If you crave bold flavors that pack a little kick, this Buffalo Chicken Recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and a skillet, you can whip up perfectly juicy, spicy chicken bites in just 15 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or need a crowd-pleaser for game day, this dish brings together the tangy heat of buffalo sauce and a tender, savory base that always leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
While the ingredient list may be short, each item plays a starring role. A few pantry staples and some great sauce are all it takes to create an irresistible meal that’s big on flavor and color. Let’s break down exactly what you’ll need, and why each one matters.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (1 1/2 lbs): Cutting them into bite-sized pieces ensures quick, even cooking and maximum saucy coverage.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings out all the natural flavors and helps season the chicken from the inside out.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of warmth and depth, perfectly complementing the hot sauce.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For that subtle garlicky backbone—trust me, it elevates the aroma and overall flavor.
- Olive oil or butter (2 tablespoons): Either fat works, but butter gives a bit more richness to the finished dish.
- Buffalo wing sauce (1/2 cup): The star ingredient for classic, tangy heat—choose mild or fiery based on your heart’s content.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Mixing this with the buffalo sauce smooths out the heat and gives it that iconic, glossy finish.
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or ranch dressing: These finishing touches add color, crunch, or cooling creaminess—customize to suit your taste.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken pieces the attention they deserve. Toss them in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder so every bite is well seasoned. This simple step builds a savory base and ensures the flavors won’t get drowned out by the hot sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add olive oil or butter. Once hot and shimmering, add your chicken pieces. Let them cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they brown beautifully and cook through without drying out. Patience here rewards you with juicy, golden bites every time!
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While your chicken sizzles away, grab a small bowl and whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. Combining these gives your dish that signature creamy, spicy coating that makes this Buffalo Chicken Recipe so addictive.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken and Simmer
Once your chicken is fully cooked and smelling incredible, pour the buffalo sauce mixture right over the top. Stir well to coat each piece, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 2–3 minutes so the meat absorbs every last drop of that zingy sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Your Buffalo Chicken Recipe is ready to shine! Scoop it onto plates, over rice, or into wraps, then finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese, or a drizzle of ranch. Every bite should be bursting with flavor, color, and a touch of personality.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you make the dish your own. A handful of chopped green onions adds fresh crunch and color. If you’re a fan of creamy, tangy contrasts, a sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a drizzle of ranch is absolute perfection. Place a few lemon wedges on the side if you like a pop of brightness.
Side Dishes
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe shines alongside a variety of sides. Pair it with celery sticks for crunch, a big tossed salad to mellow the heat, or classic fries for a touch of indulgence. Soft, fluffy rice or a scoop of mashed potatoes also soak up all the gorgeous sauce. No matter the crowd, there’s a combo to please everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get truly playful here! Wrap the chicken in warm tortillas for spicy wraps, pile it onto slider buns for party-friendly sandwiches, or spoon it over a crispy baked potato for a cozy twist. For a lighter take, stuff cooled chicken into lettuce cups or toss it on top of greens as a high-protein salad topper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which is rare around here), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight and you’ll find that the chicken stays tender for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe is freezer-friendly! Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To keep your chicken juicy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or extra buffalo sauce to keep things saucy. Short on time? The microwave works, too—just cover and heat in short bursts to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Toss shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled pieces with the melted butter and buffalo sauce, then warm through in a skillet or microwave for a lightning-fast version.
What’s the best buffalo wing sauce to use?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic, but any bottled buffalo wing sauce you love will work. Choose mild, medium, or hot to suit your own spice preference—don’t be afraid to get adventurous!
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use olive oil instead of butter when cooking the chicken and mix your buffalo sauce with a plant-based butter substitute or leave it out altogether for a tangier flavor profile.
How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Try using a mild buffalo sauce or stirring a tablespoon of honey or a splash of cream into your buffalo sauce and butter mixture to mellow out the heat without losing flavor.
Is this Buffalo Chicken Recipe good for meal prep?
It’s fantastic for meal prep! The chicken keeps wonderfully in the fridge and is delicious cold over salads or reheated in wraps, bowls, or sandwiches—making your week’s lunches a breeze.
Final Thoughts
With so much flavor and only a handful of ingredients, it’s hard to resist making this Buffalo Chicken Recipe again and again. Whether you’re a longtime buffalo fan or just love easy, satisfying meals, give this a try and let your taste buds do a happy dance!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Buffalo Chicken Recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or game day gatherings. Tender chicken pieces are coated in a tangy buffalo sauce, creating a spicy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil or butter in a skillet, add chicken, and cook until browned.
- Make the Sauce: Mix buffalo sauce with melted butter, pour over chicken, and simmer.
- Serve: Serve hot with sides or in a wrap, garnish with green onions or blue cheese.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by choosing mild or hot buffalo sauce.
- This recipe is great for meal prep and can be served cold or reheated.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
