion on This Chicken Skewers Recipe
The garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken and vegetables with a zesty ranch flavor, while grilling adds a smoky char. The use of Reynolds Wrap Non-Stick Foil ensures easy grilling and cleanup. The dish is versatile and perfect for a casual gathering or a weeknight dinner. The colorful array of bell peppers, red onion, and zucchini not only adds visual appeal but also provides a variety of tastes and nutrients. Overall, this recipe is a winner, offering a delicious and hassle-free grilling experience.
Why trust this Garlic Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe:
This garlic ranch chicken skewers recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-follow dish that's perfect for any occasion. The combination of ranch dressing mix, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar creates a delicious marinade that infuses the chicken and vegetables with mouthwatering flavors. The use of wooden skewers and grilling method adds a rustic charm to the dish, making it a great choice for outdoor gatherings. With the added convenience of Reynolds Wrap® non-stick foil, this recipe ensures easy cleanup. Trust in the simplicity and deliciousness of this recipe for a delightful dining experience.
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