Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs are a fun and tasty treat! Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch dressing come together on skewers for a perfect grab-and-go meal or snack.
Who doesn’t love the combo of chicken and bacon? I often make extra so I can enjoy them cold the next day. They’re great for picnics or game days—easy to eat and super delicious!
They’re also a breeze to prepare. Just skewer, bake or grill, and munch away! You’ll love how simple it is to impress your friends with these tasty kabobs.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you prefer dark meat, thighs can work too, giving a richer flavor. You can even use pre-cooked grilled chicken to save time, just adjust grilling time accordingly.
Bacon: I use regular bacon for its great flavor and crispiness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey bacon can substitute well. Just remember, it may not get as crispy as pork bacon.
Ranch Seasoning: A ranch seasoning packet brings loads of flavor in one go. If you want to make it from scratch, mix together dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and buttermilk powder. Adjust according to taste!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the seasoning stick. If you have a different oil on hand, like avocado or canola oil, those work too. Extra virgin olive oil is my personal favorite for added flavor.
Skewers: Metal skewers are reusable and great for grilling. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. I find metal skewers easier for cleanup!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Juicy and My Bacon is Crispy?
Getting juicy chicken and crispy bacon on kabobs can be tricky but totally doable! Start by marinating the chicken; this adds flavor and moisture.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can go up to 2 hours, you’ll get even better flavor.
- Preheat your grill properly to medium-high heat so that the chicken cooks evenly and the bacon crisps up.
- Cook kabobs for about 10-15 minutes, turning often. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.
- Always check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Let the kabobs rest for a few minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to settle in the chicken.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Ranch Kabobs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Kabobs:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ½ pound bacon, cut into thirds
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (metal or soaked wooden skewers)
For Serving:
- Fresh lettuce leaves (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes for prep and marinating, plus around 15 minutes for grilling. If you decide to marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours, you can enhance the flavor even more. Overall, it’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix together the cubed chicken, olive oil, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is all coated well. Once done, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator to marinate. It’s best to let it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you have more time, 2 hours is even better!
2. Prepping the Grill:
While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures that the kabobs cook evenly and get that perfect char!
3. Assembling the Kabobs:
Now it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Grab your marinated chicken and bacon. Start by threading a piece of chicken onto the skewer, then follow it with a piece of bacon. Alternate between chicken and bacon until the skewer is filled, finishing with a piece of bacon at the end. This gives you that crispy bacon edge!
4. Grilling the Kabobs:
Place the assembled kabobs on the hot grill. Cook them for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. You want the chicken to be cooked all the way through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), while the bacon gets nice and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
5. Serving the Kabobs:
Once done, take the kabobs off the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve your delicious kabobs over fresh lettuce leaves for a light meal or appetizer. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Can I Use Turkey Bacon Instead of Regular Bacon?
Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer a leaner option. Just note that turkey bacon tends to be less fatty, so it may not get as crispy as regular bacon. You might want to lengthen the cooking time slightly to ensure it is cooked through and achieves a nice texture.
How Do I Soak Wooden Skewers Properly?
To avoid wooden skewers burning on the grill, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps keep them from charring and adds extra moisture while cooking. Just place the skewers in a bowl of water and weigh them down if necessary!
Can I Make These Kabobs in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), and place the kabobs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and bacon is crispy. This method works well if you don’t have access to a grill!
How Should I Store Leftover Kabobs?
Store any leftover kabobs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
