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Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

These Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and packed with a perfect blend of spicy buffalo seasoning and creamy ranch. Perfect for grilling or air frying, they make an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s easy to prepare and full of bold, mouthwatering flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders (or breasts/thighs, tenders preferred for moistness)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Buffalo Spice Mixture

  • 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

Ranch Seasoning

  • 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

  • 18 oz stick salted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
  • 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning (from above mixture)
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (from above mixture)

Instructions

  1. Soak Skewers: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
  2. Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients for the buffalo spice mixture. In a separate bowl, mix all ingredients for the ranch seasoning. Set both aside.
  3. Prep Chicken: Cut chicken tenders into 3-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl or zip-top bag with olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, and 1 tablespoon of buffalo dry rub. Toss expertly to coat all pieces evenly.
  4. Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken pieces tightly onto soaked skewers, leaving no gaps between pieces to keep the meat juicy during cooking.
  5. Prepare Butter Mixture: Soften butter by heating in the microwave for about 15 seconds until creamy but not fully melted. Stir in 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, and minced chives. Adjust seasoning to taste by adding more buffalo or ranch if desired.
  6. Baste Uncooked Chicken: Scoop out about one-third of the butter sauce into a separate bowl for basting uncooked chicken to avoid cross-contamination. Remember to wash the basting brush thoroughly after use.
  7. Cook Skewers: Place 2-3 skewers at a time in the air fryer preheated to 400°F. Cook for 5 minutes, then remove and flip skewers.
  8. Baste and Continue Cooking: After flipping, baste the chicken with the reserved sauce, then return to air fryer for 2 more minutes.
  9. Final Cooking Stage: Flip skewers back, baste again generously, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Total cook time is approximately 12-15 minutes but may vary depending on air fryer model.
  10. Finish and Serve: After cooking, brush skewers with remaining buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle extra fresh chives on top. Serve with ranch dressing for dipping if desired.

Notes

  • Soaking skewers prevents them from burning during cooking.
  • Adjust cayenne for milder or spicier skewers based on preference.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • You can grill these skewers instead of air frying; cook over medium heat, turning and basting until done.
  • The buttery buffalo ranch sauce can be made in advance and stored refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • For gluten-free, verify all seasoning blends are free of gluten-containing ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: Buffalo chicken, chicken skewers, ranch seasoning, air fryer recipes, appetizer, spicy chicken