These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are packed with flavor! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing come together for a tasty treat. Perfect for grilling in the backyard!
You can’t go wrong with bacon on anything, right? Just picture the smoky goodness and how easy they are to make—great for dinner or a fun barbecue with friends!
I love serving these with some fresh veggies on the side. They’re not only delicious but also quick to whip up, so you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying! 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for these kabobs as they cook evenly. If you’re looking for a twist, thighs can add extra juiciness, and if you prefer a quicker option, pre-cooked grilled chicken works too.
Bacon: Use regular bacon for that lovely richness, but turkey bacon is a good substitute if you’re aiming for a lighter version; just keep an eye on cooking time, as it can get crispy more quickly.
Ranch Dressing Mix: The ranch mix brings in that familiar flavor. If you want a homemade version, mix together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. For a twist, try using other seasoning blends like Italian or BBQ.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for marinating and grilling but feel free to swap it for canola oil or avocado oil, which also has a high smoke point and can add a slight flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken and Bacon on Kabobs?
Cooking kabobs can be simple, but you want to ensure both chicken and bacon are cooked well. Here’s how:
- Make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high. This helps to cook evenly.
- Marinate the chicken cubes for at least 30 minutes; longer in the fridge means more flavor!
- Wrap each chicken piece with bacon, securing it well. This helps keep moisture and adds a nice crunch.
- Turn the kabobs every few minutes while cooking to ensure even grilling. This will help the bacon crisp up wonderfully.
- Check the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest point.
Letting them rest for a few minutes after grilling allows the juices to settle, making every bite delicious!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 ounces bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 1 hour total. You’ll need 30 minutes to soak the skewers (if using wood) and marinate the chicken, plus an additional 10-15 minutes for grilling. It’s simple and packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This step helps prevent them from burning on the grill.
2. Making the Marinade:
In a large bowl, mix together the ranch dressing mix, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. This will be the delicious marinade for your chicken.
3. Marinating the Chicken:
Add the chicken cubes to the marinade. Toss them around until all sides are well-coated. For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even refrigerate it for a few hours if you have the time!
4. Preheating the Grill:
While the chicken marinades, preheat your grill to medium-high heat so it’s ready to cook the kabobs.
5. Assembling the Kabobs:
Take the marinated chicken pieces and thread them onto the skewers. As you thread each piece, wrap a piece of bacon around each chunk of chicken. Alternate between chicken and bacon until the skewers are nicely filled.
6. Grilling the Kabobs:
Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You’ll know they are done when the chicken is fully cooked and the bacon looks crispy and delicious!
7. Resting and Serving:
Once done, remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside the chicken. Serve them warm, maybe with some fresh lettuce or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs!
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for These Kabobs?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken to save time! Just make sure to wrap the bacon around the chicken and grill them until the bacon is crispy. This will add a lovely smokiness and help the bacon crisp up nicely.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Dressing Mix?
No problem! You can easily make a homemade ranch seasoning by combining 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, ½ teaspoon of dill weed, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon of salt and pepper. Mix this into your marinade instead for a fresh flavor!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
To store leftovers, place the kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat on a grill or stovetop for the best results, as this will help maintain the bacon’s crispiness.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and onions pair wonderfully with chicken and bacon. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and soak them in the marinade along with the chicken for extra flavor before grilling.
