When the warmer months roll in and the grill comes out, it’s time for some unforgettable flavors that can make any gathering a hit. Imagine the sizzle of marinated chicken thighs infused with tangy buffalo sauce, their aroma filling the air and drawing everyone to the backyard for a taste. That’s exactly what my Buffalo Chicken Skewers deliver—an explosion of flavor that’s both easy to prepare and hard to resist.
I stumbled upon this delightful recipe during a summer get-together, where I needed a crowd-pleaser that would keep everyone happy without stressing me out in the kitchen. With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these skewers offer the perfect combination of spice and savory goodness, accented by a hint of smoky chipotle. Plus, they’re an excellent way to enjoy grilling season without the fuss of complicated dishes. Grab some wooden skewers, fire up the grill, and let’s dive into this flavorful feast that’s sure to impress your family and friends!
Why are Buffalo Chicken Skewers a must-try?
Bold flavors: The tangy buffalo sauce, spicy sriracha, and smoky chipotle create a unique taste explosion that will have everyone craving more.
Quick prep: At just 25 minutes total, these skewers are perfect for last-minute cookouts or busy weeknights.
Crowd favorite: Ideal for gatherings, they’re easy to serve and a delightful treat for guests of all ages.
Versatile pairing: Enjoy them with crunchy celery and carrot sticks, or toss on a fresh salad for a complete meal!
For a delicious dipping option, consider making some homemade buffalo ranch dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Skewers Ingredients
• Get ready to fire up those flavors!
For the Skewers
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs – They’re juicy and perfect for absorbing the spicy buffalo marinade.
- Wooden skewers – Soak them in water to prevent burning while grilling!
For the Buffalo Sauce
- Frank’s Red Hot – This iconic sauce gives your skewers that signature tangy flavor!
- Ghee (or butter) – Use ghee for a richer taste, or stick with unsalted butter as a common substitute.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds depth and aroma to the sauce.
- Sriracha – A delicious addition for those who love an extra kick of heat!
- Cayenne pepper – A pinch promises to ramp up the spice level, so adjust to taste.
- Smoked chipotle powder – It provides a delightful smoky undertone that complements the buffalo flavor perfectly.
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions – Adds a fresh, crunchy finish to your skewers!
- Celery and carrot sticks – These are perfect for serving on the side to balance the heat and add crunch!
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Skewers
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Soak Skewers: Start by placing your wooden skewers in cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill.
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Prepare Sauce: In a medium saucepan, bring Frank’s Red Hot, ghee, and minced garlic to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes while stirring.
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Mix Spices: Whisk in the sriracha, cayenne pepper, and smoked chipotle powder into the sauce, then remove it from the heat and let it cool for about 15-20 minutes.
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Marinate Chicken: In a non-reactive bowl, add your chicken pieces and pour ⅔ of the buffalo sauce over them. Mix well to coat all pieces thoroughly.
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Thread Chicken: After soaking, remove the skewers from the water and carefully thread the marinated chicken pieces onto each skewer.
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Preheat Grill: Get your outdoor grill ready by heating it to medium-high. It’s the perfect temperature for grilling those skewers!
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Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes. Turn them every 2-3 minutes, brushing with the remaining buffalo sauce each time you turn.
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Serve: Once cooked through and nicely charred, remove the skewers from the grill and place them on a serving plate. Brush with any leftover buffalo sauce and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve immediately alongside celery and carrot sticks.
Optional: Try pairing with a side of creamy blue cheese dressing for an extra flavorful kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Buffalo Chicken Skewers are perfect for busy home cooks who want to make mealtime easier! You can marinate the chicken pieces in the buffalo sauce up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully. Simply follow the marinating step, cover the bowl, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to grill. You can also prepare the buffalo sauce 3 days ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for maximum freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your skewers, thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, grill them for 10-12 minutes, and serve. This way, you’ll have deliciously flavorful Buffalo Chicken Skewers on the table with minimal effort—a true time-saver for your weeknight dinners!
Buffalo Chicken Skewers Variations
Feel free to mix and match these fun twists on your Buffalo Chicken Skewers for a personalized touch!
- Dairy-Free: Swap ghee for coconut oil or vegan butter for a tasty dairy-free option that still packs a punch.
- Spicy Garlic: Add 1-2 tablespoons of minced jalapeños to the marinade for an extra layer of heat and freshness.
- Smoky BBQ: Replace half the buffalo sauce with your favorite smoky BBQ sauce for a delightful sweet and spicy twist!
