Name: Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs chicken tenders (or breasts/thighs, tenders preferred for moistness); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 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; 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 – 8 oz stick salted butter; 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced; 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning (from above mixture); 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (from above mixture)

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If you love bold flavors with a perfect balance of spice and creamy goodness, you are going to adore these Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers. Juicy, tender chicken tenders are beautifully coated in a vibrant buffalo and ranch seasoning blend, then cooked to perfection for an irresistible, finger-licking experience. Whether you’re whipping these up for game day, a family dinner, or an easy weeknight meal, Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers bring together a crowd-pleasing flavor combo that’s both comforting and exciting.

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are deceptively simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers. From tender chicken and rich butter to a thoughtfully balanced mix of spices and herbs, they work together for an explosion of flavor and the perfect texture.

Chicken tenders: Using tenders ensures juicy, tender bites that cook quickly and evenly.

Olive oil: Helps the seasonings cling to the chicken and adds a subtle fruitiness.
Salted butter: Creates a rich, creamy base for the buffalo ranch sauce and helps in melting the spices together.

Fresh chives: Adds a fresh, subtle onion flavor and beautiful color contrast.
Dried parsley: Brings earthiness and balances the bold spices with its mild herbal notes.

Dried dill: Adds a soft, slightly tangy flavor that complements the ranch seasoning perfectly.
Garlic powder & onion powder: These staples provide a deep, savory backbone.
Cayenne, chili powder & paprika: The trio powers the buffalo spice mix with varying warmth and depth.

Ground mustard & cumin: Give the seasoning complexity, peppery brightness, and a hint of smokiness.
Brown sugar: Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.

How to Make Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Make Seasonings and Prep Chicken

Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water to prevent burning during cooking—this little step goes a long way. Next, mix the buffalo spice blend separately from the ranch seasoning, so you have clear control over the flavor layers. Cut the chicken tenders into approximately 3-inch pieces for even cooking, then toss them in olive oil with equal parts of buffalo and ranch seasonings to coat thoroughly. This marinade-like step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 2: Skewer the Chicken

Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces tightly on each skewer. Packing them snugly is a key trick for keeping the chicken juicy and evenly cooked. No gaps means less drying out and maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter Sauce

Take your stick of salted butter and soften it with a quick zap in the microwave, only around 15 seconds until just spreadable, never fully melted. Blend in the buffalo and ranch seasonings, then fold in fresh minced chives. Taste and tweak—the wonderful thing about this step is you get to customize the heat and herbal notes just how you like them.

Step 4: Basque and Cook

Scoop out one-third of the butter sauce for basting the raw chicken—this helps the spices infuse as it cooks. Keeping the rest separate ensures there’s no cross-contamination. Air fryer magic happens here: cook 2-3 skewers at a time at 400°F, flipping and basting at intervals to develop layers of flavor and a beautiful glaze. The final internal temperature should hit 165°F for that perfect safe and juicy texture.

Step 5: Final Touch

When the skewers are cooked, slather on a fresh round of the buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with a few more chives for a pop of freshness and color. Don’t forget the ranch or blue cheese dip on the side—dunking these skewers takes the experience up another level.

How to Serve Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

Extra chives are always a winner for both visual appeal and a hint of mild onion crunch. You can also sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese for an authentic buffalo flavor punch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers pair wonderfully with classic comforting sides like crisp celery sticks and crunchy carrot batons. A creamy coleslaw or a refreshing cucumber salad offers cool contrast to the warm, spicy skewers. And if you’re feeling indulgent, some crispy seasoned potatoes or fluffy cornbread make the meal feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or casual get-together, arrange the skewers on a large wooden board surrounded by colorful veggie sticks and bowls of your favorite dips. You could also thread skewers alongside grilled vegetables like bell peppers and onions for variety. Serving them over a bed of buttery rice or alongside a leafy green salad transforms this appetizer into a full meal that’s both gorgeous and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the basting sauce separate if you want to preserve its fresh flavor and prevent the chicken from getting soggy.

Freezing

If you want to meal prep ahead, these skewers freeze well. Place cooked, cooled skewers in a freezer-safe container or bag, and keep them for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To keep the chicken juicy and delicious on reheating, use an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, basting with reserved buffalo ranch butter sauce halfway through. This method gives you that freshly cooked flavor and glistening finish without drying out the meat.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but tenders tend to cook faster and stay juicier since they have less connective tissue. If using breasts, cut them into uniform pieces so everything cooks evenly.

How spicy are Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers?

The heat level is customizable! The cayenne and chili powders add a nice kick, but you can dial it down or up by adjusting those spices during seasoning prep. The buttery ranch sauce also helps mellow the heat.

Can I grill these skewers instead of air frying?

Yes! Grilling brings a lovely smoky flavor to the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers. Just be sure to soak the wooden skewers well and monitor cooking closely to avoid flare-ups from the buttery sauce.

Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers?

It really helps prevent the skewers from burning or catching on fire during cooking. Soaking for at least 30 minutes is best, especially if you’re using an open flame grill or hot air fryer.

What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers?

Classic ranch or blue cheese dressing are top choices for dipping, but a cool cucumber yogurt sauce or even a honey mustard dressing can add a fun twist. The creamy dips balance the bold spice perfectly.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers enough for anyone craving a juicy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings excitement to any meal. The combination of spicy buffalo seasoning with the creamy ranch butter sauce is pure magic, making these skewers a new favorite for gatherings or cozy nights in. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So grab those skewers and get cooking—you’re in for a treat!