Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers: The Ultimate Grilling Recipe!

Get ready to fire up the grill (or oven!) and prepare for a flavor explosion! These Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers are the perfect crowd-pleaser, combining juicy chicken with crispy bacon and a creamy, tangy ranch dressing. They’re incredibly easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard barbecues, or even party appetizers. This recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring your skewers are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. We’ll also explore variations, tips, and tricks to make these skewers truly your own. So, let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love These Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers

Flavor Bomb: The combination of savory bacon, tender chicken, and tangy ranch is simply irresistible.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, these skewers are perfect for beginner cooks.
Versatile: Grill them, bake them, or even cook them in a skillet. They’re delicious any way you prepare them.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves bacon and chicken, making these skewers a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spice it up with hot sauce, or experiment with different ranch flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breast: About 1.5-2 pounds, boneless, skinless, and cut into 1-inch cubes. Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
Bacon: 1 pound, thick-cut bacon is recommended for extra crispiness and flavor.
Ranch Dressing: 1 cup, your favorite store-bought or homemade ranch dressing.
Ranch Seasoning: 1 tablespoon (or to taste). This will boost the ranch flavor even further.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for coating the chicken and preventing sticking.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon, for added savory flavor.
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon, for depth of flavor.
Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon, for color and a hint of smoky flavor.
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
Salt: To taste, be mindful of the saltiness of the bacon and ranch dressing.
Wooden Skewers: Soak in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Metal skewers are also a great option.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the most delicious Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers you’ve ever had:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Ensure the pieces are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all the chicken is evenly coated. This simple marinade will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful during cooking.
Refrigerate (Optional): For even more flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Cut the Bacon: Cut the bacon strips in half. This makes them easier to wrap around the chicken.
Partially Cook (Optional): For extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon before wrapping it around the chicken. Cook it in a skillet or microwave until it’s slightly rendered but still pliable. This step isn’t necessary, but it can help achieve crispier bacon. Be careful not to overcook, as the bacon will continue to cook on the grill or in the oven.

Step 3: Assemble the Skewers

Wrap the Chicken: Wrap each chicken cube with a piece of bacon, securing it with a toothpick if needed. Make sure the bacon overlaps slightly to create a good seal.
Thread the Skewers: Thread the bacon-wrapped chicken onto the pre-soaked wooden skewers, leaving a small space between each piece. This allows for even cooking. Aim for about 4-5 chicken pieces per skewer, depending on the size of your chicken cubes and skewers. Don’t overcrowd the skewers.

Step 4: Cook the Skewers

Choose your preferred cooking method:

Grilling

Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-450°F). Clean the grill grates thoroughly.
Grease the Grates: Lightly grease the grill grates with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.

Baking

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare a Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Bake the Skewers: Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Turn the skewers halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

Skillet Cooking

Heat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or cooking oil.
Cook the Skewers: Place the skewers in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, turning frequently until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You may need to cook the skewers in batches.

Step 5: Add the Ranch

Combine Ranch Dressing and Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing and ranch seasoning. Stir well to combine.
Brush the Skewers: Once the skewers are cooked, brush them generously with the ranch dressing mixture.
Serve Immediately: Serve the Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers immediately while they are hot and delicious.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Skewers

Soak the Skewers: Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a small space between each chicken piece on the skewer to allow for even cooking.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and the temperature of your grill or oven.
Crispy Bacon Tips: For extra crispy bacon, consider partially cooking it before wrapping it around the chicken. You can also broil the skewers for the last few minutes of cooking to crisp up the bacon.
Resting Time: Allow the cooked skewers to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.

Variations and Additions

Get creative and customize these Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers to your liking! Here are some fun variations and additions:

Vegetables: Add your favorite veggies to the skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms. Thread them onto the skewers between the chicken pieces.
Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or crumbled blue cheese over the skewers during the last few minutes of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the ranch dressing for a spicy kick. You can also use a spicy ranch seasoning.
BBQ Ranch: Mix BBQ sauce with the ranch dressing for a smoky and tangy flavor combination.
Honey Ranch: Drizzle honey over the skewers after cooking for a touch of sweetness.
Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, over the skewers before serving.
Pineapple: Add chunks of pineapple to the skewers for a sweet and savory twist.
Different Meats: While this recipe focuses on chicken, you can also use other meats, such as pork tenderloin or shrimp. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Marinades: Experiment with different marinades for the chicken. Try a lemon-herb marinade, a teriyaki marinade, or a honey-mustard marinade.

Serving Suggestions

These Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:

Salads: Serve with a fresh salad, such as a garden salad, a Caesar salad, or a coleslaw.
Rice: Pair with a side of white rice, brown rice, or cilantro-lime rice.
Potatoes: Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or french fries.
Vegetables: Accompany with roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, or grilled vegetables.
Dips: Serve with extra ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.
Sandwiches/Wraps: Remove the chicken from the skewers and use it as a filling for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.

Make-Ahead Tips

These skewers can be prepared ahead of time to save you time on the day of cooking:

Marinate the Chicken: Marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator for maximum flavor.
Assemble the Skewers: Assemble the skewers up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out.
Partially Cook the Bacon: Partially cook the bacon a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftover Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat: Reheat the skewers in the oven, microwave, or skillet until heated through. Be careful not to overcook them, as the chicken can dry out.
Freeze: Freeze cooked Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per skewer, based on 4 skewers per pound of chicken. Nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

Calories: 250-350
Protein: 25-35g
Fat: 15-25g
Carbohydrates: 2-5g

Note: This is an approximate estimate. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator and enter the specific ingredients you used.

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