Buffalo Chicken Skewers With Blue Cheese Dipping Sauce

The scent of vinegar and spice always takes me back to summer nights at my grandparents’ lake house. We’d spend the days swimming and fishing, and the evenings were reserved for grilling. While burgers and hot dogs were staples, my grandpa had a knack for experimenting. One summer, he concocted a Buffalo wing sauce from scratch and brushed it on chicken skewers. The sweet-and-spicy aroma wafting from the grill, combined with the cool lake breeze, is a memory I cherish – and this recipe attempts to capture that perfectly nostalgic flavor.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes
• Servings: Varies depending on skewer size and amount of chicken
• Yield: Approximately 6-8 skewers
• Dietary Type: Not specified in the source data

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons butter
• ¼ – ⅓ cup hot pepper sauce (like Louisiana or Franks, not Tabasco)
• 1 ½ tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 Italian salad dressing mix (Good Seasons 0.6 ounce dry packet)
• 1 lb chicken tenders, rinsed and patted dry
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes to avoid burning)
• ½ cup blue cheese dressing

Equipment Needed

• Heavy saucepan
• Large bowl
• Grill or broiler pan
• Wooden skewers
• Tongs
• Measuring spoons and cups

Instructions

1. First, make the Buffalo sauce. In a heavy saucepan, combine the butter, hot sauce, cider vinegar, and Italian salad dressing mix.
2. Stir the ingredients over low heat until the butter is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to let the sauce boil.
3. Taste the sauce and add more hot sauce, if desired, to adjust the spice level to your preference. Keep the sauce warm over very low heat while you prepare the chicken.
4. Prepare your grill or broiler pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat the grill or broiler. Ensure the grill grates are clean to prevent the chicken from sticking.
5. In a large bowl, place the chicken tenders. Drizzle with the vegetable oil and toss to coat them evenly.
6. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for building flavor.
7. Thread each chicken tender onto a wooden skewer. Make sure the skewers have been soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent them from burning on the grill or under the broiler.
8. Place the chicken skewers on the preheated grill or broiler pan.
9. Grill or broil the chicken until it is cooked through and golden brown, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes, depending on the heat of your grill or broiler. Turn the skewers frequently to ensure even cooking on all sides. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
10. During the last few minutes of cooking, brush the chicken skewers generously with the Buffalo sauce, ensuring they are well coated. This will create a flavorful glaze.
11. Remove the chicken skewers from the grill or broiler and serve immediately with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Spice Level Control: The type and amount of hot sauce used greatly affects the heat level. Start with the smaller amount (¼ cup) and increase to ⅓ cup, or even a bit more, depending on your spice tolerance. Remember that the heat will intensify as the sauce cooks.
• Preventing Dry Chicken: Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken tenders cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.
• Skewers are Key: Soaking the wooden skewers is not optional; it is essential. This prevents them from catching fire on the grill. If you don’t have time to soak them, consider using metal skewers instead.
• Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Marinating for Extra Flavor: For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in half of the Buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before grilling. Reserve the other half for basting.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Buffalo chicken skewers immediately while they are hot and juicy. The blue cheese dressing provides a cool and creamy contrast to the spicy chicken. They are perfect as an appetizer, a light meal, or a fun addition to a party spread.

Leftover Buffalo chicken skewers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave them (though this may make them slightly rubbery), or you can gently warm them in a skillet over low heat. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Add a little extra Buffalo sauce while reheating to keep them moist.

I would not recommend freezing the cooked Buffalo chicken skewers, as the texture of the chicken may change upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (Estimated)	% Daily Value (Based on 2000 Calorie Diet)
Calories	Approximately 350-400 kcal	18-20%
Total Fat	25-30g	38-46%
Saturated Fat	10-15g	50-75%
Cholesterol	100-120mg	33-40%
Sodium	700-900mg	29-38%
Total Carbohydrate	5-10g	2-4%
Dietary Fiber	1-2g	4-8%
Sugars	3-5g	N/A
Protein	25-30g	50-60%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Ranch: If you’re not a fan of blue cheese, try serving the skewers with a spicy ranch dressing instead.
• Celery Sticks and Carrot Sticks: Serve the Buffalo Chicken Skewers with celery and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo wing experience.
• Honey Buffalo: Add a tablespoon of honey to the Buffalo sauce for a touch of sweetness.
• Grilled Pineapple: Thread chunks of pineapple onto the skewers along with the chicken for a tropical twist.
• Different Cuts of Chicken: While tenders are great, you can use diced chicken breast or chicken thighs as well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Press the tofu well to remove excess water before marinating and grilling.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make the Buffalo sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the Buffalo sauce up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before using.

Q: How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the grill?
A: Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Also, avoid moving the chicken skewers too much during the first few minutes of grilling.

Q: Can I bake these in the oven instead of grilling or broiling?
A: Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Turn them halfway through cooking.

Q: What if I don’t have Italian salad dressing mix?
A: In a pinch, you can use a mixture of dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of sugar to approximate the flavor.

Q: Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
A: Absolutely! While Louisiana-style hot sauces like Franks RedHot are traditional for Buffalo wings, feel free to experiment with other varieties, like sriracha or a milder chili garlic sauce, to tailor the flavor to your preference. Keep in mind that the heat level will vary depending on the hot sauce you choose.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Chicken Skewers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The tangy, spicy sauce paired with the tender chicken and cool blue cheese dressing is an irresistible combination. So, fire up the grill, invite some friends over, and enjoy this flavorful and easy-to-make dish. I hope this recipe evokes a fond memory or helps you create a new one! Share your creations and let me know what you think!