If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavor, comes together quickly, and doesn’t skimp on juicy, tender chicken, look no further than this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe. It’s everything we love about buffalo wings — fiery sauce, buttery richness, and finger-licking satisfaction — baked right onto succulent chicken breasts for a weeknight meal that feels like a celebration. This dish isn’t just spicy; it’s craveable. Golden brown chicken soaks up every drop of tangy sauce, and with a scattering of green onions or a sprinkle of blue cheese on top, it’s the perfect way to bring a little heat to your table any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the beautiful things about the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is how few ingredients you actually need — and every single one plays a starring role. Simple spices boost the chicken, while the sauce gives you that signature buffalo punch.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized pieces for juicy, even cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with mellow garlicky goodness that doesn’t overpower.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the spice mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and a touch of color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the chicken’s natural savoriness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and keeps it moist in the oven.
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce: The star of the show; choose your favorite for a custom heat level.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Enriches the buffalo sauce and helps it cling to the chicken.
- Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese (optional): These garnishes add texture, freshness, and a little cooling contrast to the heat.
How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with a touch of oil or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Next, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel so they can develop that gorgeous golden crust as they bake. Sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every bite is seasoned with love.
Step 2: Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional But Recommended)
While this step isn’t strictly necessary, I highly recommend it. Pour a tablespoon of olive oil into a skillet set over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes per side. This gives them a hint of caramelization that brings out even deeper flavors in the final Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. This creates that velvety, spicy, absolutely addictive coating we all dream of when we think “buffalo.” The butter not only mellows the heat but also helps the sauce stick to every nook and cranny of the chicken.
Step 4: Coat and Bake
Transfer the chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish. Pour the buffalo butter sauce over the top, using tongs or a spoon to turn and coat each piece so they’re fully covered. Pop the dish in the oven (uncovered), and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce thickens and glazes the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once it’s done baking, be sure to spoon any extra sauce from the dish over your chicken for maximum flavor. If you want, sprinkle on a handful of chopped green onions and a generous pinch of crumbled blue cheese. Every forkful of your Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe will be piping hot, extra saucy, and absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches matter! A bright scatter of chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness, while crumbled blue cheese gives you that iconic buffalo pairing—creamy and tangy against the heat. For even more flavor, try a drizzle of ranch or extra hot sauce on the side.
Side Dishes
This Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with so many sides. Think crisp celery sticks and carrot ribbons for crunch and that classic buffalo vibe. On chilly nights, serve it with roasted potatoes, a cool green salad, or even garlicky cauliflower rice to balance the heat. It’s also perfect tucked into buns with slaw for a crowd-pleasing sandwich.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful! Slice the chicken and pile it atop a mound of mixed greens for a spicy buffalo salad, shred it for tacos or wraps (a lunchtime hero!), or chop it up and fold into a creamy pasta or mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal. The Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe loves adapting to your cravings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is every bit as dreamy the next day. Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your lunch or snack time even more delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stock your freezer, simply cool the chicken completely, then wrap tightly (or use freezer bags). It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for maximum juiciness and taste.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the chicken in a covered baking dish at 325°F until warmed through, or use the microwave for a quick fix. For best results, spoon any extra sauce over the top before reheating so the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe stays moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay extra juicy. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may take a few minutes longer than breasts to reach 165°F.
What’s the best buffalo sauce to use?
The beauty of the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe is its flexibility. Use your favorite brand of buffalo wing sauce for the exact heat and flavor you love—whether that’s classic Frank’s, a homemade blend, or even an extra-hot variety for the spice fans.
How spicy is this dish?
With standard buffalo wing sauce, the heat is moderate. You can dial it up by choosing a hot variety, or mellow it out by adding a bit more melted butter to the sauce mixture. Don’t forget, a cool blue cheese garnish will always help temper the spice!
Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Definitely. This chicken reheats well and packs perfectly for grab-and-go lunches or fast dinners. Slice or shred it as needed, then portion into containers with your chosen sides for a tasty week of meals featuring the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if your chosen buffalo sauce is gluten free (many are, but always double check the label just in case). All the other ingredients in the Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe are naturally gluten free, so it’s great for sharing with friends who have dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine but don’t want any fuss, you simply have to give this Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe a try. It’s bold, comforting, and so easy to customize. Serve it up and watch everyone go back for seconds—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!
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Baked Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Baked Buffalo Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy way to enjoy the classic buffalo chicken taste without the mess of frying. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, baked, and coated in a tangy buffalo sauce for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Additional:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped green onions and crumbled blue cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prep the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned.
- Coat with sauce and bake: Transfer the chicken to the baking dish. Mix buffalo wing sauce with melted butter and pour over the chicken. Bake for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
- Finish and garnish: Spoon extra sauce over the chicken before serving. Optionally garnish with green onions and blue cheese.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use extra hot buffalo sauce.
- This chicken is versatile for salads, sandwiches, wraps, or tacos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
