Buffalo Chicken consist of juicy, tender chicken is coated in a zesty buffalo sauce that’s equal parts tangy and spicy, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for game day, a cozy family dinner, or meal prep, this versatile dish can be served as a main course, stuffed in wraps, or tossed with a crisp salad.
What Is Buffalo Chicken?
Buffalo Chicken is a dish coated in a bold sauce typically made from hot sauce, butter, and seasonings. Originating in Buffalo, New York, the flavor profile delivers a satisfying kick that’s balanced by buttery richness. Whether you’re enjoying Buffalo Chicken as wings, tenders, or a casserole, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Buffalo Chicken
Choose the Right Chicken Cuts: Wings and drumettes are classic, but you can also use chicken breasts, thighs, or even boneless tenders for versatility.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an added punch, marinate your chicken in buttermilk, garlic, and a splash of hot sauce before cooking.
Crispy Texture: For wings or tenders, coat the chicken in a light flour or cornstarch mixture and bake or fry for extra crispiness.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce: Make your sauce from scratch using equal parts melted butter and hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot. Add garlic powder, honey, or smoked paprika for extra depth.
Balance the Heat: If you prefer milder heat, increase the butter-to-hot-sauce ratio or mix in a bit of honey or brown sugar.
Keep It Juicy: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F (74°C) without overcooking and drying it out.
Variations of Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken is incredibly adaptable! Here are some exciting variations to explore:
- Buffalo Chicken Wings: The classic, crispy snack perfect for parties. Bake or fry until golden, then toss in Buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Dip: A creamy, cheesy dip made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and Buffalo sauce.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: Spread Buffalo sauce over pizza dough, top with shredded chicken, mozzarella, and a drizzle of ranch.
- Buffalo Chicken Salad: Toss crispy or grilled Buffalo Chicken over a bed of greens, with celery, carrots, and blue cheese crumbles.
- Buffalo Chicken Sandwiches: Serve tender Buffalo Chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Combine shredded chicken, Buffalo sauce, cheese, and pasta or potatoes for a hearty meal.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken
- Appetizer: Serve Buffalo wings or tenders with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Main Dish: Pair Buffalo Chicken with creamy mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.
- Party Platter: Create a Buffalo Chicken platter with wings, sliders, and a bowl of Buffalo Chicken Dip.
- Toppings: Use Buffalo Chicken as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, or loaded fries.
How to Store Buffalo Chicken
Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: Place cooked Buffalo Chicken in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: Warm Buffalo Chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
Recipe FAQs
What’s the best hot sauce for Buffalo Chicken?
Frank’s RedHot is the traditional choice, but you can experiment with other hot sauces like Cholula, Tabasco, or Sriracha for a unique twist.
Can I make Buffalo Chicken without frying?
Absolutely! Baking or air-frying are great alternatives. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, or air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 18-20 minutes.
How can I make Buffalo Chicken keto-friendly?
Skip the flour coating and serve with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or zucchini fries. Most Buffalo sauces are naturally keto-friendly.
Can I use a slow cooker for Buffalo Chicken?
Yes! Combine chicken breasts, Buffalo sauce, and seasonings in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, shred the chicken, and serve.
What’s the best way to make Buffalo Chicken less spicy?
Add more butter to the sauce or mix in a tablespoon of honey, brown sugar, or even cream cheese to tame the heat.
Buffalo Chicken
Buffalo Chicken consist of juicy, tender chicken is coated in a zesty buffalo sauce that’s equal parts tangy and spicy, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Sauce
- 1 stick butter (½ cup)
- ½ cup Louisiana-style hot sauce (like Frank’s or Valentina)
- 2 tbsp apple cider or white vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
- 1 tsp paprika (Hungarian smoked works wonders!)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or more to taste)
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional: Pinch of ghost pepper flakes or cayenne for extra heat
For the Chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 medium chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cayenne powder
- Salt & pepper to taste.
Instructions
Prepare The Chicken
- Melt butter in a small pot over low heat.
- Whisk in hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire, Tabasco, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth. Set aside.
- Generously season chicken with smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
On the Grill
- Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates.
- Grill chicken 5 minutes per side to sear.
- Baste with Buffalo sauce while cooking, flipping until internal temp hits 165°F.
On the Stove
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Sear chicken 5 minutes per side.
Reduce heat to low, drizzle with 2 tbsp Buffalo sauce, and cover. - Cook until chicken reaches 165°F.
Final Touch
- Let chicken rest for a few minutes off the heat.
- Smother with the remaining Buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dip and crumbles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 461Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 16gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 163mgSodium: 475mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 39g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo Chicken is a timeless classic that offers endless possibilities. Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving something spicy, this dish has you covered. Experiment with different recipes and make them your own. The key to perfect Buffalo Chicken is balancing the heat with rich, bold flavors and serving it with your favorite sides or dips. Get creative and enjoy every bite of this delicious favorite!
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