Meet your new summer obsession: Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad! This vibrantly fresh, smoky, and just-the-right-amount-of-spicy salad is loaded with grilled honey buffalo chicken skewers, crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, sweet corn, and all the creamy, tangy toppings you can dream up. Each bite is an absolute flavor adventure, blending sweet heat with bold, creamy coolness—all in one glorious bowl. If you’ve ever craved a salad that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, the Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad will quickly claim a top spot in your dinner rotation.

Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how each simple ingredient brings something unique to the table—crispness, creaminess, heat, zing, or pure summertime goodness. Gather everything below, and you’re halfway to a show-stopping Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad!

Buffalo Sauce (2/3 cup): The fiery foundation—use store-bought or homemade for your preferred heat level.
Honey (1/4 cup): Adds a magical sweetness that perfectly balances the spicy buffalo kick.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a rich, smooth flavor.
Chicken Breasts, Cubed (2 lbs): The star of the show; cube for quicker, even grilling.
Seasoned Salt (1 tbsp): Instant flavor booster for the chicken and veggies alike.
Shredded Lettuce (6 cups): A fresh, crunchy base that soaks up all the goodness.
Fresh Cilantro, Chopped (1/3 cup): For a burst of citrusy-green brightness; use extra for garnish.
Cherry Tomatoes, Sliced (1 cup): Juicy pops of color and flavor throughout every forkful.
Grilled Corn Kernels (1 cup, about 2 ears): Sweet, smoky kernels add irresistible texture and summer vibes.
Chopped Peperoncini (1/4 cup): Provides a tangy zing and slight crunch.
Blue Cheese Crumbles or Cheddar Cubes (1 cup): Pick your cheese for creamy, tangy/savory notes.
Cooked Bacon, Crumbled (6 strips): Salty, crispy, and utterly delicious atop any salad.
Avocado, Chopped (1): Adds buttery smoothness and beautiful color.
Sour Cream or Plain Greek Yogurt (1/2 cup): The base of your homemade creamy dressing.
Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Lends rich body and depth to the dressing.
Pickled Jalapeños (1/2 cup): For a gentle, tangy heat that makes the dressing shine.
Fresh Cilantro, Extra (1/3 cup): Doubles up for the salad and the dressing—don’t skimp!
Fresh Basil (3 tbsp): Brings a hint of sweet herbal flavor to the dressing.
Fresh Dill, Chopped (2 tbsp): Lifts the dressing with a cool garden-fresh taste.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp): For that subtle, savory backbone in the dressing.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for the perfect savory bite.

How to Make Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad

Step 1: Mix the Honey Buffalo Sauce

Whisk together the buffalo sauce and honey in a bowl until totally smooth. This sticky, sweet, and tangy blend is what takes the chicken from ordinary to drool-worthy! If you’re a fan of ultra-spicy, add a touch more buffalo; if you prefer mellow, nudge up the honey. Taste as you go—this is the flavor backbone of your Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad!

Step 2: Prep and Marinate the Chicken

Toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, seasoned salt, and a generous pinch of black pepper in a big mixing bowl. Drizzle in about 1/4 cup of your honey buffalo sauce, then stir until every little piece glistens. Let it marinate while you prep your other salad components, so the flavors can really soak in. Now, thread the juicy chicken cubes onto skewers—you’ll thank yourself later for this hands-on shortcut to more char!

Step 3: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Heat up your grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the skewers so they’re not crowded, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, rotating every few minutes. You’re looking for caramelized edges and cooked-through, juicy centers. The honey helps the chicken get those irresistible char marks! Once done, set aside and resist sneaking a bite… for now.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Jalapeño Ranch Dressing

While the chicken is grilling, blitz together the sour cream or Greek yogurt, mayo, pickled jalapeños, fresh cilantro, basil, dill, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper in a blender until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference—the dressing should be cool, tangy, and a little zippy to balance out those sweet-heat chicken skewers.

Step 5: Toss the Salad Base

Grab a large salad bowl and toss together the shredded lettuce, extra cilantro, sliced tomatoes, grilled corn, and chopped peperoncini with about half of the creamy dressing. This creates a bright, crisp foundation that’s lightly coated but never soggy! Layering the flavors here means every bite of Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad delivers major satisfaction.

Step 6: Assemble & Finish Your Salad

Top your dressed greens with the hot grilled chicken skewers, sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese or cheddar, crispy bacon, chopped avocado, and a little extra fresh cilantro if you’re feeling fancy. Serve the remaining dressing and a side car of honey buffalo sauce at the table for drizzling enthusiastically. Now dig in—each bite is loaded with big, bold textures and flavors!

How to Serve Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad

Garnishes

Finish your Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad with a scatter of extra fresh herbs, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and a squeeze of lime for extra zing. A little crumbled bacon or blue cheese on top makes it feel restaurant-worthy, right at home. Let everyone drizzle on extra buffalo sauce if they dare!

Side Dishes

Since this salad is hearty enough for a meal, go simple: warm crusty bread, classic cornbread, or grilled pita wedges make perfect dippers for all that creamy dressing. If you want something lighter, serve with chilled melon slices or a crisp cucumber salad to contrast the bold flavors of the Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this salad as a build-your-own bar for a crowd—keep everything separate so guests can pile on their favorites. Or, for a fun twist, serve single portions in wide mason jars or layer in clear parfait glasses for a playful, picnic-ready take on the Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad. Skewers sticking out of each bowl make for a dynamic, Instagram-worthy presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store each component separately. Keep the grilled chicken, dressing, and salad veggies in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This ensures your lettuce stays crisp and your chicken maintains its smoky, juicy tenderness.

Freezing

While the salad elements don’t freeze well (looking at you, avocado and lettuce!), you can freeze the grilled chicken skewers for up to 2 months. Cool them completely and wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to assemble another round of Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the thawed chicken skewers in a skillet over medium heat or on the grill until hot and crispy at the edges. Avoid microwaving, which can dry them out. Refresh your greens and salad toppings with crisp, new veggies before serving up another sensational salad.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilling my own?

Absolutely! For a quick shortcut, toss shredded rotisserie chicken with the honey buffalo sauce and warm it on the stovetop for a few minutes before layering over your salad. You’ll still capture that delicious sweet heat of the Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad.

What can I substitute for blue cheese?

If blue cheese isn’t your thing, cubed sharp cheddar, feta, or even pepper jack marry perfectly with the bold flavors in the salad. Just pick a cheese with a punchy flavor to stand up to the buffalo chicken.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes! Use dairy-free yogurt and mayo (readily available in most stores) and skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The result is still creamy, tangy, and totally crave-worthy.

How spicy is the final salad?

The heat level really depends on your buffalo sauce and how many pickled jalapeños you add to the dressing. For a milder version, use a mild buffalo sauce and reduce the jalapeños. For spice lovers, crank up both!

Can I prepare the chicken without skewers?

Of course! If you don’t have skewers handy, simply cook the buffalo-honey-marinated chicken pieces in a hot skillet until charred and juicy. Then scatter them over your salad for an equally delicious (but skewer-free) experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving excitement in salad form, the Chopped Honey Buffalo Chicken Skewer Salad is ready to deliver big flavor, vibrant color, and irresistible textures all season long. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears, and your friends will be begging for the recipe. Here’s to your boldest, most delicious summer salads yet!