These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy pieces of chicken are wrapped in crispy bacon and tossed with ranch seasoning for extra flavor. Yum!
They’re perfect for a grill party or a cozy dinner. Just skewer, cook, and enjoy! I love serving them with a side of veggies or a dipping sauce. It’s hard to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean quality. If you’re looking for something with a bit more flavor, thighs would also work well. Just cut them similarly to maintain even cooking.
Bacon: Regular bacon is delicious, but turkey bacon is a lighter alternative if you’re keeping things healthy. You can also try prosciutto for a gourmet twist—just be careful as it cooks faster.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but you can make your own using dried herbs like dill, garlic powder, and onion powder if you prefer. Adjust the amounts based on your taste.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is great for flavor, you can substitute it with melted butter or avocado oil if you like. Both add a unique taste while keeping the chicken moist.
Skewers: Wooden skewers need soaking to prevent burning. If you’re short on time, metal skewers are an excellent choice—it saves you prep time and avoids any risk of burning.
How Do You Perfectly Wrap Chicken with Bacon?
Wrapping chicken in bacon can be tricky but it’s key for that delicious flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cut the bacon slices in half. Each half should easily wrap around a chicken cube.
- Start by placing the bacon underneath the chicken piece and roll it up tightly. The bacon will shrink as it cooks, so wrap it snugly.
- Secure with a skewer by pushing it through the wrapped chicken and bacon. This will keep everything together on the grill.
Remember to keep your hands clean when working with raw chicken, and have fun with the process! It’s a great way to involve kids or friends in the kitchen.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
- Lettuce leaves (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and marinate the chicken, plus another 10-15 minutes for grilling. If you’re using wooden skewers, don’t forget to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. In total, you should plan for about 45 minutes before you can dig into these tasty kabobs!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes. This will help prevent them from burning when you grill the kabobs. If you have metal skewers, you can skip this step. It’s an easy way to keep your food safe while cooking!
2. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix together the chicken cubes, ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until the chicken is well coated with the seasonings. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the flavors. This step is super important for making the chicken taste amazing!
3. Wrap the Chicken:
Take a piece of the marinated chicken, grab a half slice of bacon, and wrap it around the chicken. Use a skewer to secure the bacon in place. Repeat this process until all the chicken is wrapped and on the skewers. Feel free to alternate between using bacon and chicken for variety!
4. Preheat the Grill:
While you’re prepping the kabobs, heat your grill to medium-high heat. It’s nice to have a hot grill so that the chicken cooks perfectly and the bacon gets nice and crispy!
5. Grill the Kabobs:
Once the grill is hot, place the kabobs on the grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning them occasionally. Keep an eye on them to ensure the chicken is cooked all the way through and the bacon is crispy. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6. Serve:
When the kabobs are done cooking, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a minute. Serve them hot on a plate, and if you like, garnish with fresh lettuce leaves. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs—perfect for a family dinner or a get-together with friends!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Pork Bacon?
Yes, you can definitely use turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option! Simply wrap the chicken pieces with turkey bacon as you would with regular bacon. Keep in mind that turkey bacon may not get as crispy as pork bacon, so you might want to cook the kabobs slightly longer to achieve your desired texture.
Can I Prepare the Kabobs in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the kabobs up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator covered. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to keep the chicken fresh. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking!
How to Store Leftover Kabobs?
If you have leftover kabobs, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can warm them up in the microwave, although the bacon may lose some crispiness.
What Vegetables Can I Add to the Kabobs?
Feel free to add some veggies for extra flavor and nutrition! Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini are great options. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces and alternate them with the chicken and bacon on the skewers. Veggies will add color and a delightful crunch to your kabobs!
