Summer is the perfect time to enjoy bold, zesty flavors, and nothing brings the heat like Buffalo-style dishes. There’s something about Buffalo-style flavors that just screams summer.
That perfect balance of heat, tang, and buttery goodness makes it a hit for backyard cookouts, poolside snacks, or casual weeknight dinners. Plus, these recipes are easy to make and packed with bold flavors that pair perfectly with warm weather and good company.
Tips on How To Make Summer Buffalo Recipes
- Fire Up the Grill: Grilling adds a smoky flavor that takes Buffalo chicken, shrimp, and even veggies to the next level. Plus, it’s an easy way to cook without heating up the kitchen!
- Cool Things Down: Buffalo sauce brings the heat, so pair it with something cool. Ranch, blue cheese, or fresh toppings like celery and avocado help balance the spice.
- Try Something New: Buffalo wings are great, but why stop there? Mix things up with Buffalo shrimp, grilled burgers, spicy corn on the cob, or even a zesty pasta salad.
- Keep It Light: Summer calls for fresh, easy meals. Instead of frying, try baking or grilling. Swap heavy dressings for Greek yogurt, and load up on crisp veggies in wraps and salads.
- Make It Party-Ready: Buffalo flavors are always a crowd-pleaser! Whip up easy appetizers like Buffalo chicken sliders, deviled eggs, or a big bowl of pasta salad for your next barbecue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to cook Buffalo chicken in the summer?
Grilling is a great option! It adds a smoky flavor and keeps things lighter than frying. You can also bake or air-fry for a crispy texture without the extra oil.
Can I make Buffalo recipes ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate meats in Buffalo sauce ahead of time or prep Buffalo chicken salad, dips, and pasta salads the day before. Just wait to toss in the sauce until serving for the best flavor and texture.
How can I make Buffalo sauce less spicy?
If you want less heat, mix your Buffalo sauce with melted butter, honey, or a little ranch dressing. You can also use a milder hot sauce as a base.
What sides go well with Buffalo dishes?
Cool and crunchy sides work best! Serve with celery, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or a fresh salad. Coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked sweet potato fries are also great choices.
30 Summer Buffalo Recipes
1. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
These buffalo chicken tacos are saucy and spicy shredded chicken piled into flour tortillas along with lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing. A fun take on taco night with plenty of bold flavors! They’ve got all of the best flavors of buffalo chicken wrapped up into tortillas and they couldn’t be any easier to make!
Get the full recipe from: Dinner at the Zoo
2. Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These buffalo chicken sliders are warm sandwiches filled with shredded buffalo chicken, ranch sauce, lettuce and tomato. The ultimate party snack! The buns are brushed with garlic butter and baked to golden brown perfection, and the lettuce, tomato and ranch provide the perfect cooling counterpart to the spicy chicken.
Get the full recipe from: Dinner at the Zoo
3. Best Buffalo Wing Recipe
The ultimate game day party food! Learn tips for making the best buffalo wing recipe at home. Fork-tender chicken wings with a melt-in-your-mouth buffalo sauce. Game Day. Super Bowl. Holiday. Summer Day. Traditionally buffalo wings are served with blue cheese dip.
Get the full recipe from: Tastes of Lizzy T
4. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
These air fryer buffalo chicken tenders are crispy, flavorful, and packed with protein, making them a nourishing alternative to traditional deep-fried comfort food. Enjoy boneless buffalo chicken tenders as an appetizer or as a main dish if served in larger portions. You simply can’t go wrong with homemade air fryer chicken tenders.
Get the full recipe from: Xoxo Bella
5. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders
These Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Sliders are the perfect game day appetizer. Tender, slow-cooked chicken is enveloped in wing sauce and Ranch dressing and served on a soft slider bun. They are always a hit at parties!
Get the full recipe from: Simply Stacie
6. Buffalo Chicken Dip
Buffalo chicken dip is a party favorite that everyone loves. This tangy, creamy, and delicious appetizer combines the flavors of buffalo wings and the convenience of a dip. With ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, hot sauce, and cheese, it’s easy to make and a great way to please a crowd at any get-together or family gathering.
Get the full recipe from: Simply Stacie
7. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Easy, tasty with a little bit of spice, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer make the absolute perfect appetizer or dinner recipe that the whole family will love. With minimal ingredients and time, these come together quickly.
