Buffalo Chicken Recipe
If you crave that crave-worthy, tangy heat of Buffalo Chicken but want an easy version you can whip up at home in under 30 minutes, you’re in for a treat. This Buffalo Chicken recipe captures all those spicy, buttery flavors and turns simple chicken breasts into a star dish you can pile into wraps, salads, sandwiches or just devour as-is. It’s the kind of meal that brightens up even the most ordinary weeknight and makes you wish you’d started making homemade Buffalo Chicken sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken recipe calls for just a few essentials, but each one packs a punch. Every ingredient has a job, from creating that velvety, spicy sauce to making the chicken gloriously juicy and flavorful. Grab everything below to make your homemade Buffalo dreams a reality!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and hearty, these soak up all the zesty Buffalo sauce while staying juicy.
- Salt: As simple as it sounds, just a sprinkle lifts every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite that enhances the tang of the sauce.
- Olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken and locking in moisture.
- Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The unmistakable backbone of any Buffalo Chicken—this gives the dish its fiery personality.
- Unsalted butter: Melted into the sauce, it brings creaminess and that signature shiny glaze.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and just a hint of savory warmth.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor profile and balances heat with a slight sweetness.
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional): These fresh green garnishes add color and a refreshing touch to every spicy bite.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures your Buffalo Chicken is flavorful right from the start, helping the seasoning soak in during the quick sear to follow.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your chicken breasts — you want that satisfying sizzle! Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. This method guarantees juicy chicken with a lightly crisp surface, perfect for holding onto the sauce.
Step 3: Rest and Prep the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting not only helps the juices redistribute but also makes the chicken easier to slice or shred to your liking. Whether you go for bite-size pieces or long shreds, it’s all about personal preference — and what you’re using the Buffalo Chicken for!
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is resting, set a small saucepan over low heat and add your hot sauce, unsalted butter, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir patiently until the butter is melted and the sauce looks silky-smooth. This gloriously spicy, buttery mixture is what transforms the chicken into Buffalo Chicken magic!
Step 5: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
Add your sliced or shredded chicken back into the skillet or a large bowl, then pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the top. Toss or stir well so every morsel is glossy, tangy, and evenly coated. This is when the irresistible aroma will have you counting down to dinnertime.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish your Buffalo Chicken with a shower of chopped parsley or green onions if you like. These final touches add freshness and a pop of color to balance the vivid heat. Serve hot, and enjoy!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken
Garnishes
The magic of Buffalo Chicken is all in the bold flavors, but never underestimate a good garnish. Sprinkle chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions over the dish for a fresh contrast and a splash of color. If you want to go classic, a few crumbles of blue cheese or a side of celery sticks can turn each serving into a craveable showstopper.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken demands company! Serve it alongside crisp celery and carrot sticks for a classic pairing, or make it a meal with cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. For something hearty, try roasted potatoes, a tangy coleslaw, or even pile it high on a bun for fantastic Buffalo Chicken sliders. Your options are endless, and each one amps up the fun.
Creative Ways to Present
Buffalo Chicken is a chameleon when it comes to presentation. Load it into wraps or tortillas, toss it onto a salad for a spicy protein boost, or use it as a pizza topping with plenty of melty cheese. For game day or parties, Buffalo Chicken sliders or stuffed baked potatoes are always a hit and so easy to scale up for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Chicken, lucky you! Cool leftovers completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days — this chicken actually gets more flavorful as it sits, soaking up that luscious sauce overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze Buffalo Chicken in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Simply portion it into whatever size makes sense for future meals — think single portions for lunches or a larger batch for family dinners. Remember to press out excess air before freezing to keep the chicken and sauce at their best.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen Buffalo Chicken overnight in the fridge if needed, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat until hot, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave it in short bursts, being careful not to overcook the chicken. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a touch of water or extra hot sauce to bring it back to its original glory.
FAQs
Is there a milder way to make Buffalo Chicken if I don’t like a lot of heat?
Absolutely! Simply use a mild hot sauce or mix your favorite Buffalo sauce with a few extra tablespoons of melted butter to temper the spice level. You can also drizzle the smallest amount over the chicken and serve extra sauce on the side for those who want more kick.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and add a touch of richness to Buffalo Chicken. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they’re cooked through.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken ahead of time for a party?
Yes, and it’s a great idea! Cook and sauce the chicken as directed, then cool and refrigerate until you need it. Reheat gently just before serving, and you’ll have spicy, saucy Buffalo Chicken ready to impress your guests with minimal last-minute effort.
What kind of hot sauce is best for Buffalo Chicken?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic for a reason — it has just the right blend of heat and tang to mimic restaurant-style Buffalo Chicken. If you have another favorite, use what you love! Some people like Cholula, Texas Pete, or even sriracha for a twist.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken to save time?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken makes an awesome shortcut. Just shred or chop, warm through in the sauce, and you have Buffalo Chicken on the table in minutes.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken recipe takes everything you love about the bold, fiery classic and makes it doable in your own kitchen, fast. It’s a total flavor powerhouse that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making extra Buffalo Chicken just for tomorrow’s lunch—trust me, it’s that good!
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Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Spice up your dinner with this easy and flavorful Buffalo Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breast cooked to perfection and coated in a tangy, buttery hot sauce. Perfect for wraps, salads, sliders, or simply on its own.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, add hot sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Coat the Chicken: Toss cooked chicken in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley or green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- This buffalo chicken is versatile and can be used in various dishes like wraps, salads, sliders, or pizza to suit your preference.
- Pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken can be a time-saving alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