- Vegetarian: Use hearty vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms instead of chicken for a flavorful veggie version that everyone will love.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate zest from a lime or lemon into the marinade for a bright, zesty flavor that enhances the tanginess.
- Honey Glaze: Drizzle a bit of honey over the finished skewers for a deliciously sweet contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped herbs, like cilantro or parsley, into the buffalo sauce for a refreshing herbal kick.
- Grilled Shrimp: Swap the chicken for shrimp for a quick-cooking alternative that adds a seafood flair to your outdoor gathering.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Skewers?
These tantalizing skewers are sure to be the highlight of any meal, and finding the perfect sides can elevate the dining experience to new heights.
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Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing: A classic pairing that adds a cool, tangy contrast to the heat of the skewers.
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Crispy Potato Wedges: They provide a hearty, savory crunch, perfect for dipping into any leftover buffalo sauce!
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Classic Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess offers a refreshing balance, taming the spicy flavors with its mildness.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet and smoky, this summertime treat adds a delightful burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers adds a wholesome touch, enhancing the meal’s freshness.
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Mango Salsa: The subtle sweetness and tang of mango elevate the skewers with a zesty contrast, providing a burst of flavor.
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Beer or Cider: A cold, crisp brew is a fantastic way to wash down the spicy skewers, enhancing the overall experience.
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Affogato: For dessert, consider a scoop of vanilla gelato topped with espresso, which provides a sweet, energizing finish to your meal.
Expert Tips for Buffalo Chicken Skewers
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Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate in the buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor. Overnight is even better!
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Soak Skewers: Remember to soak your wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning on the grill—this is crucial!
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Consistent Sizing: Cut your chicken pieces evenly to ensure they cook uniformly. This prevents some pieces from being over or undercooked.
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Keep It Hot: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat before placing the skewers on it. This helps achieve that perfect char without drying out the chicken.
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Brush Frequently: Don’t forget to brush the skewers with buffalo sauce while they cook! This enhances flavor and keeps them moist.
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Optional Ingredients: Feel free to adjust the spice levels with extra sriracha or cayenne. Tailor your Buffalo Chicken Skewers to your taste!
How to Store and Freeze Buffalo Chicken Skewers
- Room Temperature: Buffalo Chicken Skewers can be left out for up to 2 hours if you’re serving them at a party, but make sure to get them refrigerated soon after to maintain freshness.
- Fridge: Store any leftover skewers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill for best results.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the skewers in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat frozen skewers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, brushing with additional buffalo sauce to keep them moist and flavorful.
Buffalo Chicken Skewers Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe and fresh chicken thighs?
Absolutely! When choosing chicken thighs, look for ones that are plump with a smooth texture and a pink color. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off odor. Fresh chicken should feel cool to the touch, with no excess moisture on the surface.
What is the best way to store leftover Buffalo Chicken Skewers?
Very! To keep your Buffalo Chicken Skewers fresh, place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be consumed within 3 days. For optimal taste, reheat them on the grill or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Skewers?
Definitely! For freezing, allow the skewers to cool completely. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months! When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven or on the grill for about 15-20 minutes at 350°F, brushing with extra buffalo sauce for added moisture.
What if my chicken skewers turn out dry?
Oh no! If your chicken is dry, it may be that they were overcooked. To avoid this next time, ensure you’re using a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, frequent brushing with sauce during grilling helps retain moisture. To add juiciness back in, try serving leftover skewers with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Are there any dietary considerations with Buffalo Chicken Skewers?
Absolutely! This recipe contains chicken and common allergens such as butter (ghee) and garlic. If you’re cooking for someone with a dairy allergy, you can substitute with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. Also, consider reducing the cayenne and sriracha for spice-sensitive guests or children. Enjoy experimenting to make this dish suitable for everyone!
Savor Spicy Buffalo Chicken Skewers for Your Next Cookout
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak wooden skewers in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
- In a medium saucepan, bring Frank’s Red Hot, ghee, and minced garlic to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Whisk in sriracha, cayenne pepper, and smoked chipotle powder, remove from heat and let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- In a non-reactive bowl, add chicken pieces and pour ⅔ of the buffalo sauce over them, mixing well to coat.
- Remove soaked skewers from water and thread marinated chicken pieces onto each.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Place skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes and brushing with remaining buffalo sauce.
- Remove from grill, brush with leftover buffalo sauce, sprinkle with green onions, and serve immediately with celery and carrot sticks.