Grilled Chicken Bacon and Ranch Skewers

Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch skewers will be the most popular dish at your next party. They are packed with tender chicken and smoky, creamy ranch flavours. These skewers can be used for barbecues, weeknight meals, or whenever you want to make a tasty and easy meal, so every bite is irresistible with the combination of crispy chicken, ranch seasoning, and juicy bacon.

Ingredients:

Marinade for Chicken:

• Cut 1 lb of chicken breast into cubes about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Ranch seasoning mix (purchased or homemade).
• Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• Half a teaspoon of smoked paprika
• To taste: salt and pepper

Bacon for the Bacon:

• Eight slices of bacon (preferably thick-cut)

Skewers for the Skewers

• 4-6 skewers, metal or wood (if wooden, soak in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning).

Garnishing is optional.

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• Extra ranch dressing to dip

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken marinade:

• Combine the olive oil with the ranch seasoning, lemon juice and other ingredients. The ingredients should be combined until a smooth marinade is achieved.
• Add the cubed breast of chicken to the bowl, then make sure the chicken is coated well with the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, or cover it with a lid, so refrigerate for 30 minutes. Marinate for at least 2-3 hours or even overnight.

2. Bacon is ready to be cooked:

• Cook the bacon while the chicken is marinating. The bacon can be cooked in a skillet over medium heat, rotating it occasionally to ensure that it crisps up evenly. Or, you can bake it in a 400degF Oven for 12-15 Minutes.
• Place the bacon on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat, then after letting the bacon cool for a few moments, cut it into pieces of approximately 1 inch. Set aside.

3. Assemble Skewers

• Preheat your grill or pan at medium heat (around 400degF). Use oil to keep the grates from sticking if you are using a barbecue.
• Then, alternately thread the pieces of bacon cooked with the marinated cubes on the skewers, so you can put 4-6 chicken pieces on each skewer and a few bacon pieces, depending on their size.
• You can add extra vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions, between the bacon and chicken for added flavour and colour.

4. Grill the Skewers

• Place the skewers assembled on the grill that has been preheated. Cook the skewers on each side for 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165degF. Turn the skewers periodically to ensure even cooking. This will also prevent the bacon from being burned.
• The bacon will crisp up as the skewers are grilled, giving the chicken a nice, smoky taste.

5. Serve:

• Remove the skewers from the grill once they are finished, and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes, so the juices will redistribute in the chicken and keep it juicy.
• To add flavour, serve ranch dressing on the side or drizzle it over the skewers.
• Garnish the skewers with fresh parsley or cilantro for a herby, fresh finish.

6. Enjoy:

• These Grilled Chicken Bacon Ranch skewers are great as an appetizer or paired with a salad, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes to make a complete meal.
• These skewers will be perfect for tailgates or BBQs. They are also great for any other occasion when you want to serve a delicious, easy-to-eat dish.

Tip and variations:

• Make your marinade by combining dried dill with garlic powder, onion, chives and parsley powder, so ahomemade seasoning gives you a more fresh and personalized taste.
• Additions of vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms or cherry tomatoes can be added to make the skewers more colourful and tasty, so these vegetables add a nice balance to the flavours of the bacon and chicken.
• You can also use chicken thighs, which are skinless and boneless. They will be juicier and more flavorful. Try turkey bacon to make a lighter version.
• Grilling Tip: If you are grilling the chicken skewers outside, make sure that the grill is preheated thoroughly. This will prevent the chicken from sticking. You can cook the skewers more slowly if you are worried that the bacon will become too crispy.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the bacon and chicken ahead of time and store them separately, so for a quick, easy meal, assemble the skewers right before grilling.
• Leftovers: these skewers work great with leftovers! Keep any leftover skewers stored in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge, so you can reheat them in a microwave or a skillet for a quick dinner.

Nutritional Information per Serving:

Note: The nutritional values listed are approximations and can vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~290
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 18g
• Fibre: 0g
• Sodium: 650mg

This is a delicious and easy dish that combines two of the most popular ingredients in the world: bacon and chicken, so the combination of the creamy ranch seasoning and the smoky bacon flavour creates the perfect bite. These skewers will impress your guests, whether you are hosting a dinner party or cooking for the family.