Grilled Garlic Ranch Chicken
Summer is the perfect season for firing up the grill and enjoying delicious, flavorful meals with family and friends. One dish that never fails to impress is Grilled Garlic Ranch Chicken recipe. This recipe combines the tangy, creamy goodness of ranch dressing with the robust flavor of garlic, creating a mouthwatering chicken breasts or thighs dish that’s sure to become a staple at your summer barbecues. So this grilled garlic ranch chicken recipe gives you juicy, flavorful grilled or baked chicken perfect for any weeknight with just four simple ingredients.
And this summer if we are going to eat more than just a ham sandwich, simple is key for us. We have been busy with camps, two a day swim practice and getting our 4-H animals ready for fair. Thank goodness we are on eastern time zone when we should be on central because it is light till after 9:30 pm.
Since I don’t buy much meat at the grocery store except for chicken, when I do buy chicken I buy it on a quick sale. Most quick sale chicken has a nearby sell-by date. Sell by date does not mean use by date. And most of the time when I buy chicken I am going to cook it the same day. If you aren’t checking out the quick sale meat section of the meat case, start doing it. It is the perfect way to try out this garlic ranch chicken.
I have gotten a lot of questions about chicken. Which chicken is hormone free? What chicken is antibiotic free? How do I know chicken is raised cage-free? All these questions are spurred by marketing labels.
The truth about chicken labels…
Here is what I can tell you simply, all the chicken you buy is free from artificial hormones. It is illegal to use hormones in chickens and has been since the 1950s. All chicken is free from antibiotic residue if it was given antibiotics. And to think you can raise animals without antibiotics and is like thinking you can send your kid to kindergarten and not get sick. Ever. Animals get sick and deserve to have their illness treated. Finally, all chickens raised for meat are cage free. Period. It is chickens raised for eggs that could be in cages. And those cages are gifts to the welfare of egg laying chickens. Trust me.
Want more information about how chickens for meat are raised? Check out some easy to understand information from Sanderson Farms.
Grilled Garlic Ranch Chicken Ingredients
Grilled Garlic Ranch Chicken is so simple, people.
- Chicken – for me this means boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Dark meat rules! However, chicken breasts are also great made this way.
- Water
- Oil – It doesn’t matter if it is olive oil or avocado oil, both are great for this grilled chicken recipe.
- Lime Juice
- Garlic – While fresh garlic cloves is the preference, garlic powder can also be used in a pinch.
- Ranch Seasoning – Yes, the Ranch Seasoning Mix dry seasoning packet is what you need for this.
How to Make Garlic Ranch Grilled Chicken
Mix and marinate. I do most of my marinading in gallon zipper bags. It works best in my opinion. The secret to incredibly flavorful and tender chicken lies in the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the ranch dressing, minced garlic, olive oil, and lime juice to start. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Then, place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best results, marinate overnight to allow the flavors to fully penetrate the chicken.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. A properly preheated grill ensures even cooking and helps prevent the chicken from sticking.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
Next, grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
Once the chicken is fully cooked, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Finally, for an extra touch of freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the grilled chicken before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the overall flavor.
This is seriously some of the best-grilled chicken if you are looking for an alternative to BBQ chicken. I know this garlic ranch chicken will become a regular grilled chicken recipe in our house.
Tips for Success:
- Monitor Heat: Keep an eye on the grill temperature to prevent the chicken from burning or drying out.
- Even Thickness: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
- Marinate Well: Don’t rush the marinating process. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Serving Suggestions:
The Grilled Garlic Ranch Chicken recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas to complete your meal:
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus are excellent choices. Try this prosciutto-wrapped asparagus on the grill.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a creamy ranch dressing complements the rich flavors of the chicken. Checkout this BLT salad that is so easy to make.
- Potatoes: Whether grilled sweet potatoes with bacon and onions, or parmesan-crusted potatoes, a side of potatoes is perfect for a garlic ranch chicken breast.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, juicy corn on the cob is a classic barbecue side dish.
- Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm, buttery garlic English muffins for an indulgent touch.
Ranch Chicken Recipes
Here are a few more of our favorite recipes.
Garlic Ranch Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup Olive Oil
- 1 lime juiced
- 3 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning mix divided
- 4 cloves garlic diced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix water, olive oil, lime juice, 3 tablespoons ranch dressing seasoning mix, black pepper, and garlic together.
- Place chicken pieces into a . Pour garlic ranch mix over top and seal. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Remove from marinade, grill or bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
Nutrition
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Super Easy! My boyfriend loved it! Will definitely make again and again! Thank you!
Holly Hooper