If you’re on the lookout for a dish that packs bold flavor without fuss, then this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is about to become your new go-to. With tender chicken breasts bathed in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce blended seamlessly with creamy Greek yogurt and a hint of ranch seasoning, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and cooling richness. The melted Colby Jack cheese on top adds just the right touch of savory indulgence, making every bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re craving something comforting for dinner or a standout dish to impress, this recipe will quickly win your heart and your appetite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly to create this flavorful masterpiece. Each one plays a key role in building layers of taste, texture, and that vibrant classic buffalo chicken color.
- Chicken breasts (3, 6-ounce each): Boneless and skinless for lean, juicy meat that soaks up all the flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt (¾ cup): Adds creaminess and tang while tenderizing the chicken naturally.
- Buffalo wing sauce (¼ cup): The fiery star ingredient delivering classic buffalo heat and zest.
- Ranch seasoning mix (1 tablespoon): Brings that familiar herby, savory kick to balance the spiciness.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and a subtle aromatic punch that elevates the dish.
- Shredded Colby Jack cheese (½ cup): Creates a gooey, golden topping with a mild, buttery flavor.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken breasts with the Greek yogurt, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder inside a zip-top bag. Sealing the bag ensures every piece is perfectly coated in that flavorful marinade. Give it a good shake, then pop it into the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes. This step isn’t just about flavor; the yogurt tenderizes the chicken for a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth result.
Step 2: Preheat and Prepare to Bake
While your chicken marinates, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or a 2-quart casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Preparing your dish ahead of time soothes any last-minute hustle.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken breasts evenly in the baking dish, then sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on the cheese as it melts; if it starts browning too fast, tent the dish loosely with foil to avoid burning while the chicken finishes cooking through.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can elevate your Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe beautifully. Consider sprinkling chopped green onions or freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Cooling cucumber slices or a dollop of ranch dressing on the side can help balance the heat while adding texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to round out your meal. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots add earthiness and crunch, while steamed rice or a creamy mashed potato base soaks up all those flavorful juices. For something lighter, a crunchy side salad with a zesty vinaigrette contrasts nicely with the rich spiced chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe into a fun crowd-pleaser by slicing the chicken thin and serving it as sliders with soft buns and coleslaw. You could also shred the chicken after baking to top a loaded baked potato or toss it into warm tortillas for quick buffalo chicken wraps. Presentation options are wide open, inviting you to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Buffalo Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal just as satisfying as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish if you want to prepare in advance. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-friendly container or bag, separating portions with parchment if stacking, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven to keep the chicken moist and the cheese melty, ideally covered with foil to avoid drying out. Alternatively, the microwave works fine for a quick heat-up; just make sure to cover it to lock in moisture.
FAQs
Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred for its thicker consistency and tang, which helps tenderize the chicken and create a creamy marinade. Regular yogurt is thinner and might not coat the chicken as well, but it can work in a pinch; just expect a slightly different texture.
How spicy is this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
The heat level mainly depends on the buffalo wing sauce you choose. Most store-bought versions provide a balanced spicy kick that can be adjusted by adding more or less sauce in the marinade. It’s a great medium heat but can be dialed up or down to suit your taste.
Can I prepare this recipe without ranch seasoning?
While ranch seasoning adds that signature herby flavor, you can certainly omit it or substitute it with your favorite dried herbs like dill, parsley, or a bit of onion powder. The dish will still be delicious—the buffalo and garlic flavors shine through beautifully.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stores well, reheats easily, and provides a quick, flavorful protein addition to multiple meals throughout the week.
What kind of cheese works best?
Colby Jack cheese melts nicely and offers a mild taste that complements the spicy buffalo flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack depending on your preference. Just choose a cheese that melts well for that gooey finish.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe enough if you want a dinner that’s bursting with flavor yet totally simple to prepare. It’s a dish that feels special but comes together quickly, making it a winner for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Dive in and enjoy every spicy, cheesy, tender bite!
Print
Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a tangy buffalo wing sauce and creamy Greek yogurt marinade. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and seasoned with ranch and garlic powder, it’s a flavorful, easy-to-make dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or game day meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 (6-ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup plain Greek yogurt (not regular yogurt)
- ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Combine the chicken breasts, Greek yogurt, buffalo wing sauce, ranch seasoning mix, and garlic powder in a large zip-top bag. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade. Refrigerate and let it marinate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9 inch or 2-quart baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Arrange and Add Cheese: Place the marinated chicken breasts in the greased baking dish in a single layer. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If the cheese starts browning too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil toward the end of baking to prevent burning while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the baked buffalo chicken hot. Pair it with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or rice for a complete and delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but you can marinate longer for stronger taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (74°C).
- Covering with foil during baking helps prevent the cheese from over-browning.
- Serve with cooling sides like celery sticks or a side salad to balance the spiciness.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
