These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are the perfect party treat! Tender chicken chunks, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning come together on skewers for a fun bite-sized delight.
Cooking these kabobs is a blast, and the best part? You can add your favorite veggies too! I love serving them with some extra ranch for dipping—everyone loves a little extra fun! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for kabobs. They cook quickly and are juicy. You can substitute with chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor or use turkey if you’re looking for a leaner option.
Bacon: Regular bacon gives a lovely crispiness. If you want a healthier version, try turkey bacon or even prosciutto for a different taste. Just note that cooking times may vary with different bacon types!
Ranch Seasoning: A packet of ranch seasoning adds fantastic flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder mixed with a little buttermilk powder. This is also great if you’re looking to control the ingredients!
Olive Oil: This helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor. If needed, you can replace it with avocado oil or even melted butter for a slightly different taste.
How Do I Ensure My Kabobs Are Cooked Perfectly?
The key to perfectly cooked kabobs is all in the grilling technique. First, ensure your grill is at medium-high heat before adding the kabobs. This helps the chicken cook evenly and allows the bacon to crisp up nicely.
- After threading the chicken and bacon onto the skewers, make sure not to crowd them too much. This ensures good airflow and even cooking.
- Grill for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for the chicken.
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and flavorful.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
- Fresh lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to grill. So, you’ll spend about 30 minutes in total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Before you begin preparing the kabobs, make sure to preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the kabobs will cook evenly and get that nice char!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large bowl, add the chicken cubes along with the ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well. Make sure every piece of chicken is nicely coated with the seasoning. This will give your kabobs lots of flavor!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to assemble! Take one piece of chicken, wrap it with half a slice of bacon, and then thread it onto a skewer. Repeat this process for the rest of the chicken pieces. You can mix it up by alternating the arrangement on each skewer if you like. This makes them look fun and colorful!
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Grill them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the bacon to be crispy. Keep an eye on them, so they don’t burn!
5. Rest and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Finally, serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs on a platter with fresh lettuce leaves. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can definitely use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option! Just keep in mind that turkey bacon may take slightly longer to get crispy. Grill until fully cooked through and enjoy the same delicious flavors!
How to Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
If you want to make these kabobs in the oven, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
Can I Marinate the Chicken Overnight?
Absolutely! Marinating the chicken in the ranch seasoning mix and olive oil overnight adds even more flavor. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge for food safety. When you’re ready to grill, simply wrap the chicken with bacon and skewer them up as usual!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
To store leftovers, place the kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them again, reheat in the oven or on a skillet until warmed through, and they’ll taste nearly as good as fresh!
