I have to tell you, making these buffalo ranch chicken skewers was such a fun, flavorful experience! Every bite is a perfect mix of spicy buffalo sauce and creamy ranch, with the juiciest chicken imaginable.
I enjoy them as a snack, but they’re also a hit at gatherings or even as a quick dinner option. If you’re like me and love dishes with bold flavors that are simple to make, you’ll adore this recipe. Trust me, it’s hard to resist going back for seconds (or thirds!).
Credit IG (miarecipes6)
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these tasty skewers. Each ingredient plays an important role, so try not to skip any unless you’re making substitutions.
- 8 wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ½ pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes. Fresh chicken works best for a juicy texture.
- ½ cup buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy kick. You can use store-bought or homemade for more control over heat levels.
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix enhances the creamy flavor.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to keep the meat moist during cooking.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder adds a subtle sweet and savory undertone.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder rounds out the flavor with aromatic richness.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt balances and enhances the seasoning blend.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper gives a mild earthy heat.
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish. It adds a bright pop of color and freshness.
Note: This recipe yields approximately eight skewers. Feel free to adjust based on serving size.
Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations to suit different preferences or diets:
- Dairy-free: Replace the ranch seasoning mix with your favorite dairy-free version or herb blend.
- Gluten-free: Ensure the buffalo sauce and ranch mix you use are certified gluten-free.
- Mild flavor: If you’re not a fan of heat, opt for a mild buffalo sauce or mix it with a little melted butter.
- Extra protein: Add cubes of turkey or tofu between the chicken pieces for even more variety.
You can also enjoy similar chicken recipes like the Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Skillet for more flavorful inspiration.
Cooking Time
The great part about these skewers is how quickly they come together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time in air fryer or grill: 11-12 minutes
- Total Time: About 27 minutes
Equipment You Need
Organizing your equipment makes everything easier. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mixing bowls to prepare the sauce and coat the chicken.
- Wooden or metal skewers for threading and grilling the chicken.
- Air fryer or grill to cook the skewers to perfection.
- Tongs to flip the skewers without breaking them.
- Measuring spoons and cups to ensure accuracy in seasoning and sauce.
How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers?
It’s easier than you think to create this crowd-pleaser. Follow these step-by-step instructions to get perfect results.
Mix the Sauce and Seasonings
Start by whisking together the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The result will be a rich and zesty marinade that infuses the meat with bold flavor.
Marinate the Chicken
Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and toss them in half of the prepared sauce mixture. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if you have time to marinate. It enhances the flavor even further.
Thread the Chicken
Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each one, leaving a little space between pieces. This allows for even cooking on all sides.
Cook the Skewers
Cook the skewers in an air fryer preheated to 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Alternatively, grill them over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Finish and Serve
Once the skewers are cooked, brush or drizzle them with the reserved sauce for a final burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
Here are some tricks I’ve learned along the way to make these skewers even better:
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for maximum flavor absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or grill; cook the skewers in small batches instead.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially for garnishes like parsley or homemade sauces.
- Always pre-soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers?
These skewers are versatile and look great on a platter. Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra pop. Adding colorful sides like grilled vegetables or potato salad creates a full meal. Sprinkle a bit of parsley on top before serving for a professional touch. For more creative twists, you might enjoy serving it with Honey Lemon Basil Grilled Chicken Recipe, which offers a refreshing take on grilled chicken.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 175 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 8g |
Make Ahead and Storage
Restoring
Chicken skewers are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them a few hours ahead and reheat just before serving.
Freezing
Store cooked skewers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the skewers in the oven, air fryer, or on a skillet for a few minutes until warmed through. Brush with additional sauce to refresh the flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish has so much going for it. Here’s why I love it:
- Quick and easy: With minimal prep, it’s perfect for weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Customizable: You can adjust spice levels, seasonings, and cooking methods to suit your taste.
- Diet-friendly: Works for high-protein, low-carb, or gluten-free diets with small tweaks.
- Flavor-packed: The mix of buffalo spice and creamy ranch packs unforgettable flavor in every bite.
For more serving ideas, check out our collection of Chicken Recipes to complement your meal.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Ingredients
Method
- Start by whisking together the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. The result will be a rich and zesty marinade that infuses the meat with bold flavor.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes and toss them in half of the prepared sauce mixture. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes if you have time to marinate. It enhances the flavor even further.
- Take your soaked wooden skewers and thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto each one, leaving a little space between pieces. This allows for even cooking on all sides.
- Cook the skewers in an air fryer preheated to 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Alternatively, grill them over medium-high heat for about 8-10 minutes per side. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
- Once the skewers are cooked, brush or drizzle them with the reserved sauce for a final burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight if possible for maximum flavor absorption.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or grill; cook the skewers in small batches instead.
- Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, especially for garnishes like parsley or homemade sauces.
- Always pre-soak wooden skewers to prevent burning.
