Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, combining the zesty heat of Buffalo sauce with the creamy coolness of ranch dressing, all perfectly grilled on skewers for easy eating. These skewers are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a game day feast, or a casual weeknight dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to create these delicious skewers, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the grilling technique. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
The Inspiration Behind Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers bring together two iconic American flavors: the spicy, tangy punch of Buffalo sauce and the smooth, herbaceous creaminess of ranch dressing. These two elements are often paired in appetizers like wings and dips, but putting them together on skewers takes this flavor combination to a new level. The skewers are not only delicious but also convenient, making them a perfect choice for entertaining or for a quick, satisfying meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1.1 Select and Cut the Chicken
Start by selecting high-quality chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to be juicier, while breasts are leaner, so choose based on your preference. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are uniform in size to promote even cooking on the grill.
1.2 Season the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper if you’re using it. The olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken while adding a bit of moisture to prevent the meat from drying out on the grill.
1.3 Skewer the Chicken
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the chicken onto them. This helps prevent the skewers from burning on the grill. Thread the seasoned chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
Step 2: Make the Buffalo Sauce
2.1 Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Butter is the base of the Buffalo sauce, giving it a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully.
2.2 Add the Hot Sauce and Seasonings
Once the butter is melted, add the hot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Stir the mixture until it’s fully combined and smooth. The vinegar adds a tangy kick, while the Worcestershire sauce deepens the flavor profile of the sauce.
2.3 Simmer the Sauce
Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or cayenne pepper if desired. Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Ranch Dressing
3.1 Mix the Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sour cream. These two ingredients form the creamy base of the ranch dressing. If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream.
3.2 Add the Buttermilk
Slowly whisk in the buttermilk until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker dressing, use less buttermilk; for a thinner dressing, add a bit more.
3.3 Season the Dressing
Stir in the dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried if you have them on hand, but dried herbs are more traditional and provide a concentrated flavor. Add the lemon juice and whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
3.4 Chill the Dressing
For the best flavor, let the ranch dressing chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken Skewers
4.1 Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 375-400°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly distributed for consistent cooking. A properly preheated grill ensures that the chicken cooks quickly and evenly, developing a nice char on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.
4.2 Grill the Skewers
Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning the skewers every few minutes to ensure even cooking on all sides. The chicken should be cooked through and have a nice charred exterior.
4.3 Baste with Buffalo Sauce
During the last few minutes of grilling, baste the chicken skewers generously with the prepared Buffalo sauce. This will allow the sauce to caramelize slightly on the grill, enhancing the flavor and giving the skewers a beautiful, glossy finish.
Step 5: Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
5.1 Garnish and Plate the Skewers
Once the chicken skewers are done grilling, remove them from the heat and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. You can also sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for an extra layer of flavor.
5.2 Serve with Ranch Dressing
Serve the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers with a side of the homemade ranch dressing for dipping. The cool, creamy dressing perfectly balances the spicy heat of the Buffalo sauce, creating a harmonious flavor combination.
5.3 Add Accompaniments
For a complete meal, serve the skewers with classic accompaniments like celery and carrot sticks. These crunchy vegetables are traditionally paired with Buffalo-flavored dishes and add a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken skewers. Lemon wedges can also be served on the side for those who enjoy a citrusy kick with their meal.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Your Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are now ready to be enjoyed! Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a special dinner, these skewers are sure to be a hit with their bold flavors and satisfying texture. The combination of spicy Buffalo sauce and cool ranch dressing is irresistible, making these skewers a go-to recipe for any occasion.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are the ultimate crowd-pleasers, combining the zesty heat of Buffalo sauce with the creamy coolness of ranch dressing, all perfectly grilled on skewers for easy eating. These skewers are ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a game day feast, or a casual weeknight dinner. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to create these delicious skewers, from selecting the best ingredients to mastering the grilling technique. Get ready to impress your guests with a dish that’s bursting with flavor and incredibly easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders you can use breast or thighs but I prefer how moist tenders are.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 - 8oz stick butter, salted
- 2 tablespoon fresh chives, minced
- Ranch Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1/2 tps salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Buffalo Dry Rub Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon cayenne reduce the quantity for less spice
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp each; salt and pepper
Instructions
Make Seasonings & Prep Chicken
- Before you start, make sure to soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes. Start by combining your buffalo spice mixture in a small bowl, then your ranch mixture in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Prep your chicken by cutting in 3" pieces. Place them in a bowl or zip top bag and add olive oil, 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning and 1 tablespoon buffalo dry rub, coating well on all sides.
- Pack the chicken onto each skewer, making sure they are tightly packed with no space in between to ensure maximum juiciness.
Make Butter Mixture
- Place 1 stick of butter in a bowl and heat for 15 seconds to soften and slightly melt so it's creamy and spreadable but not melted. Add 1.5 tablespoons buffalo seasoning and 1 tablespoon ranch seasonings, mix well, then add chives.Taste it and adjust by adding more buffalo or ranch if needed to reach your desired spice level.
- Scoop out 1/3 of the sauce into a small bowl and use that for basting the uncooked chicken. Reserve the remaining sauce for basting the cooked chicken so you don't cross contaminate. Be sure to wash the basting brush in between.
Cook & Baste Chicken
- Cook 2-3 skewers at a time in an air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove and flip the skewers and baste with sauce, returning to cook an additional 2 minutes at 400 degrees.
- Flip them back, baste with more sauce and cook another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temp reaches 165 degrees. Total cook time is about 12-15 minutes. This timing will vary based on your air fryer.
- Once they are finished cooking, hit them with a final pass of the buttery buffalo ranch sauce and sprinkle with some additional chives. I love to dip mine in ranch!
Notes
You can use premade store bought buffalo dry rub and ranch seasoning instead of making the seasonings from scratch. If the seasonings have high sodium, you may want to substitute the butter for unsalted butter.
Oven Preparation:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place chicken skewers on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil and cook for 14 minutes, flipping half way through and basting with butter a few times throughout the baking process.
Switch the oven to broil and cook an additional 2 minutes so get the tops golden brown. Remove from the oven and baste it one last time with the butter sauce and sprinkle with leftover chives.
Grill Preparation:
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Place the prepared skewers over direct heat and cook each side for 5-6 minutes each, basting with butter throughout the cooking process.
Remove from the grill and baste it one last time with the butter sauce and sprinkle with leftover chives.