If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen, this Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It hits just the right balance of spicy, tangy, and a touch of sweet, all wrapped up in tender, juicy chicken breasts that soak up the bold buffalo marinade beautifully. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner or a snack for your next game day, this recipe delivers that classic buffalo flavor in a way that’s simple to make and utterly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that iconic buffalo taste and perfect chicken texture. They’re straightforward, easy to find, and come together to make something truly special.
- 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin: Pounding the chicken ensures even cooking and helps it soak up the marinade better.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Olive oil keeps the chicken moist and aids in the marinating process for delicious caramelization.
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce: The heart of buffalo flavor; choose Frank’s Original for a milder kick or stick to the hot wings sauce for more heat.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the spice.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness to the marinade and glaze.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Essential for that savory depth that buffalo sauce is known for.
- 1 teaspoon chili powder: Amp up the warmth and complexity in every bite.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and makes sure every bite pops.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Adds a subtle earthiness and smoky nuance.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a deep smokiness that complements the spice perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: For a gentle savory note without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Gives just a hint of extra heat to round out the seasoning.
- Reserved marinade for glaze (1 tablespoon honey + 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice mixed into remaining marinade): This glazing touch ties everything together with extra luscious flavor.
How to Make Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Make the Marinade
Start by whisking together your buffalo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and pepper in a medium bowl. It’s important to measure out 1/4 cup of this marinade separately and combine it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a shallow dish or freezer bag. This will be for your chicken to soak up all that incredible flavor. Trust me, this marinade is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your pounded thin chicken breasts into the marinade bath and toss until each piece is fully coated. The longer you let it rest in the refrigerator, the deeper the flavors penetrate. Two hours works well, but if you have the time, overnight will give you that extra delicious punch. This step elevates simple chicken breasts to something truly sensational.
Step 3: Make the Buffalo Glaze
While your chicken is marinating, whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 ½ teaspoons of lime juice into the remaining marinade. This glaze will be brushed over the chicken once cooked, adding a glossy, flavorful finish that seals in all those bright, spicy notes you love.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Before cooking, let your chicken rest at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes if you can. This helps it cook more evenly. Heat up a large non-stick skillet on medium-high until very hot, then add the chicken. Cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes to develop a beautifully browned or even blackened crust if that’s your style. Flip the chicken, cover the pan, and lower to medium heat, cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes depending on thickness until fully cooked. A well-rested chicken after cooking makes slicing easier and keeps the juices locked in.
Step 5: Glaze the Chicken
Finally, brush your cooked chicken with the buffalo glaze to your preferred level of heat. Want it fiery? Use a generous amount. Prefer just a hint of spice? Less glaze will do the trick. This last step adds a shiny, flavorful coat that’ll make you want to dive right in.
How to Serve Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top. Their fresh, herbaceous notes cut through the heat wonderfully. A side of cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing also pairs beautifully, providing a nice balance to the spicy buffalo flavors.
Side Dishes
Serve this buffalo chicken alongside crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a classic touch or creamy mashed potatoes to soothe the palate. Crispy fries or a fresh garden salad also make for delicious companions that round out the meal without competing with the bold main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to switch things up? Slice the buffalo chicken thin and pile it on toasted ciabatta or soft buns for sliders that are party-ready. Wrap slices with lettuce and avocado for a low-carb delight, or toss chopped pieces into a salad for a flavorful protein punch. The possibilities to enjoy this Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe are endless and always delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It stays delicious for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or easy dinner additions throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, snap-freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s best consumed within 2 months for optimal flavor, and freezing helps preserve all that amazing buffalo taste.
Reheating
Reheat your buffalo chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven to keep it juicy and avoid drying out. A quick microwave session works too, but heat in short intervals to maintain tenderness. Adding a little extra glaze or buffalo sauce during reheating refreshes those vibrant flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a juicy, flavorful alternative and hold up well to this marinade. You’ll likely need a slightly longer cooking time, but they absorb the buffalo sauce beautifully.
How spicy is this Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe?
The recipe offers a medium heat level thanks to Frank’s Hot Sauce and chili powder. You can easily adjust the spice by choosing mild buffalo sauce or adding more glaze for extra kick.
Can I skip marinating overnight?
Yes, although marinating for at least two hours is recommended for deeper flavor, even a shorter marinade time will infuse the chicken with tasty buffalo notes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe stores and reheats well, making it perfect for batches to enjoy throughout your busy week.
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts evenly?
Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they reach an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures even cooking and tender results.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe truly has it all: simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and a flavor that never disappoints. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, it’s a dish that feels special yet so doable. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to meal that brings warmth and bold taste to your table anytime you need it.
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Easy Buffalo Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes plus 2 hours marinating
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This flavorful Buffalo Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a zesty blend of hot sauce, honey, and spices, then pan-seared to juicy perfection. Finished with a tangy honey-lime glaze, this dish brings classic Buffalo wing flavors to the dinner table in a quick and easy skillet-cooked meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (approximately 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1/4 cup Frank’s Hot Wings Sauce (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
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Buffalo Glaze
- Reserved marinade (from the chicken marinade)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 ½ teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buffalo sauce, honey, lime juice, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Measure out 1/4 cup of this marinade and combine it with 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a shallow dish or freezer bag for the chicken marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the thinly pounded chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let the flavors penetrate the meat.
- Make the Buffalo Glaze: To the remaining marinade, whisk in 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 ½ teaspoons of lime juice. Store this glaze in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Prepare to Cook: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until they are nicely browned or slightly blackened on one side. Flip the chicken, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
- Glaze the Chicken: Brush the chicken with the desired amount of the buffalo glaze. Adjust the amount to your preferred heat level—more glaze for spicier, less for milder flavor.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts thinly ensures even cooking and a tender texture.
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor but a minimum of 2 hours is sufficient.
- Letting the chicken come to room temperature before cooking promotes even cooking throughout.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce based on your spice preference.
- The glaze can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for a classic Buffalo wing experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
