Buffalo chicken is a beloved dish known for its spicy, tangy flavor and juicy texture. Whether you want to make classic buffalo chicken breasts, crispy bites, or a comforting casserole, this guide will walk you through easy, flavorful recipes that you can whip up in under an hour. Let’s dive into how you can make buffalo chicken that’s bursting with bold flavor and perfect for any occasion.
What Is Buffalo Chicken?
Buffalo chicken originated from Buffalo, New York, and is traditionally made by coating chicken wings in a tangy hot sauce mixed with butter. Today, buffalo chicken has evolved into many forms, including baked chicken breasts, chicken bites, and casseroles, all featuring that signature spicy sauce made from hot sauce, butter, and sometimes a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients common in buffalo chicken recipes:
– Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– Frank’s Red Hot Sauce or your favorite hot sauce
– Butter (melted)
– Garlic (fresh or powder)
– Honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– Optional extras: lime juice, onion powder, ranch or blue cheese dressing for serving
How to Make Classic Baked Buffalo Chicken
This recipe is simple, low-carb, and ready in about 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or to chop up and add to salads or dips.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
- Season the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
- Make the buffalo sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, and onion powder. Adjust salt, pepper, or honey to taste.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the buffalo sauce, using tongs to turn and cover each piece well.
- Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 5 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with blue cheese crumbles or your favorite dipping sauce.
Buffalo Chicken Bites: A Fun Twist
If you prefer bite-sized pieces perfect for appetizers or snacks, buffalo chicken bites are a great option.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Bites
– Cut chicken breasts into thick bite-sized pieces.
– Marinate in a mixture of apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, buffalo sauce, and honey for 2-4 hours.
– Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a baking sheet.
– Dip each piece in a sauce made from olive oil, honey, buffalo sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
– Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
– Serve with ranch or extra buffalo sauce for dipping.
Creamy Buffalo Chicken Casserole for Comfort Food Lovers
For a hearty meal, buffalo chicken casserole combines diced chicken with cream cheese, vegetables, noodles, and cheese, all baked until bubbly and golden.
Making the Casserole
– Season diced chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
– Brown chicken in butter, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery.
– Mix cream cheese, buffalo sauce, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and scallions.
– Combine with cooked egg noodles, chicken, and shredded cheeses.
– Pour into a greased casserole dish, top with more cheese and bread crumbs, drizzle melted butter on top.
– Bake at 375°F for 18-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Every Time
– Use a digital meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely but remains juicy (160°F internal temperature).
– Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce or adding honey to balance spice with sweetness.
– Let the chicken rest after baking to retain moisture.
– Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat.
Buffalo chicken is versatile, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor. Whether baked, tossed in sauce, or baked into a casserole, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy your craving for something spicy and delicious.
Enjoy your homemade buffalo chicken!