Buffalo Chicken

There’s something about the spicy tang of Buffalo Chicken that makes my taste buds dance with joy. I remember the first time I had this dish at a friend’s gathering; the aroma wafting through the air was irresistible. As I took that first luscious bite, the heat from the sauce combined with the tender chicken created a flavor explosion that I simply couldn’t forget. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, from casual weeknight dinners to game day feasts.

What I love most about making Buffalo Chicken is how customizable it is. You can adjust the heat to your liking, whether you prefer just a hint of spice or a full-on fiery kick. It’s the perfect dish to share with friends and family, paired with fresh veggies or creamy dips to balance out the heat. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of those lively gatherings filled with laughter, cheers, and a whole lot of deliciousness. If you haven’t tried making your own Buffalo Chicken yet, I encourage you to dive in; you won’t regret it!

Ingredients Overview for Buffalo Chicken

Every ingredient in this Buffalo Chicken recipe plays a crucial role in building the flavors. The star is, of course, the chicken, which absorbs the spicy marinade beautifully. Combined with the right balance of tangy and sweet ingredients, this dish is a flavor sensation that’s sure to impress.

• 2-3 chicken breasts (pounded thin, approx. 1 pound) – The foundation of your dish, these breasts provide a juicy, tender base that holds up well to the marinade.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided – This helps in marinating and cooking the chicken, enhancing its flavor and keeping it moist.
• 1/4 cup Frank’s hot WINGS Sauce (for more heat OR Frank’s ORIGINAL Hot Sauce for less heat) – This iconic sauce is what gives Buffalo Chicken its signature heat and flavor.
• 2 tablespoons honey – Sweetness balances the heat, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon lime juice – Adds a fresh, zesty note that brightens up the dish.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the dish with savory depth.
• 1 teaspoon chili powder – Enhances the heat and contributes to the overall spice blend.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds a warm, earthy undertone to the marinade.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness that complements the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – A great way to add onion flavor without the texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper – For a touch of additional spice.
• 1 tablespoon honey (for reserved marinade in directions) – Used to sweeten the glaze for added flavor.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice (for reserved marinade in directions) – This fresh acidity brightens the glaze.

Making Buffalo Chicken

Cooking up Buffalo Chicken is a delightful experience that combines simple steps with flavorful results. Follow along as we transform basic ingredients into a spicy treat!

1. Start by whisking together all of the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Measure out ¼ cup of this mixture and pour it into a shallow dish or freezer bag along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and toss them evenly to coat. Make sure they are well covered to absorb all those flavors. Then, you’ll want to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but if you can let it sit overnight, you’ll achieve even more depth of flavor.
2. While the chicken is marinating, take the remaining marinade and prepare your Buffalo glaze by whisking in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 ½ teaspoons of lime juice. This glaze will give your finished dish that extra kick and sweetness. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
3. When you’re ready to cook, take the marinated chicken out and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes if time allows. This helps in cooking evenly. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Once heated, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes, checking that it turns a lovely golden brown. If you like it blackened, allow it to get a bit more charred.
4. After the first side is nicely browned, turn the chicken over carefully. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on the thickness of the chicken. You want it to be cooked through, so using a meat thermometer can be really helpful; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. This resting time is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your Buffalo Chicken remains juicy.
6. For those who prefer grilling, you can follow similar steps. Start by letting the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) and grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
7. Place the chicken on the grill, cooking undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Again, aim for the perfect cooked temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once grilled, let it rest just like in the skillet method.
8. Regardless of your cooking method, don’t forget to brush the chicken with your prepared glaze. For those who love the heat, feel free to drizzle more on!

Tips and Tricks about Buffalo Chicken

If you want to elevate your Buffalo Chicken experience, here are some great tips to keep in mind:

• Storage: Store leftover Buffalo Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain its tenderness.
• Freezing: If you have leftovers, consider freezing them. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can last up to three months in the freezer.
• Pairing: Serve Buffalo Chicken with a side of celery sticks and a rich blue cheese dip for an authentic experience.
• Grilling Tips: Make sure to preheat your grill properly and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
• Serving Sizes: Adjust the amount of ingredients based on how many guests you expect. This dish is great for gatherings!
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different hot sauces or add spices to the marinade for a unique twist!

