Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’m so excited to share my go-to Buffalo Chicken recipe that’s incredibly quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a spicy kick or need a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe has you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights3.
- Flavorful: Zesty homemade Buffalo sauce that will tantalize your taste buds1.
- Versatile: Enjoy it in salads, sandwiches, wraps, tacos, or as a main course5.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level to your preference, from mild to extra hot1.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Serving Size: 4
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Sauce
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter
- 1/2 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (I love Frank’s or Valentina HOT)1
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or white vinegar1
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce1
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce1
- 1 teaspoon paprika (Hungarian or smoked)1
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic1
- Salt and pepper to taste1
- Optional: Pinch of ghost pepper flakes or cayenne flakes for extra heat1
For the Chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil1
- 4 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8 ounces each)1
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika1
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder1
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder1
- Salt and pepper to taste1
Instructions
Buffalo Sauce
- Melt the butter in a small pot over low heat1.
- Add the remaining sauce ingredients and whisk until smooth1.
- Set aside until ready to use1.
Chicken (Grill Method)
- Heat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates1.
- Season the chicken generously with your seasoning blend1.
- Grill the chicken for 5 minutes per side to get a nice sear1.
- Baste with Buffalo sauce and continue grilling until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, basting a few times while cooking1.
Chicken (Stove Top Method)
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat1.
- Sear the seasoned chicken for 5 minutes per side, then reduce heat to low1.
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of Buffalo sauce1.
- Cover and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F1.
Chicken (Oven Method)3
- Preheat oven to 400°F and spray a baking dish with non-stick cooking spray3.
- Add the chicken breasts to your baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, to season3.
- Prepare your homemade buffalo sauce. In a small mixing bowl whisk together the Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, melted butter, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and onion powder. Season with additional salt, pepper, or honey, to taste3.
- Pour your prepared buffalo sauce over the top of the chicken breasts. Thoroughly coat each chicken breast in sauce (I like to use kitchen tongs to rotate each chicken breast 1-2 times)3.
- Tent your baking dish with foil and transfer it to the oven. Bake3.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Buffalo Chicken Wings: Serve the chicken with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing8.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Slice the chicken and toss it over a bed of crisp lettuce with your favorite veggies.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: Load up tortillas with shredded Buffalo chicken and your favorite toppings7.
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo wing sauce and chopped green onions, then layer with shredded cheese between two tortillas6.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: Chop up the baked buffalo chicken and add it to this reader-favorite Buffalo Chicken Dip recipe3.
Tips for Customization
- Heat Level: Adjust the amount of hot sauce or add cayenne pepper for extra heat1. For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce or add a touch of honey3.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, simmer it for a few minutes to reduce4.
- Chicken Options: Use chicken thighs for a juicier result, or try shredding the chicken after cooking for a different texture1.
- Marinade: Marinate the chicken in a buffalo marinade for extra flavor5.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.
How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftover Buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes! Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, then shred the chicken2.
Can I make buffalo sauce without butter?
- Yes, you can substitute the butter with a butter alternative.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 20g
Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.Enjoy this fantastic Buffalo Chicken recipe – I know I always do! Let me know how you like to customize it in the comments below!