Get ready to spice up dinnertime with this Buffalo Chicken Recipe, a tangy and oh-so-zesty dish that’s pure comfort any night of the week! The chicken turns out tender and juicy, dripping with that irresistible buttery buffalo sauce you just want to drizzle over everything. Whether you’re meal prepping, treating friends, or just craving something bold and flavorful, this recipe nails that classic wing-shop flavor—minus all the fuss and deep frying. Trust me, if you love a little heat and a lot of flavor, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Recipe lies in its handful of simple, carefully chosen ingredients. Each item has a role to play, from tender, protein-rich chicken to the signature tang and fire of classic buffalo sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean, juicy base and soak up all that zippy sauce flavor.
Salt: Just a touch of salt brings out all the wonderful savory notes in the chicken.
Black pepper: It gives a pop of background spice that makes every bite more interesting.
Olive oil: Searing your chicken in olive oil locks in moisture and adds a subtle, rich taste.
Hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot): The tangy-daring star of the show—choose your favorite for the ideal heat level.
Unsalted butter: Butter mellows the hot sauce and gives the buffalo sauce its velvety, restaurant-caliber finish.
White vinegar: This sharp splash brings the classic tang you expect from any proper Buffalo Chicken Recipe.
Garlic powder: It weaves a subtle savory warmth throughout the dish.
Paprika: Adds gentle smokiness and a beautiful pop of color to the final plate.
Blue cheese or ranch dressing (optional): Creamy and cooling—these classic drizzles are perfect for dipping or drenching.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. This simple step ensures the seasoning actually sticks and begins to flavor the chicken from the very start—no bland bites here!

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, lay in the chicken breasts and let them sizzle undisturbed for 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden crust that seals in the juices and creates fabulous flavor.

Step 3: Whip Up the Buffalo Sauce

While your chicken is browning, grab a small saucepan and melt the butter over low heat. Pour in your hot sauce, then whisk in the white vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the sauce is velvety smooth and vividly orange-red—your kitchen will start smelling like game day in the best way.

Step 4: Douse and Bake

Carefully pour your hot, buttery buffalo sauce evenly over the chicken in the skillet. Transfer the whole pan to your preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part. This combo cooking method guarantees juicy meat and a sauce that really clings.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Pull the skillet from the oven, and don’t rush—let the chicken rest for a good five minutes. This redistributes all those tasty juices inside. Spoon even more sauce over the top and decide whether to serve the chicken whole, sliced, or shredded in a sandwich or salad.

How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Amp up the flavor and make your Buffalo Chicken Recipe extra special by topping it with crumbled blue cheese or a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or thinly sliced celery adds fresh crunch and gorgeous color to every plate.

Side Dishes

Pair your spicy chicken with classic sides like crisp celery sticks and carrot sticks for a nod to wing night. Creamy coleslaw, roasted potatoes, or a leafy green salad also make fantastic companions (and help keep the heat in check!).

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t limit yourself to plates! Try stuffing this Buffalo Chicken Recipe into a toasted sandwich bun for a killer chicken sandwich, wrap slices in a tortilla with lettuce for a grab-and-go lunch, or chop it over a big bowl of greens for a protein-packed salad. Kids love it in slider buns, and you’ll adore the versatility.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Buffalo Chicken Recipe, simply let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Tuck it into the fridge, where it’ll stay delicious for up to four days—making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner a total breeze.

Freezing

Buffalo chicken freezes beautifully. Slice or shred the cooled chicken (sauce included!), store it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to three months. This is perfect for meal prepping or those moments when you crave spicy goodness on demand.

Reheating

For the tastiest reheating, place the chicken and sauce in a covered skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch—just cover, heat in short bursts, and add a splash of water if the sauce thickens up too much.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap—they’re extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time as needed (they may need a few extra minutes in the oven) and proceed with the Buffalo Chicken Recipe steps as written.

Is there a way to make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. For a milder Buffalo Chicken Recipe, simply use less hot sauce or pick a milder buffalo-style sauce. You can also balance the heat by adding a tad more butter or serving with extra ranch or blue cheese.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is done?

A meat thermometer is your best friend! The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest part. This guarantees juicy and safe results, every single time.

Can I prepare the buffalo sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can whip up the buffalo sauce as much as a week in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. Rewarm gently before pouring over the chicken so it’s silky and pourable.

Can I grill instead of bake the chicken?

You sure can! Sear the seasoned chicken on a hot grill for 5–7 minutes per side, brushing with the buffalo sauce as you flip. Then finish with a final saucy drizzle. It’s a great summery twist on this Buffalo Chicken Recipe!

Final Thoughts

If you’re itching for bold flavors with barely any fuss, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is ready to become your new go-to dinner. The blend of spicy, buttery sauce and juicy chicken is tough to beat—and even tougher to resist a second helping! Go ahead, give it a try and see why this recipe is always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Buffalo Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 3 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a flavorful and spicy buffalo chicken recipe that’s easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner. Tender chicken breasts baked in a tangy buffalo sauce, served with optional blue cheese or ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Buffalo Sauce:

½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika

Serving:

Optional blue cheese or ranch dressing for serving

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Season chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear chicken until golden brown.
Make buffalo sauce: Melt butter, add hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. Pour over chicken.
Bake: Bake chicken in skillet for 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Serve: Spoon sauce over chicken and let rest before slicing. Serve with dressing if desired.

Notes

This buffalo chicken is versatile and can be used in salads, wraps, or sandwiches.
Try using chicken thighs for a juicier alternative.
To reduce spiciness, adjust hot sauce amount or opt for a mild buffalo sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American