Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers combine the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy notes of ranch, creating a delicious and fun-to-eat meal. These chicken skewers are perfect for grilling, baking, or even air-frying, making them a versatile option for summer BBQs, game-day snacks, or weeknight dinners. The skewers are easy to prepare and burst with flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1 Preparing the Chicken

1. Cube the chicken: Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This size ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly when skewered.
2. Pat the chicken dry: Before marinating, use paper towels to pat the chicken dry. This helps the marinade stick to the chicken and reduces excess moisture during cooking, which allows for better browning.

2 Making the Marinade

1. Buffalo sauce preparation: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce and melted butter. The butter adds richness to the buffalo sauce and tones down the heat slightly while maintaining the tangy, bold flavors.
2. Add ranch seasoning: Stir in the ranch seasoning packet, making sure it’s fully dissolved in the sauce. The ranch mix adds a cooling, herby contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce, giving the chicken a delicious flavor balance.
3. Taste and adjust: Give the marinade a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. If you want more heat, you can add a splash of hot sauce. For extra tang, a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavors.

3 Marinating the Chicken

1. Coat the chicken: Add the cubed chicken to the buffalo ranch mixture, ensuring that all pieces are evenly coated in the marinade. Stir well to distribute the seasoning.
2. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 1-2 hours. This allows the chicken to soak up the flavors. Don’t marinate for more than 4 hours, as the acid in the buffalo sauce can start to break down the chicken’s texture.

4 Skewering the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Prepare the skewers: If using wooden skewers, make sure they have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes. This prevents them from burning on the grill or in the oven.
2. Thread the chicken and vegetables: Start by threading a piece of chicken onto the skewer, followed by a chunk of red bell pepper, a piece of onion, and any other vegetables you choose. Repeat this pattern until the skewer is full, leaving a little space at the top and bottom for easy handling. Try to ensure that the chicken pieces are not packed too tightly so that heat can circulate and cook the chicken evenly.

5 Cooking the Skewers

Grilled Method

1. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
2. Grill the skewers: Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking on all sides. The chicken should have nice grill marks and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Baste with more buffalo sauce: During the last few minutes of grilling, brush the skewers with a bit more buffalo sauce for an extra kick of flavor.

Baked Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Bake the skewers: Arrange the chicken skewers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning the skewers halfway through. The chicken should be fully cooked when it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
3. Broil for extra char: If you want a bit more color and char, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on the skewers to avoid burning.

Air Fryer Method

1. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Air-fry the skewers: Place the skewers in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F (74°C).

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers

• Don’t skip the marinating time: Even a short marinating time will make a big difference in the flavor of your skewers, so try to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Watch the cooking time: Chicken can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to monitor the internal temperature and remove the skewers as soon as they reach 165°F.
• Use fresh vegetables: Fresh, crisp veggies will provide the best texture and flavor when grilled or baked with the chicken.

Variations and Substitutions

1 Spice it Up

• Add extra heat: Mix in a bit of cayenne pepper or extra hot sauce into the buffalo sauce if you love things extra spicy.

2 Switch Up the Protein

• Turkey or pork: Swap out the chicken for turkey or pork for a different twist on the recipe. Both of these proteins pair well with buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning.

3 Dairy-Free Option

• Dairy-free ranch seasoning: If you’re avoiding dairy, look for a dairy-free ranch seasoning or make your own using herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Serving Suggestions

• Celery and carrot sticks: The classic pairing with buffalo flavors, these crunchy veggies add freshness and balance to the meal.
• Blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce: Serve with a side of cool, creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping. The creaminess will help mellow out the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
• Side salad: A simple green salad or a coleslaw with a tangy dressing complements the bold flavors of the buffalo chicken skewers.

Storing and Reheating

1 Storing

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cooked chicken skewers for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.

2 Reheating

• Oven: Reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Reheat in short bursts, about 30 seconds at a time, to avoid overcooking the chicken.
• Air fryer: For crispy reheating, place the skewers in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Just thread the skewers when you’re ready to cook.

Can I use store-bought buffalo sauce?

• Absolutely! Store-bought buffalo sauce works perfectly, but you can also make your own if you prefer.

Conclusion

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or air frying, these skewers offer a tangy, spicy, and creamy flavor combination that will leave everyone wanting more. Pair them with your favorite sides and enjoy a meal that’s sure to become a household favorite!

Yield: 4

Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers Recipe

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Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers combine the bold, tangy flavors of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy notes of ranch, creating a delicious and fun-to-eat meal. These chicken skewers are perfect for grilling, baking, or even air-frying, making them a versatile option for summer BBQs, game-day snacks, or weeknight dinners. The skewers are easy to prepare and burst with flavor, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Marinating Time 15 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
• Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for better flavor).

2. Prepare Skewers:

• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes to prevent burning.
• Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers, dividing the pieces evenly.

3. Grill or Cook:

• Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C) and has nice grill marks.
• Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place a wire rack on top. Arrange the chicken skewers on the rack and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.

4. Serve:

• Remove the chicken skewers from the grill or oven. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.
• Serve with extra buffalo sauce and ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Add celery and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo experience.

Notes

Spice Level: You can adjust the heat by using a milder buffalo sauce or mixing it with extra ranch to tame the spiciness.

Marinating: For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to enhance the flavors.

Skewer Tips: Metal skewers can be used instead of wooden ones to avoid soaking.