Discover the Secret Ingredient that Elevates Our Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers!
These Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers are the perfect blend of savory and tangy. With crispy bacon and juicy chicken infused with ranch flavor, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next event. But here’s the real question: What secret ingredient takes these skewers to the next level?
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While the exact history of bacon-wrapped chicken recipes is unclear, many food historians believe that the combination of chicken and bacon can be traced back to the Colonial era. Chickens that were raised in the United States during that time were smaller than what we typically find in supermarkets today. To ensure that the meat remained moist and flavorful during cooking, bacon was commonly used to wrap around the chicken breasts, giving them a more intense flavor and added moisture.
Today, bacon-wrapped chicken recipes like Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers have evolved with modern tastes and become popular all around the world. When combined with a zesty dressing like Ranch and grilled to perfection, these skewers take on a smoky, salty flavor that is downright irresistible. The combination of the tender and juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a hint of garlic and parsley will tantalize your taste buds with every bite.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up the grill, gather some friends and family, and serve up these irresistible Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers for a mouthwatering summer feast!
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers
Choose Good Quality Ingredients
Use good quality chicken and bacon for the best flavor and texture. Look for chicken breast that is fresh and free-range if possible. Also, choose bacon that is thick and has a good amount of fat to help keep the meat moist.
Marinating Time Matters
Marinating the chicken overnight will make the flavor more intense. But if you’re short on time, even marinating the chicken for 30 minutes in the fridge will help it absorb the flavors.
Cook Bacon Before Skewering
For best results, cook the bacon in a skillet before making the skewers. This will ensure that the bacon is cooked properly and crispy.
Soak Wooden Skewers
Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will keep them from burning and charring on the grill.
Avoid Overcrowding
Be sure not to overcrowd the chicken and bacon on the skewers, as this will make it difficult to cook them evenly. Leave a little bit of space in between each piece so that they cook thoroughly.
Watch the Grill
Keep an eye on the skewers while they’re grilling, as bacon fat can cause flare-ups. Adjust the heat of your grill to prevent burning or overcooking the chicken.
Serve with Dipping Sauce
Consider serving the Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers with a dipping sauce such as additional Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or hot sauce.
Try Different Veggies
If you want to add more veggies to the skewers, try adding onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Alternative Cooking Method
If you don’t have a grill, you can also cook the skewers in the oven on a baking sheet. Preheat the oven to 425F and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy.
How Many Calories are in Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers?
Nutrition Facts
6-8 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 840mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Total Sugars: 1g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 48g
What Drinks Pair Best with Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers?
Wine pairing: A full-bodied Chardonnay would complement the richness of the bacon while balancing out the flavors of the Ranch dressing and garlic. A Pinot Noir would also be a good pairing option for its fruity notes and light tannins that would not overpower the chicken and bacon.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Dubbel or a Brown Ale would pair well with the Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers, as they both have a malty character that complements the smoky bacon and the flavors of the Ranch dressing.
Cocktail pairing: A suitable cocktail pairing for Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers would be a classic Margarita. The tartness and acidity of the Margarita complement the bold, salty flavors of the grilled chicken and bacon, while the sweetness balances out the tangy Ranch dressing.
How to Make Bacon Ranch Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 lb bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/4 cup Ranch dressing
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- skewers (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling)
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Ranch dressing, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken breast pieces to the mixture and toss to coat well.
- Thread the bacon and chicken alternatively onto skewers.
- Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy the Ranch Bacon Chicken Skewers!
