Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers

Are you a dill pickle aficionado? If so, you absolutely need to try these Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers! Tender chicken cubes marinate in dill pickle juice overnight, then are seasoned and slathered with a homemade dill pickle ranch dressing before being air-fried to complete perfection. The best part? A generous brush of more dill pickle ranch after cooking adds a ‘dill’icious finishing touch! My taste testers couldn’t get enough—we had to whip up a second batch! Don’t have an air fryer? No worries! These skewers are just as delicious when baked in the oven or grilled. If you’re in the mood for something spicy and creamy, be sure to check out my popular Bang Bang Chicken Skewers featuring homemade Bang Bang sauce!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Chicken: While I recommend using chicken breasts for this dish, chicken thighs are a fantastic option as well! Just ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Dill Pickle Juice: For maximum dill pickle flavor, let the chicken soak in dill pickle juice overnight. We tested both marinated and non-marinated chicken, and the marinated pieces vanished the quickest among our taste testers.

• Seasonings: Before threading the marinated chicken onto the skewers, season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This adds wonderful depth to the chicken’s flavor.

• Dill Pickle Ranch Dressing: My homemade dill pickle ranch dressing elevates these skewers to another level. Brush some over the chicken before cooking, and then add more afterward. Save a bit extra for dipping, too! After trying the dressing, you’ll want to use it whenever you need a creamy dill accompaniment!

• Fresh Dill: Fresh dill not only brightens up the dish visually but also complements the zesty dill pickle ranch dressing beautifully. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with parsley, chives, or cilantro. You can even skip the garnish if you prefer!

Wooden vs. Metal Skewers

You can utilize either wooden or metal skewers for preparing these chicken skewers, even in an air fryer! If opting for wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to avoid burning. (If they’re too long for your air fryer basket, you can easily break them to size.) Metal skewers don’t require soaking, but ensure they fit in your cooking basket prior to use.

How To Make Dill Pickle Ranch Skewers Ahead Of Time

Preparing these dill pickle ranch skewers ahead is a breeze. Start by marinating the chicken in dill pickle juice the evening before. Once marinated, season the chicken, thread it onto the skewers, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you’re ready to cook, simply brush the chicken with the dill pickle ranch dressing and air-fry or bake. Making them in advance certainly saves time when it’s time to serve!

Can You Make Dill Pickle Ranch Skewers Without Marinating The Chicken?

Absolutely! You can prepare these dill pickle ranch skewers without marinating the chicken in pickle juice. While marinating enhances the flavor (which I highly recommend!), if you’re short on time, simply season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika, then thread it onto skewers. Coat the chicken with dill pickle ranch dressing before and after cooking to maintain that fantastic dill pickle taste.

Pro Tip: If you can manage it, mix ½ cup of dill pickle juice with the seasonings and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for about an hour before cooking. This will still provide a delightful flavor punch!

Best Side Dishes To Serve With Dill Pickle Ranch Skewers

These dill pickle ranch skewers are amazing on their own but are also versatile when paired with side dishes. Here are some excellent options that complement the chicken skewers:

1. Air fryer french fries
2. Roasted potato wedges
3. Grilled corn on the cob
4. Macaroni and Cheese
5. White or brown rice
6. Coleslaw

How To Store & Reheat Leftover Dill Pickle Ranch Skewers

I doubt there will be any leftovers with these skewers, but just in case, here’s how to store them for later. First, let the leftovers cool down. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer or oven. Brush them with a bit more dill pickle ranch dressing (yes, please!) before reheating to retain their juiciness and flavor!

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and dill pickle juice. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours).
2. When ready to cook, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a separate bowl. Add the marinated chicken and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning.
3. Thread the seasoned chicken onto the soaked wooden skewers.
4. In a small bowl, add ½ cup of dill pickle ranch dressing. Generously brush the chicken with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate the remaining ½ cup for later use.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with nonstick cooking spray.
6. Arrange the skewers in the basket in a single layer. (Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.)
7. Air fry for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
8. Generously brush the cooked chicken with the reserved dill pickle ranch. Serve any extra dressing for dipping.
9. Garnish with fresh dill and enjoy!

Notes

Oven & Grilling Instructions:

To Bake In The Oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Follow the instructions up until you place the chicken skewers in the air fryer. Instead, arrange the chicken skewers on the lined baking sheet.
3. Brush with dill pickle ranch dressing.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Remove from the oven and brush more dill pickle ranch dressing over the chicken.

To Grill:

1. Thread the marinated and seasoned chicken onto the skewers.
2. Brush with dill pickle ranch dressing.
3. Grill over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Brush more dill pickle ranch dressing over the chicken.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken skewer
• Calories: 207 kcal

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
Keyword: Dill Pickle Ranch Skewers
Servings: 10 dill pickle ranch skewers

Author: Amanda Rettke–iamhomesteader.com

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Chicken Wonton Tacos
• Grilled Lemon Garlic Chicken Kebabs
• Savory Burrata & Roasted Tomato Toast
• Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

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Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers

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These Dill Pickle Ranch Chicken Skewers are a flavorful delight! Marinated in dill pickle juice, they are seasoned and brushed with a creamy dressing that takes them to the next level. Perfect for grilling, baking, or air frying, they make a tasty main or appetizer, ideal for parties or casual dinners.

• Total Time: 8 hours 12 minutes
• Yield: 10 skewers

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Dill pickle juice
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Dill pickle ranch dressing
• Fresh dill

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Instructions

• Marinate chicken in dill pickle juice overnight.
• Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika; coat chicken with the seasoning.
• Thread chicken onto skewers.
• Brush with dill pickle ranch dressing and refrigerate the rest.
• Preheat air fryer to 400°F and spray basket.
• Arrange skewers in a single layer; cook for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Brush cooked chicken with reserved ranch dressing.
• Garnish with fresh dill and serve.

Notes

For oven cooking, preheat to 400°F, arrange skewers on a baking sheet, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
For grilling, brush with ranch dressing and grill for 6-8 minutes per side.
To save time, you can season without marinating, but marinating enhances flavor.

• Author: jesseca
• Prep Time: 8 hours
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer, Oven, Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 207
• Sugar: Variable
• Sodium: Variable
• Fat: Variable
• Saturated Fat: Variable
• Unsaturated Fat: Variable
• Trans Fat: Variable
• Carbohydrates: Variable
• Fiber: Variable
• Protein: Variable
• Cholesterol: Variable