These Easy Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Salad Skewers are a fun and tasty dish! With juicy chicken, a sweet and spicy sauce, and fresh veggies, they’re perfect for a quick meal or snack.
I love making these for gatherings! They’re a hit, and who doesn’t love food on a stick? Just grill them up and watch everyone smile with each bite! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but you can use breasts if you like leaner meat. Tofu or chickpeas can be good veggie swaps for a plant-based option!
Hot Sauce: Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice. If it’s too spicy for you, try a mild hot sauce or even barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. You can mix in a dash of sriracha for some heat without going overboard!
Honey: Honey adds sweetness, but maple syrup or agave syrup are excellent substitutes, especially if you’re vegan. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the amount of honey added.
Lettuce: Romaine lends a nice crunch, but feel free to mix in kale, arugula, or even iceberg for a different texture. Baby spinach is also a great choice!
Creamy Dressing: I usually go for ranch, but blue cheese gives a stronger flavor. If you want lighter options, a yogurt-based dressing works well too!
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers can be simple, but there’s a trick to ensuring they’re juicy and flavorful. First, let the chicken marinate long enough—15 minutes is good, but try 1 hour for even better flavor. This also helps to tenderize the meat.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, allowing for thorough cooking.
- Grill skewers for 4-5 minutes on each side. Look for nice grill marks as an indicator of doneness.
- Consider using a meat thermometer; chicken is safely cooked at 165°F (75°C).
- Basting with leftover marinade while grilling adds extra flavor and keeps the chicken juicy!
Enjoy your delicious skewers and the fresh salad that compliments them perfectly!
How to Make Easy Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Salad Skewers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced banana peppers
- 1/2 cup grilled corn kernels (optional)
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime (optional for brightness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus marinating time of at least 15 minutes to 1 hour. Grilling the skewers will take another 10-15 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 40-45 minutes to complete this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Buffalo Honey Sauce:
In a bowl, mix together the hot sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir all the ingredients well until combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your bite-sized chicken pieces and add them to the bowl of sauce. Toss to coat each piece well. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to an hour in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
3. Assemble Skewers:
Once the chicken is marinated, thread the pieces onto the soaked wooden skewers. Be sure not to overcrowd the skewers to allow even cooking.
4. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, looking for nice char marks and ensuring the chicken is cooked through (to an internal temperature of 165°F). Feel free to baste with any leftover sauce for added flavor!
5. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the chicken is grilling, grab a large bowl and mix together the shredded romaine, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, banana peppers, grilled corn if using, sliced avocado, green onions, and the cheese.
6. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch or blue cheese dressing with the chopped parsley and lemon juice if using. Add salt and pepper to your taste.
7. Serve:
To serve, place a generous amount of the chopped salad on plates or bowls, place the grilled chicken skewers on top, and drizzle the dressing over everything. You can also keep the dressing on the side for dipping!
8. Optional Garnish:
For a touch of extra flavor and color, sprinkle some additional chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top before serving.
Enjoy your Easy Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Salad Skewers! This dish is a delightful blend of spicy, sweet, creamy, and fresh flavors that everyone will love!
FAQ for Easy Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Salad Skewers
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them an excellent choice for skewers. Just ensure they’re cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken skewers and salad separately in airtight containers. The chicken will last in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the salad is best enjoyed fresh. If storing, keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! You can add extra hot sauce to the marinade or sprinkle some cayenne pepper over the grilled chicken before serving. For a smoky flavor, try adding smoked paprika directly to the chicken as well!
What Can I Substitute for the Dressing?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, a yogurt-based dressing or a vinaigrette made from olive oil and vinegar works well. You can also try a simple mix of Greek yogurt with herbs for a creamy alternative!