Introduction

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy treat, perfect for a quick dinner or a party appetizer. Combining the spicy kick of buffalo seasoning with the creamy tang of ranch, these skewers deliver delicious bold flavors in every bite.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders (or breast/thighs, but tenders stay moist)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 – 8oz stick salted butter
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried dill
3 teaspoons garlic powder (divided)
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (reduce for less spice)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the buffalo spice mixture by combining cayenne, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, brown sugar, cumin, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper in a bowl.
Step 3: Make the ranch seasoning by mixing dried parsley, dried dill, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper in a separate bowl.
Step 4: Cut chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces and place them in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and 1 tablespoon buffalo spice mixture. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 5: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving no gaps to keep them juicy during cooking.
Step 6: Soften the butter by microwaving for about 15 seconds until creamy but not melted. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and fresh chives. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 7: Reserve about one-third of the butter sauce in a small bowl for basting uncooked chicken. Use the remaining sauce for basting cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Remember to wash your basting brush between uses.
Step 8: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook 2-3 skewers at a time for 5 minutes. Remove and flip the skewers, then baste with reserved sauce. Return to the air fryer for 2 more minutes.
Step 9: Flip skewers again, baste once more, and cook an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time is approximately 12-15 minutes but may vary by air fryer model.
Step 10: After cooking, brush the skewers with the remaining buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with extra minced chives if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it completely.
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and extra juiciness.
Grill the skewers outdoors as an alternative to the air fryer for a smoky char.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked skewers for a bright finish.
Serve with ranch dressing or blue cheese dip for extra creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers without soaking them?

Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking. If you skip soaking, the skewers might char or catch fire, so it’s best to soak them in water for at least 30 minutes beforehand.

Can I make these skewers without an air fryer?

Yes, you can grill the skewers on an outdoor grill or cook them under a broiler, turning and basting frequently. Just watch carefully to avoid overcooking or burning.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 83 reviews

These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful chicken tenders marinated in a spicy buffalo and tangy ranch seasoning blend, then air fried to perfection. Coated with a buttery sauce and packed with herbs, they make a perfect appetizer or main dish with bold flavors and a tender texture.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 15 minutes (including skewer soaking)
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 27-30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings (about 3–4 skewers per person) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 lbs chicken tenders (or breast/thighs, tenders preferred for moisture)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (from ranch spice mix below)
1 tablespoon buffalo dry rub (from buffalo spice mix below)

Buffalo Spice Mix

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (reduce for less spice)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon ground mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Ranch Spice Mix

2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Butter Mixture & Basting Sauce

1 – 8 oz stick salted butter
1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning (from buffalo spice mix)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (from ranch spice mix)

Instructions

Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Make Seasonings: In one small bowl, combine the buffalo spice mix ingredients. In another bowl, combine ranch seasoning ingredients. Set both aside.
Prepare Chicken: Cut chicken tenders into approximately 3-inch pieces. Place them in a large bowl or zip-top bag and add olive oil, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and 1 tablespoon buffalo dry rub. Toss to coat all pieces evenly.
Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces onto the soaked skewers, packing them tightly with no gaps to retain juiciness.
Make Butter Mixture: Soften the stick of butter by heating it for around 15 seconds until creamy but not melted. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and the minced chives. Adjust seasoning to taste for desired spice level.
Prepare Basting Sauce: Divide the butter sauce into two portions. Use one-third for basting the raw chicken before cooking. Reserve the remainder for basting cooked chicken, using separate utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook Skewers: Place 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes.
Flip and Baste: Remove skewers, flip them, and baste with reserved sauce. Return to air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes at 400°F.
Final Cooking and Basting: Flip skewers back, baste again, then cook for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cooking time is approximately 12-15 minutes, varying with air fryer model.
Serve: After cooking, brush skewers with a final coat of buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with extra chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Soaking the wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
Adjust cayenne pepper quantity in buffalo seasoning for desired spice level.
Use separate brushes and bowls for raw and cooked chicken to avoid cross contamination.
This recipe works well with chicken breast or thighs but tenders are preferred for moisture.
Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and size.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken skewers, buffalo ranch chicken, air fryer chicken skewers, spicy chicken skewers, buffalo sauce chicken, ranch seasoned chicken