These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are the perfect fun meal! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing come together for a tasty treat on a stick.
Who doesn’t love bacon? I can’t resist these kabobs at a cookout. Just pop them on the grill, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will enjoy, even the picky eaters! 🍗🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the best choice for tenderness. If you’re looking for lower fat, try turkey breast instead. Alternatively, boneless thighs will add extra flavor and moisture.
Bacon: Traditional bacon is great, but turkey bacon could work well for a healthier option. If you need a vegetarian choice, try wrapping the chicken in strips of zucchini or eggplant with seasoning.
Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning gives a wonderful flavor. For a homemade option, combine equal parts dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley. Just adjust according to your taste preference.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for its flavor, but you can use any light oil like avocado or canola oil. If you’re after a bit of spice, chili oil could add a unique twist.
How Do You Wrap Chicken in Bacon Without it Falling Apart?
Wrapping chicken in bacon can feel tricky, but with the right technique, it’s easy! Here’s how to do it without the bacon slipping off:
- Start by placing a chicken cube on one end of the bacon slice.
- Wrap the bacon tightly around the chicken, ensuring the ends overlap slightly.
- Use a skewer to secure the bacon in place, pushing it through the chicken and bacon.
- Make sure the skewer holds the pieces snugly together; this helps keep everything intact during grilling.
This method helps the bacon crisp up nicely while keeping the chicken juicy. Just remember to keep an eye on the grill, and enjoy grilling your kabobs!
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 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden or metal skewers
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10-15 minutes to grill. Altogether, you’ll need around 30 minutes to get these delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs ready to serve. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by getting your grill nice and hot! Preheat it to medium-high heat so it’s ready for the kabobs.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken cubes, ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning. This will give your kabobs a great flavor!
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
Now, take each piece of seasoned chicken and wrap it with a half slice of bacon. The bacon will add flavor and keep the chicken moist while grilling. Once wrapped, secure the bacon-wrapped chicken onto your skewers. Make sure to alternate the pieces so that all kabobs are uniform in size. This helps them cook evenly!
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Place the kabobs on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. You want to make sure the chicken is cooked through and the bacon gets nice and crispy!
5. Let Them Rest:
Once the kabobs are cooked, take them off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep all those juicy flavors in!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the kabobs warm, plated on fresh lettuce leaves for a lovely presentation. These kabobs are perfect for a fun dinner or BBQ. Enjoy every tasty bite!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Absolutely! You can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a lower-fat option. Just keep in mind that turkey bacon may not crisp up as nicely as pork bacon, so grill a little longer if needed to achieve your desired texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix on hand, you can create a homemade version using equal parts of dried parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix about a tablespoon of each ingredient to replace the packet, adjusting to your taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the microwave for a minute or two or grill them on low heat until warmed through, being careful not to overcook the chicken.
Can I Make This Recipe in the Oven Instead of on a Grill?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy. Enjoy your delicious kabobs without a grill!
