If you are craving a dish that’s bursting with bold, tangy flavor and a satisfying kick, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs are seared to perfection, then baked and tossed in a luscious, buttery Buffalo sauce that hugs every morsel. Whether you serve it at a game day gathering or a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises a harmonious balance of spice and richness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, making it a staple you’ll turn to again and again when you want something both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in building its irresistible flavor profile. From the aromatic spices that season the chicken to the creamy melt of butter in the hot sauce, every element is essential for that perfect taste and texture.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for tender, juicy meat.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken beautifully and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings warm, savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a slight sweetness enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Fundamental seasonings that elevate all other flavors.
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The star ingredient that gives the iconic tangy heat.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Rounds out the heat with silky richness and smoothness.
- Optional toppings – chopped green onions, blue cheese or ranch dressing, celery sticks: These add freshness and cooling contrast to the spicy chicken.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, which helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice sear. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper evenly on both sides. These simple spices create a beautiful base that complements the Buffalo sauce perfectly.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the chicken pieces in the pan and sear each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until they develop a golden crust. This step locks in juices and adds a layer of flavor that baking alone can’t achieve.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken into the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and registers an internal temperature of 165°F. This baking process finishes cooking the meat gently, keeping it moist and tender without drying it out.
Step 4: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken rests for about 5 minutes after baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the Buffalo hot sauce and combine until the mixture is smooth and warmed through. This buttery hot sauce is what makes this Buffalo Chicken Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Slice or shred the rested chicken and toss it in the prepared Buffalo sauce until every piece is generously coated. This final step ensures maximum flavor coverage and that signature spicy, tangy bite. Now, it’s ready to be enjoyed in a variety of ways!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your Buffalo Chicken with chopped green onions for a pop of fresh color and mild bite. Creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing makes the ideal cool contrast to the heat of the Buffalo sauce, and crunchy celery sticks add a satisfying, refreshing crunch. Together, these garnishes heighten both the flavor and the presentation.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like crispy fries, creamy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or on baked potatoes to soak up all those delectable, spicy juices. Choose sides that balance the spice and add varied textures for a complete and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like mixing it up? Use the Buffalo Chicken as a filling for wraps or tacos to give an exciting twist to lunch or dinner. It’s also fantastic layered in sandwiches with melted cheese and leafy greens. Even salads become instantly more vibrant and filling when topped with this saucy, tender chicken. The possibilities are endless and delicious!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Buffalo Chicken Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to enjoy them within 3 to 4 days to savor the freshest flavors. The chicken will keep its tender texture if properly chilled.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Buffalo chicken to extend its shelf life. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Buffalo Chicken will stay good for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for quick, flavorful meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the Buffalo Chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken moist. Adding a little extra sauce or butter during reheating helps restore that fresh, saucy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are fantastic because they stay juicy and add a slightly richer flavor. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this Buffalo Chicken Recipe without an oven?
Yes, you can pan-cook the chicken fully on the stove by covering it and cooking on medium-low heat until done, then tossing with the sauce. The oven just helps cook it evenly and tenderly.
What if I don’t have Buffalo hot sauce? Can I substitute it?
If you don’t have Buffalo hot sauce, you can mix hot sauce like Frank’s RedHot with melted butter yourself, or use any tangy, spicy hot sauce you like. Just adjust the butter amount to keep that mellow richness.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
The spice level is moderate, thanks to the balanced Buffalo sauce and butter. If you want it milder, reduce the hot sauce slightly or serve with creamy dressings. For more heat, add extra hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Can I make a quick version using pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut. Just shred the chicken and gently warm it in the Buffalo sauce on the stove. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when you want that flavor fast.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s quick, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without its perfect blend of heat, tang, and buttery smoothness. So grab those ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a dish that’s hearty, spicy, and absolutely satisfying. You’re going to love every bite!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Buffalo Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs coated in a spicy Buffalo sauce. Perfect for game day or a quick dinner, the chicken is first seared to golden perfection and then baked to lock in the flavors. Tossed in a buttery hot sauce blend, it can be served on its own or with a variety of toppings and sides like celery sticks and blue cheese dressing.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Optional Toppings
- Chopped green onions
- Blue cheese or ranch dressing
- Celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the chicken evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to build layers of flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until it develops a light golden crust. This will lock in juices and enhance the texture before baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the chicken directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute its juices.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken rests, combine unsalted butter and Buffalo hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously until the butter melts completely and the sauce is warm, smooth, and well combined.
- Toss and Serve: Slice or shred the rested chicken, then toss it thoroughly in the warm Buffalo sauce until completely coated. Serve the Buffalo chicken solo or with optional toppings such as chopped green onions, blue cheese or ranch dressing, and celery sticks. It also works great in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, salads, or atop rice or baked potatoes.
Notes
- For a faster preparation, substitute with precooked rotisserie chicken and gently heat it in the Buffalo sauce.
- You can alternatively grill or slow-cook the chicken if preferred, adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
- Adjust the hot sauce quantity to control the spice level to your liking.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
