Hot Honey Ranch Chicken Skewers

These Hot Honey Ranch Chicken Skewers combine the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors with juicy chicken and the tangy hint of ranch seasoning. They are quick to prepare, require no grill, and are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, making them ideal for any occasion from weeknight dinners to game day snacks.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Uses simple ingredients that you likely have in your pantry and fridge
• Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal prep time
• Perfect combination of sweet honey and a gentle kick of heat from chili flakes
• Great for feeding a crowd with an appetizer that appeals to all ages

I first made these skewers on a busy weeknight and was amazed at how the sauce brought everything together. Now they are a regular request in my household.

Ingredients

• Large boneless skinless chicken breasts: these provide tender, juicy meat and are easy to cut into skewers
• Olive oil: helps keep the chicken moist and promotes even cooking
• Seasoned salt: brings a savory depth, so choose one with a good balance of herbs and spices
• Garlic powder: adds a robust flavor that enhances the overall taste
• Onion powder: provides mild sweetness and aroma, complementing the garlic
• Paprika: imparts a smoky warmth if possible, use smoked paprika for more depth
• Mayonnaise: serves as a creamy base for the sauce and helps bind the flavors
• Honey: adds natural sweetness and balances the spiciness of the hot sauce
• Hot sauce: gives the dish its signature heat select your favorite brand based on preferred spice level
• Ranch seasoning: delivers the tangy, herbaceous profile essential to the sauce
• Red chili flakes: contribute subtle heat and a bit of texture
• Dried dill: offers a fresh unexpected note that rounds out the sauce nicely

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures the chicken cooks quickly while developing a golden crust.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 2-inch pieces so they cook evenly. Place them in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Toss gently until all pieces are coated. Uniform seasoning is key to layered flavor with every bite.

Thread the Chicken Onto Skewers:

Use bamboo, wooden, or metal skewers, threading 6 to 7 chicken pieces each. If you use wooden or bamboo skewers, soak them in water for 10 to 20 minutes beforehand to avoid burning. Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and arrange the skewers in a single layer without crowding.

Cook the Skewers:

Cook the chicken skewers in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 7 minutes. Flip the skewers carefully and continue cooking for an additional 7 to 8 minutes. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe, juicy chicken.

Make the Hot Honey Ranch Sauce:

While the chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, honey, ranch seasoning, hot sauce, red chili flakes, and dried dill in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce brings together the sweetness, heat, and tang in perfect harmony.

Baste and Finish Cooking:

Brush both sides of the cooked chicken skewers with the sauce and return them to the air fryer for one more minute. This step allows the sauce to melt into the chicken, enhancing flavor and moisture.

Serve Immediately:

Plate your skewers and enjoy the juicy, sweet, and spicy bites right away for the best taste and texture.

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Storage Tips

Allow skewers to cool to room temperature before storing to avoid condensation that can make the chicken soggy. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer rather than the microwave to keep the chicken juicy and maintain the crispy exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a dairy-free version of the sauce, swap mayonnaise for a vegan mayo.
• Swap ranch seasoning with a mix of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of celery seed if you don’t have prepackaged ranch.
• Use agave or maple syrup in place of honey for a different kind of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or rice to soak up extra sauce. These skewers also work great as finger food with a cold beer or iced tea for game day or casual entertaining.

Pro Tips

• Make sure chicken pieces are evenly sized for uniform cooking
• Do not skip soaking wooden skewers if using them to avoid burning and splitting
• Baste the chicken at the end and give it a minute in the air fryer to let the sauce caramelize but watch carefully to prevent burning

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I bake the skewers instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the skewers in the oven at 425°F for about 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How do I prevent wooden skewers from burning?

Soak wooden or bamboo skewers in water for at least 10–20 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent them from burning or splitting during air frying or baking.

→ What is the ideal size for cutting the chicken pieces?

Cut the chicken into uniform 2-inch chunks to promote even cooking and avoid dry edges or undercooked centers.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Cool the skewers to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at medium-high heat for a few minutes to restore juiciness.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Absolutely. Modify the amount of chili flakes or hot sauce used in the sauce to suit your preferred heat level, from mild to more fiery.

→ What dips complement these skewers well?

Creamy ranch, cool yogurt-based dips, or even a tangy mustard sauce pair nicely, enhancing the skewer’s sweet and spicy profile.