Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers: Your New Favorite Obsession

Hey there, dill pickle aficionados! Get ready to meet your match. These Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers are about to become a permanent fixture in your recipe rotation. Imagine tender, juicy chicken cubes, bursting with tangy dill pickle flavor, coated in a creamy, zesty homemade dill pickle ranch dressing, and cooked to absolute perfection. It’s a flavor explosion that will have everyone reaching for more!

Our taste testers devoured these so fast, we had to make a second batch! While they’re amazing in the air fryer, we’ve also included instructions for making them in the oven or on the grill, so you can enjoy them anytime, anywhere.

Craving a different kind of kick? Don’t miss our popular Bang Bang Chicken Skewers made with a sweet and spicy homemade Bang Bang sauce!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t just chicken skewers; they’re a flavor experience. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for this recipe:

• Explosion of Flavor: The combination of tangy dill pickle and creamy ranch is simply irresistible.
• Incredibly Juicy: Marinating the chicken in pickle juice keeps it exceptionally moist and tender.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Perfect for the air fryer, oven, or grill.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Tested and devoured – these skewers are a guaranteed hit!
• Easy to Make Ahead: Simple steps allow you to prep these skewers in advance.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your flavor-packed Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers:

• 8-10 wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes if using)
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (chicken thighs work well too!)
• 2 cups (16 ounces) dill pickle juice
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 cup homemade dill pickle ranch dressing, divided (plus more for dipping)
• Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Substitutions:

• Chicken: While chicken breasts are recommended, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for even richer flavor. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when cooked.
• Fresh Dill: If fresh dill isn’t available, fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro can be used for a different fresh herb note, or simply omit the garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes and dill pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, to infuse the chicken with maximum pickle flavor.

2. Season the Chicken: When you’re ready to cook, drain the marinated chicken. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Add the drained chicken to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning mix.

3. Thread the Skewers: Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers (or use metal skewers).

4. Apply First Layer of Ranch: In a small bowl, add ½ cup of the dill pickle ranch dressing. Brush the chicken generously with this dressing. Cover and refrigerate the remaining ½ cup of dressing for later.

5. Choose Your Cooking Method: Proceed with one of the following cooking methods:

   • Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick spray. Arrange the skewers in a single layer in the basket (you may need to cook in batches). Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the chicken skewers on the lined baking sheet. Brush with dill pickle ranch dressing. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
   • Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the threaded skewers with dill pickle ranch dressing. Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

6. Apply Second Layer of Ranch: Once the chicken is cooked, generously brush it with the reserved ½ cup of dill pickle ranch dressing.

7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped dill if desired. Serve immediately with extra dill pickle ranch dressing for dipping!

You Must Know

Here are a few key things to keep in mind for the best results:

• Marination is Key: While you can make these without marinating, soaking the chicken in pickle juice overnight is highly recommended for the most intense dill pickle flavor and juicy texture.
• Internal Temperature: Always ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safely cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check.
• Wooden Skewers Need Soaking: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken to prevent them from burning during cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook skewers in a single layer, whether in the air fryer, oven, or on the grill, to ensure even cooking and browning.

Make Ahead and Storage

These skewers are perfect for prepping in advance!

• Make Ahead: Marinate the chicken in pickle juice the night before. The next day, season and thread the chicken onto the skewers. Store the assembled skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Brush with dill pickle ranch just before cooking.
• Storage: Let leftover skewers cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer or oven until heated through. For extra moisture and flavor, brush with a little extra dill pickle ranch before reheating.

Seasonal Variations

These Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers are delicious year-round! They are a fantastic option for summer grilling, a quick and easy weeknight dinner in the air fryer, or a flavorful appetizer for any gathering regardless of the season.

Serving Suggestions

These skewers are fantastic on their own, but they pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Air Fryer French Fries
• Roasted Potato Wedges
• Grilled Corn on the Cob
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese
• Simple White or Brown Rice
• Classic Coleslaw

No-Bake Alternative

As these chicken skewers require cooking to be safe for consumption, there is no no-bake alternative for this recipe.

Pro Tips

Elevate your Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers with these handy tips:

• Boost the Flavor (Even Without Overnight Marinating): If you’re short on time and can’t marinate overnight, try mixing ½ cup of dill pickle juice with the seasonings and letting the chicken marinate for at least an hour in the refrigerator before cooking. This will still give the flavor a noticeable boost.
• Extra Ranch for Dipping: Don’t be shy with the extra dill pickle ranch for dipping! It complements the cooked skewers perfectly.
• Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F. This guarantees safety and prevents dry chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I skip marinating the chicken in pickle juice? A: Yes, you can skip the overnight marination if you’re short on time. However, marinating significantly enhances the dill pickle flavor and juiciness. If skipping the overnight step, try the pro tip of marinating in a smaller amount of juice with the seasonings for at least an hour.

Q: Can I use metal skewers instead of wooden ones? A: Absolutely! Metal skewers work great and don’t require soaking. Just make sure they fit comfortably in your air fryer basket or cooking vessel.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked? A: The best way to tell is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of a chicken piece on a skewer. It should register 165°F (74°C).

Q: Can I make the dill pickle ranch dressing ahead of time? A: Yes, the homemade dill pickle ranch dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator according to its recipe instructions.

Enjoy your delicious Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers!

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