These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are the perfect blend of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch. They’re easy to make and seriously fun to eat!
Who doesn’t love food on a stick? I can never resist the bacon wrapped around chicken—it’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 Pair them with a dip, and you’re set for a delicious meal.
These kabobs are not only tasty, but they come together quickly. Just grab some skewers, load them up, and you have a delicious dinner that makes everyone happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here due to their tenderness. You could also use thighs for a juicier bite or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Bacon: Regular bacon adds that smoky flavor; turkey bacon is a good substitute for a lighter version. If you want to skip bacon completely, consider using prosciutto for a different taste.
Ranch Seasoning: This brings a creamy, herby taste to your kabobs. If you don’t have it, use a mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder, or make a homemade version!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin is great for flavor, but any neutral oil works too, like canola or grapeseed. It’s important for marinating and preventing sticking on the grill.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: I love the flavor these add! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can work well for an alternative taste.
How Do I Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating the chicken is key to enhancing the taste. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Combine the chicken with all marinade ingredients in a large bowl.
- Make sure each piece is evenly coated to soak up the flavors.
- Cover and refrigerate. A minimum of 30 minutes works, but if you can let it sit for a few hours, the chicken will be even tastier!
Don’t skip this step! Proper marination lets the spices penetrate the chicken, making every bite delicious.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes prior to use)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marinating the chicken. Cooking on the grill will take another 12-15 minutes. Overall, you should plan for about 1 hour to have delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs ready to eat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are well coated. To get the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinating for up to 2 hours will really enhance the taste!
2. Preheating the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that your kabobs will cook evenly and get that nice grilled flavor.
3. Assembling the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to put the kabobs together! Take one piece of the marinated chicken and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. Carefully thread it onto a skewer. Repeat this process until you’ve used up all the chicken, which should yield around 8-10 kabobs. Make sure to leave a little space between each piece for even cooking.
4. Grilling the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 12-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is fully cooked (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F) and the bacon is beautifully crispy.
5. Serving the Kabobs:
Once the kabobs are cooked, carefully remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm, and feel free to garnish them with fresh greens or your favorite dipping sauce for an extra kick!
Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs!
Can I Use Another Type of Meat for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as each type of meat has a different cooking duration. For example, shrimp will cook much faster than chicken, usually in just 5-7 minutes on the grill.
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No worries! If you don’t have ranch seasoning on hand, you can create a quick substitute using a mix of dried herbs and spices. Combine 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon each of onion powder, garlic powder, and dill weed, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will give you a similar flavor profile in a pinch!
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Yes, you can bake these kabobs in the oven! Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through. Just make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the microwave for a minute or two or warm them in a toaster oven to keep the bacon crispy!
