Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs: The Ultimate Grilled Delight

If you’re looking for an easy, mouthwatering dish to impress your guests at your next cookout, look no further than Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs! These juicy, flavorful skewers combine tender chunks of chicken, smoky bacon, and a creamy ranch marinade, making them an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a kabob party or simply craving a delicious grilled bacon dish, this chicken kabob recipe is the perfect choice.

Why You’ll Love Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can whip up these easy chicken kabobs in no time.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of crispy bacon and tangy ranch marinade creates a rich, savory taste.
Perfect for Grilling: Ideal for summer barbecues, picnics, or weeknight dinners.
Great for Gatherings: Whether it’s a kabob party or a casual cookout, this dish is always a hit.
Customizable: You can tweak the seasonings and add your favorite veggies for more variety.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the delicious combination of bacon and ranch!
Great for Meal Prep: You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and freeze it for later use.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering ranch chicken kabobs, you’ll need:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
1/2 lb thick-cut bacon (cut into 2-inch pieces)
1/2 cup ranch dressing
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for spice lovers)
1 bell pepper (cut into chunks, optional)
1 red onion (cut into chunks, optional)
1 zucchini (cut into rounds, optional)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs

Step 1: Prepare the Ranch Marinade

The secret to delicious ranch chicken kabobs is in the ranch marinade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper if you like a little heat. This marinade not only adds incredible flavor but also helps keep the chicken juicy.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Place the cubed chicken in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the ranch marinade over the chicken and mix well to coat. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion). The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavors will be.

Step 3: Assemble the Kabobs

If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Thread the marinated chicken, bacon, bell pepper, red onion, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes onto skewers, alternating between the ingredients. The bacon will crisp up beautifully while the chicken stays moist and tender.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the bacon is crispy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the kabobs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of ranch dressing.

Tips for the Best Chicken Bacon Kabobs

Use Thick-Cut Bacon: Regular bacon may burn too quickly on the grill, while thick-cut bacon cooks evenly alongside the chicken.
Cut Chicken Evenly: Uniformly sized pieces ensure that everything cooks at the same rate.
Don’t Overcrowd the Skewers: Leave a little space between pieces to allow for even cooking and crispy bacon.
Rotate Frequently: This prevents charring and ensures even grilling.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Marinate Longer for More Flavor: If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight to maximize the taste.
Serve with Side Dishes: Pair your kabobs with grilled veggies, a fresh salad, or even a light pasta dish for a well-rounded meal.
Try Different Marinades: Experiment with teriyaki sauce, honey mustard, or spicy buffalo sauce for a different twist.

Kabob Party Ideas

Throwing a kabob party? Here are some creative kabob ideas to elevate your gathering:

Tropical Chicken Kabobs: Add pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory twist.
Spicy BBQ Kabobs: Use a smoky BBQ sauce instead of ranch for a different flavor profile.
Vegetarian Kabobs: Grill bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes with a ranch glaze for a veggie-friendly option.
Surf and Turf Kabobs: Combine shrimp and steak alongside chicken and bacon for a gourmet touch.
Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs: Swap the ranch for a teriyaki glaze and add sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired twist.
Mediterranean Kabobs: Use a Greek yogurt marinade with garlic, lemon, and oregano for a Mediterranean vibe.
Cheese-Stuffed Kabobs: Add small mozzarella balls between the chicken and bacon pieces for a gooey, cheesy surprise.

FAQs

Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?

Yes! If you don’t have a grill, you can bake these Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more flavor, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts.

How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is ideal. Avoid marinating for too long, as the acid in the marinade can start breaking down the chicken.

What Other Seasonings Can I Use?

If you want to change things up, try adding cayenne pepper for some heat, or swap the ranch for an Italian dressing marinade.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the grill or in an oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Bacon Ranch Chicken Kabobs are the ultimate grilled bacon treat that combines smoky, crispy bacon with juicy, marinated chicken. Perfect for a kabob party, BBQ, or weeknight dinner, this easy chicken kabob recipe is bound to become a favorite. With a flavorful ranch marinade, simple preparation, and endless customization options, these kabobs are sure to impress your family and friends.

So fire up your grill and give these ranch chicken kabobs a try! Don’t forget to pair them with your favorite side dishes and enjoy a truly delicious meal. Happy grilling!