Introduction

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy appetizer or meal option that combines spicy buffalo seasoning with creamy ranch. Perfect for grilling or air frying, these skewers are sure to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken tenders (breast or thighs can be used, 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
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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 (additional)
1/2 teaspoon salt (additional)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (additional)

Instructions

Step 1: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
Step 2: Combine buffalo spice mixture in one small bowl using the cayenne, chili powder, paprika, ground mustard, brown sugar, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the ranch seasoning using dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cut chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl or zip-top bag, add olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of buffalo dry rub. Toss well to coat all pieces evenly.
Step 4: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked skewers, leaving no gaps to ensure juiciness.
Step 5: Soften the stick of butter by heating it in a bowl for about 15 seconds until creamy but not melted. Stir in 1.5 tablespoons of buffalo seasoning, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, and minced chives. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Scoop out one-third of the butter mixture into a separate bowl for basting the raw chicken. Reserve the rest for basting cooked skewers to avoid cross-contamination. Wash the basting brush between uses.
Step 7: 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 butter sauce. Return to the air fryer and cook for 2 more minutes.
Step 8: Flip the skewers again, baste once more, and cook an additional 5-6 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total cooking time should be around 12-15 minutes, which may vary with your air fryer.
Step 9: After cooking, brush the skewers with the remaining buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with extra chives if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

For milder heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper in the buffalo seasoning.
Use chicken thighs instead of tenders for a richer flavor, but adjust cook time accordingly.
Grill the skewers instead of air frying for a smoky twist and crispy edges.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo experience.

Storage

Store leftover cooked skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain juiciness. Avoid microwaving to prevent drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Yes, you can grill the skewers over medium-high heat or bake them in the oven at 400°F, turning and basting periodically until fully cooked.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Coating the chicken with oil and seasoning before skewering, packing the pieces tightly, and basting throughout cooking helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are a flavorful and juicy appetizer or meal option. Tender chicken tenders are marinated in a vibrant buffalo and ranch spice blend, skewered, and air fried to perfection. Coated in a buttery buffalo ranch sauce and garnished with fresh chives, they offer a spicy, tangy, and creamy taste experience that’s perfect for parties or weeknight dinners.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes (includes soaking skewers)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Approximately 8 servings (3–4 skewers per serving depending on size) 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

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

Buffalo Spice Mixture

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 Mixture

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

Butter Sauce

1 – 8 oz stick salted butter
2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning (from buffalo spice mixture)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (from ranch spice mixture)

Instructions

Make Seasonings & Prep Chicken: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. Combine the buffalo spice ingredients in a bowl and the ranch spice ingredients in a separate bowl. Cut chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces.
Marinate Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add olive oil, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and 1 tablespoon buffalo dry rub. Toss or shake to coat the chicken evenly in all sides with the marinade.
Skewer Chicken: Thread chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked wooden skewers, packing them close together to help retain moisture during cooking.
Prepare Butter Sauce: Soften the stick of butter by microwaving it for 15 seconds until creamy but not fully melted. Mix in 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and minced fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more buffalo or ranch mixtures to reach desired spice level.
Prepare for Basting: Scoop about one-third of the butter sauce into a small bowl to use for basting the raw chicken prior to cooking. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting cooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Cook Chicken Skewers: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange 2-3 skewers in the air fryer basket. Cook the skewers for 5 minutes. Remove and flip the skewers, then baste with reserved sauce from the small bowl. Return to the air fryer and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Continue Cooking & Basting: Flip the skewers back again, baste with more sauce, and cook for 5-6 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is approximately 12-15 minutes but may vary based on your air fryer.
Final Touches: After cooking, give the skewers a final coat of the buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with fresh chives if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning in the air fryer.
Chicken tenders are preferred for their moistness but breasts or thighs also work.
Adjust cayenne pepper in the buffalo spice mix to control heat level.
Use a clean basting brush to avoid cross-contamination between raw and cooked chicken.
Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
Cooking times may vary depending on air fryer model and size.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Skewers, Air Fryer Chicken, Spicy Chicken Skewers, Buffalo Ranch Chicken, Appetizer, Party Food