These Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are a fun and tasty dish! With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a zesty ranch dressing, they’re perfect for grilling or baking!
Who can resist the combo of chicken and bacon? I like to serve them with fresh veggies or on a bed of rice for a complete meal. Enjoy every bite with a smile! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for these kabobs as it’s lean and cooks quickly. You can also use thighs for more flavor and juiciness, or even turkey if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Bacon: Standard sliced bacon works perfectly here. If you want something leaner, turkey bacon is a great substitute, though it may not get as crispy. For a twist, try using smoked bacon for an extra depth of flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives an amazing flavor kick. If you’re out, homemade ranch spice mix is easy to make with dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Whole30 or Paleo fans might prefer a no-processed seasoning blend!
Olive Oil: I love olive oil for its health benefits and subtle flavor. You can swap it for avocado oil or even melted butter for richness if that’s your preference.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors in this dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled juice works, but fresh is always best!
How Can I Get the Bacon Crispy on My Kabobs?
Getting crispy bacon while cooking the chicken can be a bit tricky, but here’s how to nail it:
- Wrap the bacon snugly around the chicken. This helps it crisp evenly.
- Preheat your grill properly. Medium-high heat is key! This prevents the chicken from overcooking before the bacon crisps.
- Turn the kabobs regularly, about every 3-4 minutes. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Keep an eye on the bacon! If it starts to brown too quickly, you can move it to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking without burning.
Letting the kabobs rest after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist while the bacon gets that perfect crunch. Enjoy your kabobs!
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Serving:
- Fresh lettuce leaves for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare if you’re in a hurry. However, if you want to let the chicken marinate and soak up all the delicious ranch flavor, you can let it sit for up to 2 hours. Cooking on the grill will take 12 to 15 minutes. So, with the marinating time included, you’re looking at a total of about 1 hour to 2 hours and 15 minutes depending on your choice. It’s so worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with the ranch seasoning mix, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the chicken pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better—up to 2 hours!
2. Preheat the Grill:
While the chicken is marinating, go ahead and preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your kabobs cook evenly and get nice grill marks.
3. Assemble the Kabobs:
After marinating, it’s time to prepare the kabobs! Take a piece of the marinated chicken and wrap it with half a slice of bacon. Then, thread the wrapped chicken onto a skewer. Repeat this process until all the chicken is used. Feel free to use wooden skewers that have been soaked in water to prevent burning, or metal skewers if you have them!
4. Grill the Kabobs:
Once your grill is nice and hot, place the kabobs on the grill. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, turning occasionally. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked, the juices run clear, and the bacon is crispy. Yum!
5. Let Them Rest:
After grilling, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices settle and keep the chicken nice and juicy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs warm on a platter. You can also add some fresh lettuce leaves around them for a lovely presentation. Enjoy these savory and flavorful kabobs with family and friends!
Can I Use Different Meats for the Kabobs?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute the chicken with other meats like turkey, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the meat you choose—pork may need a bit longer, while shrimp will cook quickly!
How Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
You can prep the kabobs in advance! Marinate the chicken in the ranch seasoning and olive oil up to 2 hours ahead of time. Assemble the kabobs and keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to grill. Just remember to cook them within a day for the best flavor!
What if I Don’t Have Skewers?
No problem! You can cook the chicken and bacon mixture in a grill basket or on a grill-safe tray to achieve similar flavors without skewers. Just ensure the pieces are spread out for even cooking!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This will help keep the bacon crispy!
