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–+ servings
Ella Cooks

Buffalo Ranch Pickle Chicken Skewers (With 3-Minute Sauce)

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These skewers are: Spicy, Tangy, Creamy, Crunchy And borderline impossible to stop eating. They’re ridiculously easy (hello, air-fried nuggets) and the sauce takes three minutes flat.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 140
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients (Serves 4–6 as an appetizer)
For the Skewers
  • 20-24 cooked chicken nuggets or air-fried chicken bites
  • 1 cup pickle chips or thick-cut pickle spears halved
  • Wooden or metal skewers
For the 3-Minute Buffalo Ranch Sauce
  • ½ cup buffalo sauce
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 1-2 tablespoons pickle brine
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
To Finish (Optional but Recommended)
  • Fresh dill finely chopped
  • ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese

Equipment

  • Air fryer (if cooking chicken from raw or reheating)
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or spoon
  • Skewers
  • Serving platter

Method
 

How to Make Buffalo Ranch Pickle Chicken Skewers
    Step 1: Cook the Chicken
    1. Air fry nuggets or chicken bites at 400°F for 8–12 minutes, until hot and crispy.
    2. If using homemade chicken, cook fully and let cool slightly before skewering.
    Step 2: Make the 3-Minute Sauce
    1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
    2. Buffalo sauce
    3. Ranch dressing
    4. 1 tablespoon pickle brine
    5. Taste and add more brine if you want it tangier.
    Step 3: Assemble the Skewers
    1. Thread onto each skewer:
    2. 1 piece chicken
    3. 1 pickle chip
    4. Repeat 2–3 times
    5. You want that alternating crispy + briny pattern.
    Step 4: Sauce + Finish
    1. Drizzle generously with buffalo ranch sauce.
    2. Sprinkle with:
    3. Fresh dill
    4. Blue cheese crumbles (optional but highly recommended)
    5. Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 9gFat: 7g

    Notes

    Why This Is So Good for Game Day

    • No messy wing bones
    • Easy to grab and go
    • High flavor payoff
    • Looks fun and intentional
    • Works hot or room temp
    • And honestly? People love food on sticks.
     

    Tips for Best Results

    • Use thick-cut pickles so they don’t slide off.
    • Pat pickles dry slightly before skewering.
    • Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
    • Want it milder? Do ⅓ buffalo + ⅔ ranch.
     

    FAQs

    Can I make these ahead?    Yes. Assemble skewers a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Add sauce just before serving so they stay crisp.
    Can I use grilled chicken instead?   Absolutely. This works great with grilled, baked, or air-fried chicken.
    Do I have to use blue cheese?   No — but if you like buffalo wings with blue cheese, it really works here.
    Can I make them less spicy?   Yes. Just reduce the buffalo sauce ratio and increase ranc

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