These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are packed with flavor! Imagine juicy chicken pieces, crispy bacon, and tasty ranch dressing all skewered together for a barbecue treat that’s hard to beat.
Who can resist a meal on a stick? It’s like a party in your mouth! I love grilling these kabobs for friends and family—everyone always wants seconds. 😊
Honestly, the fun part is mixing and matching veggies with the chicken and bacon. They cook fast, so you’ll have a delicious dinner ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for kabobs since they cook quickly and remain juicy. You can swap them for thighs for a juicier option or use turkey meat if you’re looking for a leaner choice.
Bacon: Bacon adds a crunchy, smoky flavor. Pancetta or turkey bacon can work too if you’re looking for a healthier alternative. Just remember that cooking times may vary based on the type of bacon you choose.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning mix brings lots of flavor. You can make a homemade version using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives with a bit of garlic powder, or use any favorite seasoning blend that matches your taste.
Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist while grilling. You can substitute with avocado oil or vegetable oil for a slightly different flavor or if you’re avoiding olive oil.
Vegetables: While the recipe doesn’t list vegetables, feel free to add peppers or cherry tomatoes on the skewers. They add color, flavor, and nutrition. Plus, they grill beautifully!
How Do I Ensure My Kabobs Don’t Stick to the Grill?
Sticking kabobs can be frustrating, but here are some simple tips to prevent that:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This helps keep them from burning during grilling.
- Oil your grill grates before placing the kabobs on them. Just a little oil on a paper towel rubbed across the grates works well!
- Preheat the grill properly. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding the kabobs, which helps create a sear and prevents sticking.
- Don’t move the kabobs too soon! Let them develop a nice crust before flipping, usually around 4-5 minutes.
With these tips, you’ll have kabobs that slide right off the skewers—ready to be enjoyed!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 oz bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes for grilling. So, you can have a delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabob meal ready in just under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you are using wooden skewers, make sure to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the cubed chicken breasts, olive oil, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix everything well until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the seasoning. This will help infuse great flavor into the chicken!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. It’s important to have it hot so the chicken cooks evenly and the bacon gets crispy.
4. Assemble the Kabobs:
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, alternating with pieces of bacon for that delicious combination. Make sure to leave a little space between the pieces so heat can circulate around them.
5. Season the Skewers:
Once all the chicken and bacon are on the skewers, sprinkle some salt and pepper over them to enhance the flavor.
6. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked through (to an internal temperature of 165°F) and that the bacon is nice and crispy.
7. Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This lets the juices settle in. Serve your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs with fresh lettuce leaves on the side, perfect for a light wrap or as a garnish. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Other Proteins Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even chunks of firm tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly—shrimp will take less time, while tofu may require slightly longer to heat through.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning?
No problem! You can make your own ranch seasoning using a blend of dried dill, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix 1 teaspoon of each, and adjust to your taste! You could also use any other flavored seasoning mix you enjoy, like Italian dressing mix, for a different taste.
How Can I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or on a grill pan over low heat to maintain the crispiness of the bacon.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs?
These kabobs are perfect served with fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping, or you can serve them with a side of veggies or a dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue for added flavor. They make a great addition to a summer barbecue or family meal!