Get the full recipe from: This Silly Girl's Kitchen
8. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps Recipe
These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are chicken tenders tossed in buffalo sauce, topped with bleu cheese dressing, all wrapped in a butter lettuce leaf! These Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps would be a great touch to a summer cookout, a fun appetizer to share with friends, or even a light lunch option.
Get the full recipe from: This Silly Girl's Kitchen
9. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
This recipe for air fryer Buffalo chicken drumsticks is made with only four ingredients. It’s such an easy recipe and you can add a little more of one ingredient or less of another. They really came out delicious. These would also be great to bring for a potluck dinner.
Get the full recipe from: Pam's Daily Dish
10. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Grab your slow cooker, it's time for a hot and spicy meal! Gluten-free, paleo slow cooker buffalo chicken that will warm you right up and has secret creamy ingredients to help you handle the spice! Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken is a simple, hands-off recipe where chicken cooks low and slow in Buffalo sauce until tender and easily shreddable.
Get the full recipe from: Strength and Sunshine
11. Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip has just FIVE ingredients and it makes a big batch that’s perfect for parties, get-togethers, or game days! This dip couldn’t be easier to make because it’s a slow cooker dip recipe! Put the ingredients into a crockpot and you can serve the dip right from the slow cooker, too!
Get the full recipe from: Persnickety Plates
12. Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap (Buffalo Wild Wings copycat)
Lightly breaded buffalo chicken pieces wrapped up in a soft tortilla with ranch dressing, shredded lettuce, cheese, and tomatoes make a great dinner or the perfect game day meal!
If you like the Buffalo Ranch Chicken Wrap from Buffalo Wild Wings, you’ll love this lightened up homemade version!
Get the full recipe from: Persnickety Plates
13. Buffalo Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe)
Ditch the greasy mess and whip up restaurant-worthy Buffalo Chicken Tenders in minutes. This recipe delivers crispy perfection and juicy chicken, all made in the comfort of your air fryer. These chicken tenders are delicious and can be served in a variety of ways.
Get the full recipe from: Food Folks and Fun
14. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower
This Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower recipe is a healthy and easy appetizer or side dish with a big, bold flavor. They’re crunchy and perfect for dipping! Buffalo Cauliflower made in the Air Fryer is simple and beyond satisfying. The cauliflower bites are savory, crispy, keto-friendly, and low carb.
Get the full recipe from: Food Folks and Fun
15. Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This easy crockpot buffalo chicken dip recipe is the perfect balance of classic buffalo flavor and cool creamy ranch. With smooth cream cheese, cheddar, and a blue cheese topping, you can’t go wrong with this cheesy chicken crockpot dip. Not only is it a delicious recipe, but it is also very versatile!
Get the full recipe from: Crayons and Cravings
16. Buffalo Chicken Jalapeno Poppers
Creamy, cheesy, spicy buffalo chicken jalapeno poppers make a tasty hot appetizer recipe perfect for parties and game day eats. They're spicy, cheesy, and perfect for grilling, air frying, or baking—making them ideal for BBQs, pool parties, and game nights.
Get the full recipe from: Crayons And Cravings
17. Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas
Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas are a mouthwatering, creamy, spicy, and cheesy goodness of buffalo chicken dip, often made with shredded chicken, hot sauce, cream cheese, and ranch dressing.
These quesadillas are a perfect appetizer, snack, or even a light meal, offering a satisfying blend of spicy, cheesy flavors in every bite.
Get the full recipe from: Chocolate Moosey
18. Buffalo Chicken Dip
This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Dip is always the most popular at parties. It’s quick and easy party food that will leave your guests begging for more. Baked until bubbly and served hot with tortilla chips, celery sticks, or other dippables.
Get the full recipe from: Chocolate Moosey
19. Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with Homemade Ranch Dip
These Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect appetizer for your next party or gathering! The spicy cauliflower florets are a delicious vegetarian alternative and are served with a creamy homemade ranch dipping sauce. You can customise the heat – whether you like your buffalo-style foods to be mild, spicy, or extra spicy.
