These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and bold ranch flavor come together on a skewer for a quick meal that’s perfect for grilling.
Who wouldn’t love a meal where bacon steals the show? I mean, bacon and ranch on chicken? Yes, please! I love serving these with fresh veggies on the side—makes it feel like a party!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts to keep it lean and easy to grill. If you’re looking for a substitute, try boneless thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky flavor and nice texture. Turkey bacon or pancetta can be good alternatives if you want something lower in fat or gluten-free.
Ranch Dressing Mix: This mix brings a lot of flavor without much effort. If you don’t have it, consider using a homemade mix of dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder for a similar taste.
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps with cooking. Feel free to replace it with avocado oil or melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini to the skewers for some color and extra nutrients. They pair nicely with chicken and bacon!
What’s the Best Way to Marinate Chicken for Kabobs?
Marinating is crucial to ensure flavorful and juicy chicken. Just remember to mix everything well so the chicken is evenly coated. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine chicken, olive oil, ranch mix, salt, and pepper in a bowl or resealable bag.
- Toss well until the chicken pieces are coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. The longer, the better the flavor!
This process helps the flavors seep into the chicken and keeps it moist during grilling. Enjoy those tasty kabobs!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes for marination (or up to 2 hours for more flavor). You’ll spend about 10-12 minutes to cook the kabobs on the grill. Overall, you’ll be enjoying these tasty kabobs in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken cubes, olive oil, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, allowing it to marinate for up to 2 hours will give it even more flavor!
2. Prepping the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, which is around 400°F. This will ensure that your kabobs cook evenly and the bacon gets nice and crispy.
3. Assembling the Kabobs:
Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to put them together! Take a skewer and thread on a piece of chicken. Next, wrap a half slice of bacon around the chicken. Repeat this process until all your chicken pieces are skewered and wrapped. Remember to leave a little space between each piece to help them cook evenly.
4. Grilling the Kabobs:
Carefully place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally to ensure they are cooked through and the bacon is crispy. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is no longer pink inside.
5. Serving Your Kabobs:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. If you like, serve them over a bed of lettuce leaves for a fresh touch. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for These Kabobs?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with other meats like pork, beef, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time—beef might take longer, while shrimp will cook much quicker, usually within 5-7 minutes.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
No worries! You can create a homemade ranch seasoning mix using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Combine 1 tsp each of dried dill and parsley, along with ½ tsp garlic powder and onion powder to approximate ranch flavor.
Can I Prepare These Kabobs in Advance?
Yes, you can! Marinate the chicken in the ranch mixture up to 2 hours ahead of time. Just be sure to keep the marinated chicken refrigerated until you’re ready to grill. You can also assemble the kabobs earlier in the day and store them in the fridge until grilling.
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can warm them in a skillet or microwave, but be mindful that the bacon may lose some crispiness. For added crunch, a quick reheat on the grill works well too!
