A Little Story About Skewers
My grandson calls these his “dragon fire sticks.” I still laugh at that. He thinks the buffalo sauce is dragon’s breath. It makes dinner feel like a fun adventure. Don’t you love when food tells a story?
I’ve been making food on sticks for years. It started with campfires when my own kids were small. Food just tastes better when you can hold it in your hand. This matters because it turns a simple meal into something special.
Why We Soak Those Sticks
Soaking the skewers is very important. It keeps them from burning up in the heat. I set them in water before I even cut the chicken. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
Once, I was in a hurry and forgot to soak them. We ended up with little flaming torches! It was quite a sight. So now I always set a timer. What’s the funniest cooking mistake you’ve ever made?
The Magic is in the Sauce
We mix two wonderful flavors together. The spicy buffalo and the cool ranch. Doesn’t that smell amazing when you whisk it? It makes the whole kitchen feel happy.
We save half the sauce for later. This is my secret trick. Putting fresh sauce on at the end makes the flavor pop. This matters because it gives you a bright, zesty taste in every single bite.
Cooking Your Fire Sticks
You can cook these so many ways. I love the air fryer for a quick meal. The oven works just as well on a busy night. And the grill is perfect for a summer evening.
No matter how you cook them, just make sure the chicken is done. A little thermometer is your best friend here. It takes the guesswork out of cooking. Which cooking method do you use most at home?
A Fun Fact For You
Fun fact: The name “buffalo sauce” has nothing to do with the animal. It was first made in a city called Buffalo, New York. I think that’s a funny little piece of food history.
Time to Eat and Share
Lay your skewers on a big plate. Sprinkle that green parsley on top. It looks so pretty and fresh. Food that looks good tastes even better.
These are great for a party. Everyone can just grab one and enjoy. I love seeing people gather around good food. If you make these, what will you serve them with? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 2 large (about 1 ½ pounds) | cut into 1-inch cubes |
| buffalo sauce | ½ cup | |
| dry ranch seasoning mix | 1 tablespoon | |
| vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| onion powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | |
| kosher salt | ½ teaspoon | |
| black pepper | ¼ teaspoon | |
| fresh parsley | chopped, for garnish | |
| wooden skewers | 8 | soaked in water for 30 minutes |
My Zippy Buffalo Chicken Skewers
My grandson Leo calls these my fire sticks. I still laugh at that. They are just so tasty and fun to eat. You hold the little skewer and munch the chicken right off it. The secret is in our two bowls of sauce. One for cooking, one for glazing after. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It makes all the difference, I promise.
Step 1: First, let’s make our magic sauce. Grab a big bowl. Whisk together the buffalo sauce and dry ranch mix. Add the oil, onion powder, and garlic powder. Don’t forget the salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all one happy family. This is where the flavor starts.
Step 2: Now, pour half of that sauce into a little bowl. Set it aside for later. This is our special finishing sauce. To the big bowl with the other half, add your chicken cubes. Toss them until they’re wearing their new orange coat. (A hard-learned tip: always soak your wooden skewers in water first. It stops them from turning into little campfire sticks in the air fryer!).
Step 3: Time to thread the chicken! Push 4 or 5 chicken cubes onto each skewer. Leave a tiny space between each piece. This helps the heat cook them evenly. I like to do this over the sink. It can get a little messy, and that’s perfectly okay. Cooking is supposed to be fun.
Step 4: Into the air fryer they go! Cook them at 400°F. You’ll need to do this in batches. Cook for about 11-12 minutes, flipping them halfway. The chicken is done when it’s not pink inside. What’s the best way to check if meat is cooked? Share below! Once they’re done, move them to a plate.
Step 5: This is the best part. Take that reserved sauce we saved. Drizzle or brush it all over the hot chicken. That extra sauce makes them extra zingy! Finally, sprinkle on some fresh parsley for a pop of color. And there you have it. Dinner is served.
Cook Time: 12 minutes (air fryer)
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 skewers
Category: Dinner, Appetizer
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a favorite song. You can sing it a few different ways. Feel free to get creative in your kitchen. I love seeing what new ideas folks come up with. Here are a few of my favorite twists to get you started.
Veggie Power: Use big chunks of cauliflower or mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the sauce so nicely.
Sweet & Spicy: Add a little drizzle of honey to the finishing sauce. It makes a sweet and tangy glaze that is just wonderful.
Cheesy Finish: Right after they cook, sprinkle them with crumbled blue cheese. It melts just a little bit. Oh my, it’s so good.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
What to Serve With Your Skewers
Now, what goes with our zippy chicken? You need something cool to balance the spice. A big, creamy potato salad is my go-to. Or a simple celery stick salad with ranch for dipping. It’s a classic for a reason. For a full meal, I serve them on a bed of fluffy white rice.
What about a drink? On a warm evening, a frosty glass of lemonade is perfect. For the grown-ups, a crisp lager beer tastes wonderful with the spicy buffalo flavor. It just seems to wash everything down nicely. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Skewers Tasty Later
Let’s talk about storing these tasty skewers. First, let them cool completely. Then pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They will be good for three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Wrap each skewer tightly in foil first.
This is perfect for batch cooking. Make a big bunch on Sunday. You will have a quick meal ready for a busy weeknight. I once made a double batch for my grandson’s visit. He was so happy to find a ready-made snack.
Reheating is simple. Use your oven or air fryer at 350°F. Heat for 5-10 minutes until warm. This keeps the chicken from getting soggy. Storing food well saves you time and money. It means a good meal is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Fixing Common Skewer Troubles
Sometimes, the chicken pieces can stick to the grill. To stop this, just brush the grill with a little oil first. I remember when my first skewers stuck terribly. We had to eat chicken scraps, not neat skewers!
Another problem is the chicken drying out. Do not overcook it. Use a simple meat thermometer to check for 165°F. This matters because juicy chicken is so much more enjoyable. It makes you feel like a confident cook.
Your buffalo sauce might also burn. This is why we save half for after cooking. Brushing it on at the end gives you great flavor without the char. This simple step makes a huge difference in taste. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Skewer Questions
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use a gluten-free buffalo sauce. Check your ranch seasoning label too.
Q: Can I prepare them ahead? A: Absolutely. You can marinate the chicken a day before. Keep it covered in your fridge.
Q: What if I don’t have ranch seasoning? A: A mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder works well.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: You sure can. Just use a bigger bowl to mix everything together.
Q: Any extra tips? A: Soak your wooden skewers well. This keeps them from burning. It is my number one tip! Which tip will you try first?
A Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these skewers. They are a fun and simple meal. Cooking should be a joy, not a chore. I love seeing your kitchen creations.
It makes my day to see your photos. Please share them with me. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at Elowen’s Kitchen. I would be so thrilled to see what you make.
*Fun fact: Soaking skewers for 30 minutes keeps them from burning on the grill.* Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers
Description
These flavorful Buffalo Ranch Chicken Skewers are a perfect appetizer or main course, featuring tender chicken coated in a zesty buffalo ranch sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning mix, oil, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour half of the sauce into a separate bowl. Set aside to use after the chicken has been cooked.
- To the large bowl with half of the sauce, add chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
- Working one skewer at a time, thread 4-5 chicken cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.
- Working in batches (3-4 skewers at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer), air fry at 400°F for 11-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once the chicken skewers are cooked through, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving platter.
- Drizzle or brush with the reserved buffalo ranch sauce. Garnish with parsley. Serve.
Notes
- Alternative cooking methods: Oven – Preheat to 400°F and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Grill – Cook over medium-high heat for 8-10 minutes per side.