Get the full recipe from: The Purple Pumpkin Blog
20. Quick Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps (Using Rotisserie Chicken)
Whether you are looking for an easy and delicious lunch or dinner idea, Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are the perfect answer! Using rotisserie chicken, this one-pan meal can be on the table in under 30 minutes! This lunch or dinner option is an ideal midweek meal as it is quick to make and only uses one pan.
Get the full recipe from: The Purple Pumpkin Blog
21. Buffalo Chicken Dip (In The Slow Cooker!)
Buffalo chicken dip in the slow cooker only needs five easy ingredients before you can dive into a creamy dip. The chicken is full of buffalo flavor mixed with ranch and gooey cheese, and it’s the perfect party dip to serve to family and friends. With only five ingredients, this dip is pretty easy to make.
Get the full recipe from: On My Kid's Plate
22. Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders bring the flavor of homemade bar food straight to your kitchen! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. These tenders are tossed in a zesty buffalo sauce for the perfect balance of spicy and savory.
Get the full recipe from: Dash for Dinner
23. Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip
This easy and savory recipe for Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken Dip will be one of your go-to appetizers for game day, holidays, potlucks, and more! Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in just a few hours, this creamy dip is the perfect addition to your next party. Serve with gluten-free, low-carb, or keto options and you're good to go.
Get the full recipe from: Dash for Dinner
24. Best Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe
Every year, one thing that should make it to your game day buffet table is buffalo chicken dip. It’s everything you love about a wing in an easier to eat dip! This air fryer buffalo chicken dip is so easy to make and delicious too! Serve it with crackers, tortilla scoops, and fresh veggies. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Get the full recipe from: Dinners Done Quick
25. The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe (+ Video)
This Buffalo Chicken Dip Recipe is everyone’s favorite game day or party appetizer! Made with juicy shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, cream cheese, hot sauce, and loads of cheese, this easy and delicious Buffalo Chicken Dip is then baked until golden, bubbly, and perfect for dipping. Made with simple ingredients like shredded chicken, hot sauce, and cheese.
Get the full recipe from: The Forked Spoon
26. Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
This cold and creamy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad combines crunchy corn, celery, tender pasta, shredded chicken, green onions, and creamy avocado in a creamy mayonnaise-based buffalo sauce. If you love the bold and delicious flavors of buffalo sauce, you’ll love this easy pasta salad.
Get the full recipe from: The Forked Spoon
27. Kickin' Good Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad
Kickin' Good Buffalo Ranch Potato Salad is an easy summer side dish recipe that gets its creaminess from prepared salad dressing and crunch from celery and scallions. Add in pickled jalapenos for some extra crunch and heat! And everyone loves potatoes, especially when they're petite and yummy.
Get the full recipe from: Swirls of Flavor
28. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Buffalo Chicken Tacos are topped with blue cheese coleslaw in this easy recipe that can be made in the Instant Pot or the slow cooker. This recipe for Buffalo Chicken Tacos is going to be a hit with everyone who likes spicy buffalo chicken! Buffalo Chicken are extra easy to make into a low-carb meal.
Get the full recipe from: Kalyn's Kitchen
29. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
You can make these tasty low-carb Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps with ground chicken or turkey, whichever you prefer. And Buffalo Chicken fans will love eating it in lettuce wraps with sliced red cabbage and crumbled blue cheese for an easy tasty meal! Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps are a delicious dinner idea that can be made with ground chicken or ground turkey.
Get the full recipe from: Kalyn's Kitchen
30. Easy Buffalo Chicken Dip
Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip is a quick and easy appetizer that will surely be a hit at your next party! Made with slow-cooked buffalo chicken, this 5-ingredient recipe delivers bold flavors without a lot of work. Loaded with your favorite wing sauce, it's a hot, creamy dip that will have everyone begging you for the recipe.
Get the full recipe from: A Southern Soul
Final Thought on Summer Buffalo Recipes
Buffalo-style recipes are the perfect way to add bold, spicy flavor to summer meals. From Buffalo Chicken Tacos, Buffalo Chicken Sliders, Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Dip, Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps, there are so many ways to enjoy that tangy kick.
Keep things simple with easy cooking methods, balance the spice with cool dips and crisp veggies, and don’t be afraid to get creative. So grab your favorite Buffalo sauce, fire up the grill, and enjoy a summer full of delicious, zesty bites!