Best Served With

When it comes to serving Buffalo Chicken, there are numerous delightful pairings to consider:

• Veggies and Dips: Fresh celery and carrots served with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing are a must-have on the side.
• Wrap it Up: Serve the chicken in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of dressing for a quick lunch option.
• Perfect for Game Day: This dish is ideal for parties, sports events, or casual gatherings, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Salads: Slice the Buffalo Chicken over a bed of greens for a hearty, flavorful salad that balances the heat.
• Seasonal Pairings: Consider serving this dish during summer BBQs or chilly winter evenings paired with warm, comforting sides.
• Sandwiches: Layer the Buffalo Chicken on a toasted bun with crunchy slaw for a delicious sandwich experience.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Buffalo Chicken is a beloved dish that brings the heat and flavor in every bite. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it in different ways, whether as a main course, in wraps, or on a salad. I encourage you to try making this delicious recipe at home; it’s sure to impress your friends and family!

So, gather your ingredients and get ready to dive into a flavor-packed adventure with Buffalo Chicken. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll be hooked!

Buffalo Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Buffalo Chicken is spicy, tangy, and utterly delicious. Perfect for game day or a casual dinner, this easy weeknight recipe will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2-3 breasts chicken pounded thin (approx. 1 pound)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1/4 cup Frank’s hot WINGS Sauce for more heat OR Frank’s ORIGINAL Hot Sauce for less heat
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon honey for reserved marinade in directions
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lime juice for reserved marinade in directions

Equipment

• Skillet
• Whisk

Method

 

1. 1. Start by whisking together all of the marinade ingredients in a medium bowl. Measure out ¼ cup of this mixture and pour it into a shallow dish or freezer bag along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and toss them evenly to coat. Make sure they are well covered to absorb all those flavors. Then, you’ll want to marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, but if you can let it sit overnight, you'll achieve even more depth of flavor.
2. 2. While the chicken is marinating, take the remaining marinade and prepare your Buffalo glaze by whisking in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 ½ teaspoons of lime juice. This glaze will give your finished dish that extra kick and sweetness. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to use it.
3. 3. When you’re ready to cook, take the marinated chicken out and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes if time allows. This helps in cooking evenly. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Once heated, add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes, checking that it turns a lovely golden brown. If you like it blackened, allow it to get a bit more charred.
4. 4. After the first side is nicely browned, turn the chicken over carefully. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, keeping an eye on the thickness of the chicken. You want it to be cooked through, so using a meat thermometer can be really helpful; the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. 5. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it. This resting time is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your Buffalo Chicken remains juicy.
6. 6. For those who prefer grilling, you can follow similar steps. Start by letting the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes. Preheat your grill to medium heat (375 to 450 degrees Fahrenheit) and grease the grill grates to prevent sticking.
7. 7. Place the chicken on the grill, cooking undisturbed for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Again, aim for the perfect cooked temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once grilled, let it rest just like in the skillet method.
8. 8. Regardless of your cooking method, don’t forget to brush the chicken with your prepared glaze. For those who love the heat, feel free to drizzle more on!

Notes

Don’t miss the “how to make” recipe video at the top of the post!

• Chicken Customization: The chicken is flavorful but not very spicy without the glaze. You can completely customize the heat of the chicken by adding more or less glaze. The more glaze, the spicier the chicken.
• Try Variations: Try tossing the chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce – amazing!
• Serving Suggestions: Chicken is incredible on sandwiches, in wraps, salads, tacos, etc.
• Marinating Notes: Total time does not include marinating chicken as this time will vary per individual.

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Meet Tessa Gray

I’m the “Poppy” I bring a touch of brightness and artistry to our kitchen. As our head baker, I specialize in wild-yeast sourdough and delicate pastries that use seasonal fruits and edible flowers. While I love baking, I’m also always helping Chloe and Maya cook our savory dishes. I believe every hearty meal deserves a beautiful, sweet finish!